Don Wilson (kickboxer)

Donald Glen Wilson (born September 10, 1954), nicknamed "The Dragon", is an American martial artist, film actor, and former professional kickboxer.[1] An 11-time world champion who scored 47 knockouts in four decades, he has been called by the STAR System Ratings as "perhaps the greatest kickboxer in American history. He has disposed of more quality competition than anyone we've ever ranked".[2]

Don Wilson
BornDonald Glen Wilson
(1954-09-10) September 10, 1954
Alton, Illinois, U.S.
Other namesThe Dragon
Don Hoshino
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
DivisionLight Heavyweight
StyleKickboxing, Pai Lum White Dragon Kung-Fu, Gōjū-ryū Karate
Fighting out ofLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Years active1974–1991, 1999–2002, 2013–Present
Professional boxing record
Total9
Wins6
By knockout4
Losses3
By knockout3
Kickboxing record
Total82
Wins72
By knockout48
Losses5
Draws2
No contests3
Other information
Notable relativesJim Wilson (brother), Kathleen Karridene (wife)
Websitewww.donthedragonwilson.com

In 2015, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.[3]

Biography

Early life

Wilson was born to a Japanese mother and American father in Alton, Illinois. He utilized his mother's family name, Hoshino (星野), as a ring name while competing in Japan.

He attended Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, where he was an MVP in football and basketball.[4] Wilson also tried his hand at wrestling, in which he excelled enough to score a 4th place in the Florida State Collegiate Wrestling competition.

After high school, Wilson was accepted into the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in the fall of 1972. Wilson has stated that his brother challenged him to friendly sparring, which he imagined he would dominate since Wilson was more physically imposing and athletic than his brother. To his surprise, he was easily knocked around by his brother's martial arts ability. He credits this experience for making a believer out of him, after which he would pursue martial arts. He began studying Goju-ryu Karate with Chuck Merriman for two hours a week for one year.[5]

In 1973, Wilson left the Academy and earned an associate degree in electrical engineering at Brevard Community College in Florida. He then enrolled at his father's alma mater, the Florida Institute of Technology, but dropped out to pursue a professional fighting career, to the elder Wilson's disappointment. During this time, he was trained by his brother Jim in Pai Lum Kung-Fu,[5] a form derivative of Shaolin Kung Fu.[6]

Don's nickname, "The Dragon" was used in his first professional kickboxing match in Orlando. He also had two other nicknames that were used at times during his long career.

In July 1977, Wilson defeated Howard Hayden. A report of the match in Official Karate Magazine said, "Don Wilson's showboat tactics have seen him through a couple of fights, but the Flash won't last long when the going gets tough." Wilson said he was hugely insulted; a few people began to refer to him as Don "The Flash" Wilson, which annoyed him. He said this inspired him to prove something: "I got serious."[5]

Kickboxing career

Wilson won a total of 11 world titles with several sanctioning bodies, including the IKF, WKA, KICK, ISKA, STAR and the PKO. He won his IKF (www.IKFKickboxing.com) FCR Cruiserweight World Title on May 15, 1999, in Lowell, Massachusetts, when he defeated Dick Kimber. (Lynn, Massachusetts, USA PRO: 23-3/21, AM: 25-0/25 5'9" 197 lbs) At the end of the third round Wilson came alive and eventually knocked Kimber to the floor motionless. Referee Dan Stell counted Kimber out on the floor, a count that went into the round break. Kimber never stood during the count.

Having never been challenged for his title, Wilson voluntarily retired it to move down to the Light Heavyweight Division, where he eventually retired from fighting a few years later.

According to Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing Magazine (August 1992), Wilson's professional kickboxing record was listed as 69 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws, 46 knockout wins, and 6 kick-knockouts, and 3 no-contests. On page 64, Wilson's first match with Bill Knoblok in Orlando, Florida in December 1974 is listed as a 3-round no-contest. However, on page 52 in the same issue, Wilson said about his fight with Knoblok, "But Bill won the third round by a larger margin than I had won the first. So he won the bout." Today the official result of this fight was listed as a no-contest on Wilson's official fight record because when he decided to fight for PKA, Joe Corley felt the rules of the bout were quite different from those of PKA, Corley told Wilson to omit it.

