Buster Douglas Net Worth: Beyond Tyson’s Shadow

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Buster Douglas is famous for beating Mike Tyson in 1990, made a lot of money from boxing.

He earned most of his money from fights against Tyson and Evander Holyfield, getting about $27 million (which would be over $56 million today).

Even though his boxing career didn’t last long, he used his success to his advantage.

Though we don’t know the exact numbers, people estimate his net worth at $15 million. This hints at possible business deals outside of boxing.

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What Is Buster Douglas Net Worth?

Buster Douglas, a former American boxer, once held the title of world heavyweight champion. His net worth is $15 million.

He’s famous for causing a huge upset by knocking out the unbeaten Mike Tyson on February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, Japan.

Tyson was seen as the top boxer globally and one of the scariest heavyweight champions ever.

Profile Summary

Attribute Description
Name Buster Douglas
Profession Former Professional Boxer (Heavyweight Champion)
Net Worth Estimated at $15 million (as of November 2023)
Sources of Income – Boxing purses (biggest from fights with Mike Tyson
and Evander Holyfield)
– Potential post-boxing ventures (details unknown)

Buster Douglas’s Early Life

James Douglas, born in 1960, grew up in Columbus, Ohio, with his father, William “Dynamite” Douglas, a professional boxer.

Raised in the Linden neighborhood, mostly populated by Black residents, James, later known as Buster Douglas, got his first taste of boxing from his father, who ran a gym at the Blackburn Recreation Center.

During his teenage years at Linden McKinley High School, he excelled in both football and basketball.

In 1977, he led his school team to a Class AAA state championship. Following graduation, he joined the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens in Kansas for basketball.

Later, he played for Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, before earning a basketball scholarship to Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Career Highlights

Douglas entered the professional boxing scene in May 1981, defeating Dan O’Malley in a four-round match.
He won his first five fights but suffered a knockout loss to David Bey in his sixth match. Following this setback, Douglas bounced back with six consecutive wins before a draw with Steffen Tangstad in October 1982.
Over the next two years, he defeated several journeyman fighters, including Jesse Clark, whom he knocked out three times.

Another significant victory came against former heavyweight contender Randall “Tex” Cobb, whom he beat by majority decision.

In 1986, Douglas defeated former champion Greg Page, earning him a shot at the International Boxing Federation championships.

However, he couldn’t maintain momentum against Tony Tucker, losing in the tenth round.

In the late 1980s, Douglas parted ways with his trainer father due to disagreements. He assembled a new team and coach, leading to four consecutive wins.

In 1989, he defeated Trevor Berbick and Oliver McCall, both by unanimous decision.

Then came the historic bout in February 1990, where he faced undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at the Tokyo Dome.

Despite being considered a massive underdog, Douglas dominated the fight, swelling Tyson’s eye with numerous right jabs.

Tyson’s cornermen were unprepared, lacking proper equipment to treat his swelling eye. Douglas declined a rematch and defended his title against Evander Holyfield in October 1990 but lost after being knocked down.

After retiring, Douglas received around $24 million for his fight against Holyfield. He struggled with weight gain and a diabetic coma but made a comeback to boxing, winning six consecutive fights.

However, a scheduled fight against Roy Jones Jr. fell through, and in 1998, he lost to Lou Savarese in the first round. He won his next two fights before retiring for good in 1999.

Buster Douglas Net Worth: Major Sources Of Income

  • Buster Douglas made boxing history by defeating Mike Tyson in 1990, an upset considered one of the sport’s biggest. Douglas earned $3 million for his victory over Tyson.
  • He also pocketed $24.1 million for facing off against Evander Holyfield in another notable match.
  • Beyond boxing, Douglas explored music, releasing an arcade game titled “Final Blow” under the name “Buster Douglas Knockout Boxing.
  • ” His popularity likely fueled merchandise sales. While specific endorsement details are scarce, successful boxers often secure such deals.
  • Throughout his career, Douglas likely received bonuses for his achievements and performances.
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