Virgil Hill

Virgil Eugene Hill (born January 18, 1964) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2007, and in 2015. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBA light heavyweight title twice, from 1987 to 1997; the IBF and lineal light heavyweight titles from 1996 to 1997; and the WBA cruiserweight title twice, from 2000 to 2002 and 2006 to 2007. As an amateur, Hill won a silver medal in the middleweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics. In 2013, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Virgil Hill
Hill in 2015
Statistics
Real nameVirgil Eugene Hill
Nickname(s)Quicksilver
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 0 1⁄2 in (184 cm)
Reach77 in (196 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1964-01-18) January 18, 1964
Clinton, Missouri, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights58
Wins51
Wins by KO24
Losses7
Draws0
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
1984 Los Angeles Middleweight
World Cup
1983 Rome Middleweight

Amateur career

At the 1984 Summer Olympics Hill represented the United States as a Middleweight then age 20, and won a silver medal in a close decision loss in the 165-lb final. His results were:

Hill was the 1984 National Golden Gloves champion at Middleweight.

Professional career

Light-heavyweight

In September 1987, after going eighteen straight fights without a loss to start his pro career, Hill aka 'Quicksilver' (his nickname) was a challenger to Leslie Stewart of Trinidad for the latter's World Boxing Association light-heavyweight title in Atlantic City. After an even match in the early going, Hill floored the defending title holder twice in the fourth round – first with a left hook and the second time with an uppercut – to take the title on a Knockout win.

A series of ten successful defenses followed, eight of which took place in Bismarck, North Dakota. Hill received offers to fight in Las Vegas and other cities, but chose the place of his 'roots' and 'hometown fans' to be the place of the majority of his defenses. Opponents in his first run as champion included Bobby Czyz and James Kinchen. Superstar Thomas Hearns would meet – and defeat – Hill in Las Vegas by decision in June 1991 to end Hill's first reign as champion.

In September 1992, it was Hill pitted against 1984 Olympic teammate Frank Tate for the vacant WBA 175-lb. title. It was a 'grudge match' between the two, and Hill won the title on his home turf of Bismarck. Another string of ten defenses would follow, including a rematch with Tate, a close decision over Lou Del Valle who almost upset Hill.

Unification matches

In November 1996 at the Olympiahalle, Munich, Hill won over the undefeated IBF champion Henry Maske to unify the WBA/IBF belts and win the vacant Lineal championship. In June 1997, WBO champion Dariusz Michalczewski scored a unanimous decision over Hill to unify the WBA, IBF, WBO and Lineal light-heavyweight titles at Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany.

Hill boxed against Roy Jones Jr. the following year, and was stopped in round four with a body shot.[2]

Cruiserweight

The aging Hill won the WBA cruiserweight title at age 36 by knocking down Fabrice Tiozzo three times in Villeurbanne, France by TKO in the first. He made his first defense, also in France, against Jean-Marc Mormeck, but would lose both match and title on cuts after nine rounds. In July 2003 he decisioned Donny Lalonde in a North Dakota-Manitoba 'border fight'. He lost a disputed decision to Mormeck in a title rematch in South Africa in May 2004.[3]

On January 27, 2006 Virgil Hill won over previously undefeated Russian cruiserweight Valery Brudov by unanimous decision to win the 'regular' WBA cruiserweight title, as the WBA had now created a WBA "Super" title beside the standard WBA title. Despite being cut on the face in the sixth round, Hill was able to out hustle and out work his much younger opponent to capture his fifth world title at the age of 42.[4]

He had his next to last fight in Germany on March 31, 2007, facing Henry Maske, whom he had beaten in 1996. Maske had announced his retirement prior to that fight and was frustrated to end his career with a split-decision loss, the only loss in his professional career. When he heard about Hill capturing the world title again at the age of 42, he decided to challenge him for a rematch. Hill lost the Maske rematch by decision in a non-title bout, then lost to Firat Arslan by decision to lose his WBA cruiserweight title.[5]

He retired with a record of 50 wins (23 KOs) and 7 losses.