Wilson's kickboxing career spanned four decades; his first fight with Bill Knoblok in 1974 and his last fight, a 10th-round knockout victory over Eddie Butcher on July 19, 2002, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He defeated, among others, world champions Branko Cikatic, James Warring, Dennis Alexio, and Maurice Smith. Wilson fought to a draw with another champion, Jean-Yves Thériault. In 79 bouts, Wilson was only knocked out by Glen McMorris in 1980. Wilson's kickboxing record is listed as 72–5–2 (48 knockouts) with 3 no-contests.

Wilson was noted for being an American-style kickboxer who challenged the fabled fighters from Thailand. He prevailed in most instances, only suffering one loss. However, the matches were always problematic, due to the differences in traditions, style and judging. For his fight against Samart Prasarnmit, the officials who arranged the fight broke the previous arrangement, placing Wilson against a lighter opponent and forcing Wilson to lose 8 pounds on the day of the bout by sitting in a sauna from early morning until two hours before the bout, leaving him dangerously dehydrated. Wilson had also negotiated for a 7-round fight, which the officials also neglected to honor. Furthermore, the Thai judges only recognized Muay Thai techniques such as Thai kick or those performed within the clinch, which meant that Wilson's only hope to win was to knockout Samart, which he was unable to do because of his dehydration. Wilson, a fighter used to 12 round fights, was exhausted in the 2nd round, a clear indication of the seriousness of his condition.

Wilson was scheduled to make a comeback at 58 years old, against an unnamed opponent in a ten-rounder in Istanbul, Turkey in 2013.[7] However, at the last minute the fight in Istanbul was cancelled due to "breach of contract and non-performance of financial agreements".

In 2014, he was honored with the U.F. of Legends Dragon Award at the Urban Action Showcase & Expo at HBO.[8]

Kickboxing losses turned into no contests

Early in Wilson's career, he lost three fights by decision; these losses were changed into no contests by the Professional Karate Association.[9]

Wilson's first career match was against Bill Knoblock and he lost a third decision. This match was later turned into a no contest by the Professional Karate Association as they listed it as an "amateur" match. "This amateur bout was part of Wilson's black belt examination."[9] However, in a 2013 interview, Wilson recalled his first fight as a loss to Bill Knoblock on January 25, 1975, as a professional match in which he was paid $100.[10]

On May 28, 1976, in Tampa, Florida, Wilson lost a 5-round decision to Rudy Burney in a PKA sanctioned match.[9] However, the PKA later overturned the decision for, "improper procedures that impeded fair competition."

Finally, in September 1976, Wilson lost a 5-round points decision to Herb Thompson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The PKA overturned the decision, citing improper procedures and inappropriate equipment which impeded fair competition.[9]

Fighting style

Wilson was fairly notable thanks to his unique fighting style as used in the ring. He was ambidextrous, being able to switch stance on a whim and attack powerfully with either side, although he preferred to fight strong-side forward, which is a characteristic of some Chinese Martial arts like Pai Lum Tao Ng Ying Kungfu (Chinese: 五形功夫) he was known for being very good at Indian leg wrestling also. He identified himself as mainly a kicker, claiming that was his forte and the reason why he never seriously considered boxing.

He has a particularly devastating lead side kick, and was known to perform single-leg multiple kicks in rapid succession. Despite his focus on kicks, most of his KO's came through his punching, and he was particularly good with his lead (right) hook punch.

Commentating career

Wilson was a fight commentator and interviewer in many of the early UFC events, beginning with UFC 7 in Buffalo. He stated several times that he would be willing to fight in the UFC himself if enough fans requested it, but it never happened. He went on to be a commentator for King of the Cage.

