Don Wilson
Eleven world titles and a Guinness record
- Born
- September 10, 1954, Alton, Illinois, US
- Nationality
United States- Height
- 183 cm (6′0″)
- Stance
- Switch
- Style
- Switch-stance kicker
- Weight
- Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight
- Active
- 1974–2002
- Status
- Retired · age 72
The record
Wikipedia infobox (82 bouts); the article text says 47 knockouts. Space Coast Daily also gives 72-5-2. Pro boxing 6-3. record
The story
on Wilson took the nickname The Dragon from his training in White Dragon kung fu and became the most decorated American kickboxer of his time. Born in Alton, Illinois, he built his early career in Florida and won 11 world titles between 1978 and 1999 under the WKA, KICK, ISKA, IKF, STAR and PKO, a haul Guinness recognized in 2002 as the most kickboxing world titles. His longest reign was as WKA light heavyweight champion from 1980 to 1991. Wilson could switch stances at will and hurt opponents from either side, especially with his lead side kick and fast bursts of kicks off one leg. He beat Maurice Smith, Dennis Alexio and Branko Cikatić, and was knocked out only once in kickboxing, by Glenn McMorris in 1980. He also starred in the Bloodfist film series.
Tap a technique with an arrow to learn how it works.
- 11 world titles under the WKA, KICK, ISKA, IKF, STAR and PKO (1978–1999)
- WKA light heavyweight world champion (1980–1991, 9 defenses)
- STAR undisputed light heavyweight champion (1984)
- Guinness World Record for most kickboxing world titles (2002)
- Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2001)
- World Kickboxing League Hall of Fame
- International Sports Hall of Fame (2015)
- Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame (2015)
Defining fights
- 1980LOSSvs Glenn McMorris (TKO 1, his only kickboxing knockout loss)
- 1983WINvs Maurice Smith (decision, WKA cruiserweight world title)
- 1984WINvs Dennis Alexio (unanimous decision)
- 1987WINvs Branko Cikatić (TKO 7, KICK light heavyweight title)
- 2002WINvs Eddie Butcher (KO 10, final fight)
Drill Wilson's lead side kick from both stances, then add a second kick off the same leg before the foot touches down, so one step gives you two attacks.
1972–1999