Eddie Mustafa Muhammad

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (born Edward Dean Gregory; April 30, 1952) is an American former professional boxer who held the WBA (WBA) light heavyweight title. He has since worked as a boxing trainer, and as an occasional actor.

Amateur career

Boxing under his birth name, Eddie Gregory, Muhammad won two New York Golden Gloves Championships. Gregory won both the 1971 and the 1972 New York Golden Gloves 147 lb Open Championships. Gregory defeated future middleweight champion Vito Antuofermo in the 1971 finals and in 1972 defeated Patrick Maloney of the Leatherpushers Athletic Club to win the Championship. Gregory trained at the Police Athletic Leagues Howard Houses in Brooklyn, New York.

Professional career

Known as "Flame", Muhammad turned pro in 1972 and in 1977 challenged WBA Light Heavyweight Title holder Víctor Galíndez but lost a unanimous decision. He got a second shot at the title against Marvin Johnson in 1980, and won via an 11th-round TKO to take the belt. He defended the belt twice in 1980 and lost a non-title bout against Renaldo Snipes in 1981. Later in 1981 he would lose his title as well in a defense against Michael Spinks via unanimous decision. After losing the belt, Muhammad fought mainly club level fighters before landing another shot at a title in 1985, the vacant IBF Light Heavyweight Title, pitted against Slobodan Kacar. Kacar won a narrow split decision and Muhammad retired after the bout.

Muhammad made a brief comeback in 1988, but hung up the gloves for good later that year after losing via TKO to journeyman Arthel Lawhorne.

He also appeared in two motion pictures: the 1980 film Raging Bull, playing the role of Billy Fox; and Leon Isaac Kennedy's 1981 version of Body and Soul, where he portrayed himself.

Film appearances

• Raging Bull (1980) - Billy Fox - Fox Fight
• Body and Soul (1981) - himself
• Hope for the Broken Contender (2008) - Himself

Professional boxing record