Demetrice King facts for kids

Demetrice King was born on January 21, 1985, in Jackson, Michigan, U.S. He is an American former professional boxer. He competed in the heavyweight division from 2003 to 2011. Demetrice King is known for a big win against Bermane Stiverne, who later became a world heavyweight champion.

Demetrice King's Boxing Career

Starting Out: 2003-2005

Demetrice King began his professional boxing career on September 20, 2003. His first fight was in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he won by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. This means the referee stopped the fight because his opponent, Matthew Fendley, could not continue safely.

After his first win, King had a few more fights. He won two by knockout and lost two by points decision. A points decision means the judges decide the winner based on who landed more punches or showed better skill. He then defeated Joe Johnson in Sarasota.

In 2005, King faced a big challenge. He fought Shannon Briggs, who was an important boxer at the time and later became a world champion. This fight took place at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. King lost this fight in the second round by TKO. This was the first time in his career that an opponent stopped him from continuing a fight.

Ups and Downs: 2005-2008

After the fight with Shannon Briggs, Demetrice King went through a tough period. He lost several fights by points decision to other strong boxers like Jason Estrada, Chazz Witherspoon, Derric Rossy, and Kevin Johnson.

However, King showed great determination. After his loss to Kevin Johnson, he went on an amazing winning streak! He won five fights in a row, and all of them were by knockout. During this time, he had a very important victory in 2007. He defeated Bermane Stiverne, who was a rising star and later became a world heavyweight champion. This winning streak improved King's record to 14 wins and 15 losses.

After this successful period, King faced more challenges. He lost to Michael Grant by points decision in Philadelphia. He also had a rematch with Raymond Olubowale in 2008, who he had previously beaten. This time, King lost by points decision.

Later Career and Big Fights

In 2009, Demetrice King had another notable win. He knocked out Bowie Tupou, an undefeated boxer from Australia, in the second round. This fight happened at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage.

By November 2009, Demetrice King was ranked among the top heavyweight boxers in the world. He was ranked 40th globally and 18th in the United States.

After his win over Tupou, King was scheduled to fight Fres Oquendo for two important heavyweight titles: the NABA and vacant USBA titles. This big 12-round fight took place in Hammond, Indiana, in February 2010. King was unable to continue the fight after the ninth round.

His last two professional fights were against Tor Hamer and David Tua. He lost both of these fights by points decision.

Demetrice King was only knocked out once in his entire career, and that was by Shannon Briggs at Madison Square Garden. He has mentioned that some of his losses by points decision were very close and could have gone either way.

Demetrice King's Boxing Record Summary

Demetrice King competed in 35 professional boxing matches.

• He won 15 fights.
• Out of his wins, 13 were by knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO).
• He lost 20 fights.
• He was only knocked out once in his career.