On July 16, 2011 Hill worked with his wife, Carla Hill, for their first ever boxing card and promotion at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey,[6]

Hall of Fame

On November 12, 2012 he was officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2013.[7][8]

Professional boxing record
Professional record summary
58 fights 51 wins 7 losses
By knockout 24 2
By decision 27 5
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
58 Win 51–7 Jimmy Campbell TKO 2 (8), 2:00 Feb 28, 2015 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
57 Loss 50–7 Firat Arslan UD 12 Nov 24, 2007 Freiberger Arena, Dresden, Germany Lost WBA cruiserweight title
56 Loss 50–6 Henry Maske UD 12 Mar 31, 2007 Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
55 Win 50–5 Valery Brudov UD 12 Jan 27, 2006 Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Won vacant WBA cruiserweight title
54 Loss 49–5 Jean-Marc Mormeck UD 12 May 22, 2004 Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa For WBA cruiserweight title
53 Win 49–4 Donny Lalonde UD 10 Jul 5, 2003 CanWest Global Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
52 Win 48–4 Joey DeGrandis UD 12 Nov 17, 2002 Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S. Won vacant IBC cruiserweight title
51 Win 47–4 Carlos Bates TKO 1 (12), 1:50 Aug 23, 2002 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, New Town, North Dakota, U.S.
50 Loss 46–4 Jean-Marc Mormeck RTD 8 (12), 3:00 Feb 23, 2002 Palais des Sports, Marseille, France Lost WBA cruiserweight title
49 Win 46–3 Fabrice Tiozzo TKO 1 (12), 2:59 Dec 9, 2000 Astroballe, Lyon, France Won WBA cruiserweight title
48 Win 45–3 Glenn Thomas UD 10 May 9, 1999 Municipal Auditorium, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.
47 Win 44–3 James Hayes KO 2 (12), 2:27 Nov 7, 1998 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Won vacant IBC cruiserweight title
46 Loss 43–3 Roy Jones Jr. KO 4 (12), 1:10 Apr 25, 1998 Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
45 Loss 43–2 Dariusz Michalczewski UD 12 Jun 13, 1997 Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany Lost WBA, IBF, and lineal light heavyweight titles;
For WBO light heavyweight title
44 Win 43–1 Henry Maske SD 12 Nov 23, 1996 Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany Retained WBA light heavyweight title;
Won IBF and vacant lineal light heavyweight titles
43 Win 42–1 Lou Del Valle UD 12 Apr 20, 1996 Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
42 Win 41–1 Drake Thadzi UD 12 Sep 2, 1995 Wembley Stadium, London, England Retained WBA light heavyweight title
41 Win 40–1 Crawford Ashley UD 12 Apr 1, 1995 Star of the Desert Arena, Primm, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
40 Win 39–1 Frank Tate UD 12 Jul 23, 1994 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
39 Win 38–1 Guy Waters UD 12 Dec 17, 1993 Municipal Auditorium, Minot, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
38 Win 37–1 Saúl Montana TKO 10 (12), 2:26 Nov 9, 1993 Fargodome, Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
37 Win 36–1 Sergio Daniel Merani UD 12 Aug 28, 1993 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
36 Win 35–1 Fabrice Tiozzo SD 12 Apr 3, 1993 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Paris, France Retained WBA light heavyweight title
35 Win 34–1 Adolpho Washington TD 11 (12) Feb 20, 1993 Fargodome, Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title;
Unanimous TD after Washington was cut by bumping his head against a TV camera
34 Win 33–1 Frank Tate UD 12 Sep 29, 1992 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Won vacant WBA light heavyweight title
33 Win 32–1 Lottie Mwale KO 4 (12), 1:44 Apr 11, 1992 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Won WBC International light heavyweight title
32 Win 31–1 Aundrey Nelson UD 10 Mar 1, 1992 Princes Park, Melbourne, Australia
31 Loss 30–1 Thomas Hearns UD 12 Jun 3, 1991 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBA light heavyweight title
30 Win 30–0 Mike Peak UD 12 Jan 6, 1991 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
29 Win 29–0 Frank Minton TKO 9 (10) Oct 27, 1990 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
28 Win 28–0 Tyrone Frazier UD 12 Jul 7, 1990 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
27 Win 27–0 David Vedder UD 12 Feb 25, 1990 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
26 Win 26–0 James Kinchen TKO 1 (12), 2:52 Oct 24, 1989 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
25 Win 25–0 Joe Lasisi TKO 7 (12), 1:56 May 27, 1989 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
24 Win 24–0 Bobby Czyz UD 12 Mar 4, 1989 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
23 Win 23–0 Willie Featherstone TKO 10 (12), 2:05 Nov 11, 1988 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
22 Win 22–0 Ramzi Hassan UD 12 Jun 6, 1988 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
21 Win 21–0 Jean-Marie Emebe TKO 11 (12), 1:29 Apr 3, 1988 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S. Retained WBA light heavyweight title
20 Win 20–0 Rufino Angulo UD 12 Nov 21, 1987 Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris, France Retained WBA light heavyweight title
19 Win 19–0 Leslie Stewart TKO 4 (12), 3:07 Sep 5, 1987 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Won WBA light heavyweight title
18 Win 18–0 Junior Edmonds UD 10 Jul 19, 1987 All Seasons Arena, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Marcos Geraldo KO 2 (10) Jun 13, 1987 Lake Tahoe, Nevada, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Marvin Camel KO 1, 2:52 May 1, 1987 City Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 James Williams KO 4 Mar 6, 1987 Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Clarence Osby UD 12 Dec 11, 1986 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Eric Winbush UD 10 Oct 17, 1986 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Wayne Caplette KO 1 Oct 4, 1986 Williston, North Dakota, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Marcus Dorsey KO 2 Aug 14, 1986 Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, Washington, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Willie Mayberry TKO 1 Aug 2, 1986 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Mike Sedillo UD 10 Jul 10, 1986 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Santiago Valdez KO 1, 1:32 Jun 30, 1986 Pacific Ramada Hotel, Everett, Washington, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Abdul Hakim TKO 4 (8), 0:57 Apr 30, 1986 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 James Williamson TKO 6, 0:57 Mar 2, 1986 Host Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Fred Jordan TKO 4 (6), 1:59 Jan 22, 1986 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Dawud Shaw UD 6 Jul 13, 1985 Atlantis Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 David Vedder UD 6 Feb 16, 1985 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 John Tyrell TKO 1 (6), 1:12 Jan 5, 1985 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Arthur Wright TKO 2, 2:05 Nov 15, 1984 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Professional debut
gollark: something something hyperbolic discounting
gollark: As planned.
gollark: I changed at least 10 lines of code today.
gollark: I'm FAR too busy with minoteaur.
gollark: Is this secretly a roguelike?