Film appearances

Some movies to his credit include: Futurekick, Bloodfist 1–8, Ring of Fire 1, 2 & 3, Out for Blood, Operation Cobra, Blackbelt, Cyber Tracker 1 & 2, Terminal Rush, Redemption, Say Anything..., Capitol Conspiracy, Moving Target, and Batman Forever as the leader of the Neon Gang.[11]

Kickboxing titles

  • 2010 World Kickboxing Hall of Fame Champion
  • 2008 European Martial Arts Hall of Fame Member
  • 2000 I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight North American Champion −190 lbs
  • 1999 I.K.F. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −190 lbs
  • 1989 P.K.O. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −170 lbs
  • 1988–89 I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −182 lbs (0 title defences – vacated)
  • 1984 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs
  • 1984 W.K.A. Full Contact Super Light Heavyweight World Champion −184 lbs
  • 1984 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Super Light Heavyweight World Champion −184 lbs
  • 1983–84 W.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −190 lbs (0 title defences – vacated)
  • 1983 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −184 lbs
  • 1983–87 K.I.C.K. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs (2 title defences)
  • 1980–91 W.K.A. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs (9 title defences – vacated)
  • 1980 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs
  • 1979–80 P.K.A. Full Contact Middleweight United States Champion −170 lbs (2 title defences)
  • 1978–79 P.K.A. Full Contact Middleweight Florida State Champion −170 lbs (4 title defences – vacated)

