Buster Mathis, Jr.

Who is Buster Mathis, Jr.?

Buster Mathis Jr., born March 25, 1970 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an American former professional boxer in the heavyweight division.

The son of Buster Mathis, a heavyweight boxer from the 1960s, leaving his son a great legacy, as he was invited to the Olympics, a contender with the great Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier Mathis Jr was a heavy man and took up boxing because he was bullied as a child until the age of 14 he did benefit from losing extra weight.

Mathis Jr. turned pro in 1991 and quickly put together 12 wins. A busy, crowding fighter, Mathis was small for a heavyweight at around 220 lbs but skilled enough to beat fairly respected fighters like Levi Billups, Justin Fortune and Mike Dixon very early in his career. Buster Mathis encouraged his son to fewer higher paying fights, using the Mathis name to his advantage. He was considered a weak puncher but his opposition was above average.

In 1993 he challenged Mike 'The Bounty' Hunter for his USBA heavyweight belt. Hunter won a close decision over Mathis. The loss however was soon voided after Hunter later tested positive for cocaine.

In 1994 Mathis again contested the USBA belt, this time winning an impressive 12 round decision over ex-Olympic champion Tyrell Biggs.