See also

References
  1. "Grand Forks native Virgil Hill remembers 1984 Olympics, plans comeback". grandforksherald.
  2. "KO of the Day: Roy Jones Jr vs Virgil Hill". Bad Left Hook.
  3. "Mormeck stops Hill to take title". BBC.
  4. "Virgil Hill Upsets Brudov For Title - Boxing News". Boxing Scene.
  5. "After 10 1/2 years, Maske beats Hill in rematch". badlefthook.
  6. "INTRODUCING CARLA HILL AND CARLA HILL PROMOTIONS - Boxing News". 12 July 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  7. "Virgil Hill - International Boxing Hall Of Fame". IBHOF.
  8. "Arturo Gatti, Mills Lane, Virgil Hill Inducted into International Boxing Hall Of Fame". Boxing Insider.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Arthur Jimmerson		 U.S. Golden Gloves middleweight champion
1984		 Next:
William Guthrie
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
J.B. Williamson		 WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight champion
December 11, 1986 – May 1987
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Donny Lalonde
Preceded by
Lottie Mwale		 WBC International light heavyweight champion
April 11, 1992 – September 1992
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Jimmy Joseph
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Robert Daniels		 IBC cruiserweight champion
November 7, 1998 – 2000
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Himself
Vacant
Title last held by
Himself		 IBC cruiserweight champion
November 17, 2002 – 2004
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Krzysztof Włodarczyk
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by
Leslie Stewart		 WBA light heavyweight champion
September 5, 1987 – June 3, 1991		 Succeeded by
Thomas Hearns
Vacant
Title last held by
Iran Barkley		 WBA light heavyweight champion
September 29, 1992 – June 13, 1997		 Succeeded by
Dariusz Michalczewski
Preceded by
Henry Maske		 IBF light heavyweight champion
November 23, 1996 – June 13, 1997
Vacant
Title last held by
Michael Spinks		 Lineal light heavyweight champion
November 23, 1996 – June 13, 1997
Preceded by
Fabrice Tiozzo		 WBA cruiserweight champion
December 9, 2000 – February 23, 2002		 Succeeded by
Jean-Marc Mormeck
Vacant
Title last held by
Jean-Marc Mormeck		 WBA cruiserweight champion
Regular title
January 27, 2006 – November 24, 2007		 Succeeded by
Firat Arslan
Awards
Previous:
Michael Carbajal		 The Ring Comeback of the Year
2000		 Next:
John Michael Johnson
Records
Previous:
Bob Foster
13		 Most opponents beaten for
the world light heavyweight title
21
August 28, 1993 – present		 Incumbent
Previous:
Bob Foster
14		 Most successful world light
heavyweight title defenses
20
November 23, 1996 – April 20, 2002
15th defense on December 17, 1993		 Next:
Dariusz Michalczewski
23
Previous:
Johnny Nelson		 Oldest cruiserweight world champion
January 27, 2006 – present		 Incumbent
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