Professional kickboxing record

Professional kickboxing record
72 wins (48 (T)KOs, 24 decisions), 5 losses, 2 draws, 1 no decision, 3 no contests[9]
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTimeRecord
2011-12-03ExhibitionEngland Kash Gill"Cinema against Pain" @ Almaty,KazakhstanExhibition372–5–2–3
2002-07-19WinUnited States Eddie Butcher"A Night Of Champions", I.S.K.A. Event @ Tropicana HotelAtlantic City, New Jersey, USAKO (Overhand Right)1072–5–2–3
2000-03-17WinUnited States Dewey CooperI.S.K.A. Event @ MGM GrandLas Vegas, Nevada, USADecision102:0071–5–2–3
Wins I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight North American title −190 lbs.
1999-05-14WinUnited States Dick KimberI.K.F. Event @ Tsongas ArenaLowell, Massachusetts, USATKO32:0870–5–2–3
Wins I.K.F. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Title −190 lbs.
1991-01-12WinUnited States Ghalib CarmichaelW.K.A. EventAnaheim, California, USADecision112:0069–5–2–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (9th defence). Vacates title after win.
1991-12-03ExhibitionUnited Kingdom Gary DanielsWorld Martial Arts ExtravaganzaBirmingham, EnglandExhibition368–5–2–3
1990-07-27WinSoviet Union Yuleeb KazakovK.I.C.K. & I.S.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USATKO568–5–2–3
1989-12-01WinItaly Maurizio CuralloP.K.O. EventRome, ItalyTKO (Gave Up)167–5–2–3
1989-11-27WinItaly Giuliano GrilloP.K.O. EventMilan, ItalyTKO266–5–2–3
1989-11-04LossPoland Marek PiotrowskiF.F.K.A. & P.K.C. Event @ Odeum Expo CenterChicago, Illinois, USADecision (Split)122:0065–5–2–3
Fight was for vacant F.F.K.A. & P.K.C. full-contact light-heavyweight world titles. Although his I.S.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title was not on the line, Wilson would have to vacate it due to the defeat.
1989-07-03WinUnited States Mike WinkeljohnW.K.A. EventCosta Mesa, California, USATKO1065–4–2–3
1989-04-20WinEngland Keith WilsonP.K.O. EventLondon, England, UKTKO464–4–2–3
1989-04-13WinSweden Ken StranbergP.K.O. EventGothenburg, SwedenDecision52:0063–4–2–3
1989-03-18WinWest Germany Ferdinand MackP.K.O. EventBerlin, GermanyTKO962–4–2–3
Wins inaugural P.K.O. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −170 lbs.
1988-10-08WinUnited States Rob SalazarI.S.K.A. EventLake Tahoe, Nevada, USADecision (Split)1261–4–2–3
Wins inaugural I.S.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title −182 lbs.
1988-07-30WinUnited States Carl EnglundW.K.A. & K.I.C.K. Event @ James L. Knight CenterMiami, Florida, USATKO460–4–2–3
1987-12-12WinSocialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Branko CikatićK.I.C.K. EventOrlando, Florida, USATKO (punches)759–4–2–3
Retains K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (2nd defence).
1987-06-22WinUnited States Art JimmersonW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USAKO658–4–2–3
1987-04-22WinUnited States Roger HurdW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USATKO457–4–2–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (8th defence).
1987-01-19WinUnited States Paul FordW.K.A. EventMerrit Island, Florida, USATKO656–4–2–3
1986-09-22WinUnited States Rich LopezW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USAKO (Round Kick to Jaw)555–4–2–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (7th defence).
1985-12-06WinUnited States Charlie ArchieW.K.A. EventMiami, Florida, USAKO (Kick)154–4–2–3
1985-11-10WinJamaica Michael HusbandsI.N.D. Event @ Verdun AuditoriumMontreal, CanadaTKO553–4–2–3
1984-12-18DrawCanada Jean-Yves ThériaultI.N.D. Event @ Verdun AuditoriumMontreal, CanadaDecision Draw122:0052–4–2–3
Receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact light-heavyweight world champion −175 lbs.
1984-09-05WinThailand Fanta Petchmuangtrat (Attapong Buadan)[9][12][13]W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth StadiumHong KongDecision73:0052–4–1–3
1984-03-29WinUnited States Dennis AlexioW.K.A. EventHollywood, Florida, USADecision (Unanimous)122:0051–4–1–3
