Duane Bobick

Duane David Bobick (born August 24, 1950) is an American former boxer.

Bobick was part of a boxing family and grew up with the sport in the 1960s.

As an amateur, Bobick won the gold medal at the 1971 Pan American Games and fought at the 1972 Olympics.

A good puncher who developed well early by virtue of countless hours in the gym and ring, Bobick had an outstanding amateur career that included a win over Teófilo Stevenson at the 1971 Pan American Games.

All-Navy Championships, Mare Island, California, April 1971:

Inter-service Championships, Mare Island, California, April 1971:

National Championships, New Orleans, Louisiana, April–May 1971:

1971 Pan-American Games Heavyweight champion

Bobick added another future champion to his list when he beat Larry Holmes to be named to the 1972 U.S. Olympic boxing team.

But lurking on Bobick's amateur record were two devastating second-round one-punch knockout losses at the hands of future heavyweight contender Ron Lyle.

The first time, Lyle dispatched of him at the national AAU quarterfinals.

The second time, fighting for a spot on the national team, Bobick was dropped with a straight right at 30 seconds of the second round, and was unconscious in the ring for over five minutes.

While being an amateur Bobick served as a quartermaster in the U.S. Navy.

He was a three-time Navy Heavyweight Champion, two-time All-Service Heavyweight Champion and two-time International Military champion.

He was touted as a rising star at this early stage, and may have been overconfident as he met Stevenson again at the 1972 Olympics.

The fight was even after two rounds with Stevenson getting the edge in round one and Bobick rallying in round two.

In the third round, Bobick fell victim to a nemesis that would bedevil him for the rest of his boxing career, the overhand right.

Stunned, floored and eventually defenseless, Bobick was pounded by the Cuban champion until the bout was stopped; this was Bobick's last bout as an amateur.

By that time he had a record of 93 wins (60 by KO) and 10 losses.

1972 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion

He then turned professional in 1973 and retired in 1979 with a record of 48 wins (42 by knockout) and four losses, all by knockout.

He scored notable wins over future heavyweight champion Mike Weaver and contenders Chuck Wepner, Scott LeDoux, Randy Neumann and Manuel Ramos.

From 1973 to 1977, he compiled a record of 38–0 with 32 knockouts which made him the number 3 contender in the division before he was defeated by number 1 contender Ken Norton.

Bobick trained hard to start his pro career, which did not begin until the spring of 1973.

He trained with and was managed by heavyweight legend Joe Frazier.

Bobick's first match was against Tommy Burns.

He sent Burns to the canvas four times on his way to a first-round KO.

Bobick had 14 other fights in 1973, winning them all by KO, including a win over former contender Manuel Ramos.

Bobick won his first 19 fights by knockout.

He had 10 more fights in 1974, winning them all again, eight by KO.

Knockout wins that year included Ted Gullick and future champion Mike Weaver.

He also decisioned veteran boxer Billy Daniels.

With a 25–0 record and 23 KOs he was then rated as the sport's new "White Hope", taking that label from then-declining Jerry Quarry.

Frazier himself was approaching retirement and focusing on upcoming paydays with protégé Bobick.

Bobick gained top-10 ranking in 1975 with eight more fights and wins, all again by KO.

He was now being dodged by some, but a win over Randy Neumann proved he could not be ignored.

He had a tentative contract with Muhammad Ali in 1976, but the fight never materialized.

Instead he met and defeated lower ranked contender Larry Middleton, fellow Minnesotan Scott LeDoux, Bunny Johnson and veteran Chuck Wepner among his five 1976 fights, all wins with two KOs.

Having a 38–0 record with 32 KOs he fought the future champion Ken Norton in a prime time network television bout in May 1977.

Both fighters appeared tight and cautious from the opening bell.