Richard Boone Pultz (born November 18, 1959) is an American former
professional boxer
Professional boxing, or prizefighting, is regulated, sanctioned boxing. Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse that is divided between the boxers as determined by contract. Most professional bouts are supervised by a regulatory autho ...
who won the
WBO Cruiserweight title in December 1989.
Amateur career
Pultz who grew up in
Cape St. Claire, Maryland took up boxing as a teenager after seeing a
Rocky Balboa
Robert "Rocky" Balboa (also known by his ring name The Italian Stallion), is a fictional title character and the protagonist of the ''Rocky'' film series. The character was created by Sylvester Stallone, who has also portrayed him in all eigh ...
film. He won four straight Golden Gloves and Amateur Athletic Union championships before turning pro in 1982.
Professional career
Pultz made his professional debut in 1982. After winning his first ten fights, Pultz fought
Bernard Benton for the USBA Cruiserweight Title in
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, often known by its initials A.C., is a coastal resort city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. The city is known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches. In 2020, the city had a population of 38,497. on March 27 1985, winning a decision over 12 rounds.
In 1989 the undefeated Pultz got the opportunity to fight
Magne Havnå
Magne Havnå (16 September 1963 – 29 May 2004) was a Norwegian professional boxer who once held the WBO world title in cruiserweight, beating Boone Pultz (USA) in 5 rounds in May 1990. His son Kai Robin Havnaa is also a boxer in the cruiserweig ...
for the vacant
WBO Cruiserweight title. Pultz travelled to Copenhagen and was successful, denying the Norwegian the title in a close 12 round split - decision contest.
Sixth months later Pultz again travelled to Denmark for a rematch, this time suffering his first defeat via a knockout in the 5th round.
Fresh off the defeat Pultz agreed to move up to Heavyweight and was scheduled to fight
George Foreman
George Edward Foreman (born January 10, 1949) is an American former professional boxer, entrepreneur, minister and author. In boxing, he was nicknamed "Big George" and competed between 1967 and 1997. He is a two-time world heavyweight champio ...
in
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau ( ) is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas. With a population of 274,400 as of 2016, or just over 70% of the entire population of the Bahamas, Nassau is commonly defined as a primate city, dwarfing all other towns in the country. ...
. Foreman backed out at the last minute, citing a training injury and no follow up date was offered. Pultz then took a three year layoff and never fought for a belt again.
Pultz initially retired in 1995, with a record of 23-1. However after over a decade of inactivity, a 47 year old Pultz decided to make a comeback, aiming to win the Heavyweight world title. Pultz initially had success, beating two journeymen opponents, but succumbed to two defeats in a row and nearing his 50th birthday fought for the last time in 2008.
See also
*
List of world cruiserweight boxing champions
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pultz, Boone
1959 births
Living people
American male boxers
People from Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Southpaw boxers
Boxers from Maryland
World cruiserweight boxing champions
Cruiserweight boxers
World Boxing Organization champions