The boxing world received the news that former world champion Greg “Mutt” Haugen (39-10-1, 19 KO’s) passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Haugen, born in Auburn, Washington, and residing in Seattle, was nothing if not iron-tough throughout his 17-year career.
Haugen had more than 325 amateur fights and won a bronze medal in the Olympic trials before going pro in 1982. He went undefeated in his first 19 bouts. He showed early that he had a strong motor as he debuted in a 10-round bout. In that initial undefeated run, he beat Chris Calvin, Freddie Roach, Edwin Curet, and Jimmy Paul (to capture the IBF world title).
Over the next dozen years, in 31 bouts, Haugen would engage in numerous wars with some of the very best at, and around, lightweight. These included Vinny Pazienza (3x), Gert Bo Jacobsen, Pernell Whitaker, Hector Camacho (2x), Ray Mancini, Julio Caesar Chavez, Toney Lopez and Thomas Damgaard.
During that 2nd half of his career, he also re-captured the IBF lightweight title which he had lost to Vinny Pazienza in his first title defense. He beat Pazienza 2 fights after his loss to reclaim the title. He would make 2 defences of his title before surrendering it to legend and master boxer Whitaker. He also won the WBO world super lightweight title, defeating Camacho in 1991.
In the end, Haugen left boxing as a 3x world champion and a reputation as one of the toughest, most relentless lightweights to fight during his time. What he may have lacked in pure boxing skills, he more than made up for in heart, grit, and dogged determination. Congratulations on a great, world championship career.
MaxBoxing sends its condolences to the Haugen family.
Rest in Peace, Champ!