Wins inaugural W.K.A. full-contact super light-heavyweight world title −184 lbs and also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact super light-heavyweight world champion −184 lbs. Before taking the fight Wilson voluntarily vacated his W.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title in January, 1984. He would later also vacate his W.K.A. super light-heavyweight world title he won against Alexio in October that same year.
1983-12-02LossThailand Samart PrasarnmitRoyal Thai Army Welfare Event @ Lumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision53:0050–4–1–3
1983-11-03ExhibitionUnited States A.W. MuhammadW.K.C. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USAExhibition52:0050–3–1–3
1983-09-26WinThailand Pongdejnoi PrasopchaiW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth StadiumHong KongTKO (Spinning Back Kick)450–3–1–3
1983-08-19WinUnited States Jarvis GradnerW.K.A. EventCocoa Beach, Florida, USADecision92:0049–3–1–3
1983-07-16WinUnited States Steve ValenciaK.I.C.K. EventNew York City, New York, USATKO448–3–1–3
Retains K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (1st defence).
1983-05-21WinUnited States Maurice SmithW.K.A. EventTokyo, JapanDecision112:0047–3–1–3
Wins vacant W.K.A. cruiserweight world title −190 lbs. Also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact cruiserweight world champion −184 lbs.
1983-04-19WinUnited States Curtis CrandallK.I.C.K. Event @ Caesar's PalaceLas Vegas, Nevada, USATKO1146–3–1–3
Wins inaugural K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs.
1983-03-19WinUnited States James SiscoW.K.A. EventNassau, BahamasKO245–3–1–3
1982-11-06WinCanada Wade WoodburyW.K.C. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USADecision (Split)1244–3–1–3
1982-09-04WinUnited States James WarringW.K.A. EventTokyo, JapanDecision112:0043–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (6th defence).
1982-04-08WinThailand Jaidee PitsanurachanW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth StadiumHong KongDecision942–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (5th defence).
1982-02-08WinUnited States James SiscoW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth StadiumHong KongTKO441–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (4th defence).
1981-12-07WinUnited States Dennis DowneyW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USADQ (Biting)740–3–1–3
1981-12-07WinUnited States Mark ZacharatosW.K.A. Event @ Imperial PalaceLas Vegas, Nevada, USAKO339–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (3rd defence).
1981-09-08WinThailand Jaidee PitsanurachanW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth StadiumHong KongDecision (Split)72:0038–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (2nd defence).
1981-07-25WinUnited States Al MimsW.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USAKO337–3–1–3
1981-06-24WinPakistan Muhammed Ashraf TaiW.K.A. EventTokyo, JapanKO236–3–1–3
1981-05-15WinUnited States Larry NicholsW.K.A. Event @ St. Lucie Civic CenterFort Pierce, Florida, USAKO (Kick)535–3–1–3
1981-03-23WinUnited States Greg SmithW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USADecision52:0034–3–1–3
1981-03-10WinUnited States Herbie ThompsonW.K.A. EventWestchester, New York, USAKO833–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (1st defence).
1981-02-10WinUnited States Eddie DourantW.K.A. Event @ St. Lucie Civic CenterFort Pierce, Florida, USATKO732–3–1–3
1980-12-01WinUnited States Larry LockhartW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USATKO431–3–1–3
1980-10-13WinUnited States Andy WhiteW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USAKO230–3–1–3
Wins inaugural W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs. Also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact light-heavyweight world champion −175 lbs.
1980-07-21WinUnited States Rodney BatisteP.K.A. World Championship Eliminations @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USADecision102:0029–3–1–3
Wins eliminator for shot at vacant P.K.A. and S.T.A.R. full-contact middleweight world titles against Jean-Yves Thériault. This fight would never materialise, however, due to a number of contractual & promotional issues.
1980-06-?WinUnited States Steve MackeyP.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USAKO128–3–1–3
