Eddie Mustafa Muhammad facts for kids

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (born Edward Dean Gregory; April 30, 1952) is a former American professional boxer. A professional boxer is someone who fights for money. He was once the world champion in the light heavyweight division, holding the title from the WBA. After his boxing career, he became a boxing trainer. He also appeared in a few movies.

Becoming a Boxer

Before he became a professional, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad was known by his birth name, Eddie Gregory. He was a very good amateur boxer. An amateur boxer fights for fun or for awards, not for money.

Golden Gloves Champion

Eddie won the famous New York Golden Gloves Championships twice. This is a big competition for young boxers. He won in both 1971 and 1972 in the 147-pound weight class. In 1971, he beat Vito Antuofermo, who later became a middleweight champion. In 1972, he won against Patrick Maloney. Eddie trained hard at the Police Athletic League's Howard Houses in Brooklyn, New York.

Professional Boxing Career

When Eddie turned professional in 1972, he was known by his nickname, "Flame." He was a powerful fighter.

Fighting for the World Title

In 1977, Eddie got his first chance to fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title. He fought against Víctor Galíndez, but he lost the fight.

He got another chance at the title in 1980. This time, he fought Marvin Johnson. Eddie won the fight in the 11th round by a TKO. TKO means "Technical Knockout," which happens when the referee stops the fight because one boxer can't safely continue. With this win, Eddie became the world champion!

Defending His Title

Eddie successfully defended his title two times in 1980. However, in 1981, he lost a fight that was not for his title against Renaldo Snipes. Later that year, he lost his world title to Michael Spinks in a decision.

After losing his title, Eddie continued to box. He fought many different opponents. In 1985, he had another chance to win a world title, the IBF Light Heavyweight Title. He fought Slobodan Kacar, but he lost a very close fight.

Eddie stopped boxing for a short time. He made a brief return to the ring in 1988. However, he decided to retire for good later that year after a fight where the referee stopped the match. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad finished his professional career with 50 wins (39 by knockout), 8 losses, and 1 draw.

Acting in Movies

Besides boxing, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad also appeared in two movies.

• He played the role of Billy Fox in the 1980 film Raging Bull.
• He played himself in the 1981 movie Body and Soul.
• He also appeared in Hope for the Broken Contender in 2008.