1980-05-20WinUnited States Larry DoggertCocoa Beach, Florida, USAKO727–3–1–3
1980-04-14WinUnited States Bernard ClarkP.K.A. Event @ Brassy's NightclubCocoa Beach, Florida, USATKO626–3–1–3
1980-03-05LossUnited States Glenn McMorrisP.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USATKO125–3–1–3
Loses P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs.
1980-02-08WinUnited States Larry PooreWest Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USATKO725–2–1–3
1980-01-?WinUnited States Greg StrongP.K.A. EventMiami, Florida, USATKO (Kick)724–2–1–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs (1st defence).
1979-11-10DrawUnited States Steve MackeyP.K.A. EventOrlando, Florida, USATechnical Draw223–2–1–3
1979-10-23WinUnited States Willie RuffinOrlando Sports StadiumOrlando, Florida, USATKO523–2–0–3
1979-09-15WinUnited States Jimmy HorsleyP.K.A. EventOrlando, Florida, USATKO722–2–0–3
Wins P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs.
1979-08-?WinUnited States Danny WedgesW.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USAKO121–2–0–3
1979-08-?WinUnited States John ShieldsBradenton, Florida, USATKO220–2–0–3
1979-07-?WinUnited States Al DurrOrlando, Florida, USAKO319–2–0–3
1979-06-23WinUnited States Benny FernandezP.K.A. EventBradenton, Florida, USADQ (Hit & Hold Clinching)118–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (4th defence).
1979-06-09WinUnited States Willie RuffinMiami, Florida, USATKO317–2–0–3
1979-05-26WinUnited States Jeff GripperW.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USADecision72:0016–2–0–3
1979-03-07WinUnited States Ted PryorWest Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USADecision72:0015–2–0–3
1979-02-17WinUnited States Rich CookP.K.A. EventStuart, Florida, USADecision72:0014–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (3rd defence).
1979-01-13WinUnited States James SiscoP.K.A. EventBradenton, Florida, USATKO413–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (2nd defence).
1978-12-?WinUnited States Rick HerranzWest Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USAKO112–2–0–3
1978-12-02WinUnited States Herbie ThompsonP.K.A. EventStuart, Florida, USADecision72:0011–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (1st defence).
1978-11-18WinUnited States Ron HarryP.K.A. EventFort Lauderdale, Florida, USAKO110–2–0–3
1978-10-20LossUnited States Robert BiggsP.K.A. EventWest Palm Beach, Florida, USADecision (Split)52:009–2–0–3
1978-09-23WinUnited States Ted PryorP.K.A. EventFort Lauderdale, Florida, USADecision52:009–1–0–3
Wins P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs.
1978-04-08WinUnited States Charlie JordanP.K.A. EventMiami, Florida, USADQ (Failed Minimum Kicks Rule)48–1–0–3
1977-10-08WinUnited States Robert ParrisMelbourne, Florida, USADecision72:007–1–0–3
1977-09-10WinUnited States James SiscoP.K.A. EventMiami, Florida, USAKO (Side Kick to Body)36–1–0–3
1977-07-18WinUnited States Howard HaydenWest Palm Beach AuditoriumWest Palm Beach, Florida, USADecision52:005–1–0–3
1977-05-?WinUnited States John SweetMiami, Florida, USADecision52:004–1–0–3
1977-03-?WinUnited States Robert DillardMelbourne, Florida, USADecision32:003–1–0–3
1976-09-?NCUnited States Herbie ThompsonFort Lauderdale, Florida, USANo Contest52:002–1–0–3
P.K.A. changed result due to improper procedures & equipment which hindered fair competition.
1976-05-28NCUnited States Rudy BurneyP.K.A. EventTampa, Florida, USANo Contest52:002–1–0–2
Questionable decision for Burney was changed by P.K.A. due to judging/promoting elements which prevented a fair result for Wilson.
1975-11-?LossUnited States Steve ShepherdMiami, Florida, USADecision32:002–1–0–1
1975-08-?WinUnited States Ben GreenMelbourne, Florida, USADecision52:002–0–0–1
1975-05-?WinUnited States Ken BroadwayMelbourne, Florida, USAKO (Side Kick to Body)31–0–0–1
1975-01-25NCUnited States Bill KnoblockSpace Coast Karate TournamentOrlando, Florida, USANo Contest32:000-0-0-1
Part of Wilson's Black Belt examination. P.K.A. changed result to No-Contest which both participants and promoters agreed on.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Exhibition   Notes

Professional boxing career

Wilson had a brief professional boxing career. Wilson said in a 2015 interview that he had a 6–3–0 professional boxing record with all three defeats by first round stoppage.[10] He admits a change in his style lead to only an average boxing career.

His biggest victory was against Muhammad Ali's former sparring partner John L. Johnson.[14] Wilson's last boxing match took place against Tim Jones on October 21, 1986, at the Reseda Country Club in California. Wilson had a 6–2–0 record in professional boxing going into this match, while Jones was winless in 6 bouts. Wilson lost by TKO at 2:58 of the first round. Dennis Alexio, who lost a kickboxing match to Wilson, had already defeated Jones. Jones lost his next 4 boxing matches, and retired with a 1–10–0 record.[15]

Professional boxing record

Result Record Opponent Method Date Round Time Event Location Notes
Loss[15] 6–3–0 United StatesTim Jones KO Oct 28, 1986 1 Reseda, California
Win 6–2–0 United StatesRoke Harris KO Jul 25, 1986 4 San Diego, California
Loss 5–2–0 MexicoMiguel Murillo KO Mar 17, 1986 2 Inglewood, California
Win 5–1–0 United StatesHarold Thames TKO Feb 16, 1983 3 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Win 4–1–0 United StatesDennis Korall PTS Sep 16, 1982 6 Tampa, Florida
Win 3–1–0 United StatesBob Smith KO Florida
Loss 2–1–0 Rocky Balboa TKO 1 Florida
Win 2–0–0 United StatesUnknown Florida
Win 1–0–0 United StatesJohn L. Johnson TKO 1 Cocoa Beach, Florida Mixed Match: Kickboxer vs. Boxer:Johnson throws up and match is halted.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1982New York ChinatownActorFilm
1988The ExpendablesWilsonFilm
The Firing LineGovernment SoldierFilm
1989Say Anything...Sparring PartnerFilm
BloodfistJake RayeFilm; First Time in a Lead Role
1990Bloodfist IIJake RayeFilm
1991Ring of FireJohnny WooFilm
Future KickWalkerFilm
1992Bloodfist III: Forced to FightJimmy BolandFilm
BlackbeltJack DillonFilm
Out for BloodJohn DeckerFilm (also producer)
Bloodfist IV: Die TryingDanny HoltFilm (also producer)
1993Ring of Fire II: Blood and SteelJohnny WooFilm (also producer)
Magic KidHimselfVideo
1994Bloodfist V: Human TargetJim StantonFilm
Red Sun RisingThomas HoshinoFilm
CyberTrackerEric PhillipsFilm
1995Bloodfist VI: Ground ZeroNick CorriganFilm (also producer)
Ring of Fire 3: Lion Strike
(aka: Lion Strike)
Dr. Johnny WuFilm (also writer—story)
Batman ForeverGang LeaderFilm
Bloodfist VII: ManhuntJim TrudellFilm (also producer)
Cyber-Tracker 2EricFilm (also producer)
The Power WithinHimselfFilm
Virtual CombatDavid QuarryFilm
Top FighterHimselfDocumentary
1996Bloodfist VIII: Trained to KillRick Cowan / George "Mac" MacReadyFilm
Terminal RushJacob HarperFilm (also producer)
Night HunterJack CutterFilm (also producer)
1997MoeshaHimself(1996 TV series) Episode: "Break It Down" (1997)
Hollywood SafariGregFilm
Inferno
(aka: Operation Cobra)
Kyle ConnersFilm
PapertrailFBI Agent RyuFilm (as Don Wilson)
1998Whatever It TakesNeilFilm (also producer)
The Prophet
(aka: The Capitol Conspiracy)
Jarrid MaddoxFilm
2000Moving TargetRay BrockFilm (also producer)
2001Walker, Texas RangerHimself(1993 TV series) Episode: "Legends" (2001)
2002RedemptionJohn Sato CollinsVideo (also producer)
Modern WarriorsHimselfTV special
Stealing HarvardLoach's FriendFilm (as Don Wilson)
Mass DestructionHimselfDocumentary
2003How to Be an Action StarHimselfVideo
2004Sci-FighterJack TanakaFilm (also producer)
2006Crooked
(aka: Soft Target)
Danny TylerFilm (also producer)
18 Fingers of Death!HimselfVideo
2007The Last SentinelTallisFilm (as Don Wilson) (also producer)
2009Hollywood LivesHimselfTV series (one episode)
2012Liberator"Sidewinder"Film (also producer)
2015The Scorpion King 4: Quest for PowerGizzanFilm
Diamond CartelMr. LoFilm
The Martial Arts KidGlenFilm
One More RoundBob PaulsonFilm
Underdog KidsHimself, JudgeFilm
2016Showdown in ManilaDillonFilm
The HordeWar VeteranFilm
2017Death FighterBobby PauFilm
2018The Hitman Agency"The Dragon"Film
Enter the Fist and the Golden FleecingMaster Duck Suck SongFilm
2019DevotionDon "The Dragon" Wilson (as Don "The Dragon" Wilson)Film

References

[16]

  1. "Don The Dragon Wilson". www.ikfkickboxing.com.
  2. Baker, Timothy (June 1989). The Rodney Dangerfield of Kickboxing: A Conversation With World Champion Don Wilson. Black Belt Magazine. p. 24.
  3. Dr. Robert Goldman (March 13, 2015). "2015 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees". www.sportshof.org. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  4. Roddy Piper. "PIPER'S PIT with Roddy Piper". Podcastone.com. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  5. Inside Kungfu August 1992
  6. "Pai Lum Heritage « Rising Dragon Martial Arts". risingdragonmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  7. "LiverKick". LiverKick. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  8. "2014 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival & Honoree Awards". YouTube. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  9. "Don Wilson". Starsystemkickboxing.net. Archived from the original on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  10. "Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Us)". Siamfightmag.com. 1954-09-10. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  11. "Batman Forever with Don Wilson". Martial Arts Encyclopedia. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2023-01-24.
  12. "Dedicated to The Dragon". Don "The Dragon" Wilson. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  13. "Career Highlights: Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson Professional Kickboxing Record". (August 1992). Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing magazine, p. 64
  14. "John L Johnson". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  15. "Tim Jones". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  16. "Space Coast Daily". spacecoastdaily.com. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
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