David Izonritei

Amateur career

Izon had an amateur record that included a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. On his way to the silver medal Izon beat the highly regarded pair of David Tua of New Zealand, and Kirk Johnson of Canada. He lost to Félix Savón in the finals.

Professional career

Izon began his pro career with 18 consecutive victories prior to being upset by Maurice Harris. In his next fight Izon took on David Tua, and after 11 rounds of action, Tua knocked out Izon [1]. Izon became a popular HBO fighter, and after a victory over Lou Savarese, Izon took on the young, undefeated prospect Michael Grant, and was taken out in less than five rounds. Izon hit the comeback trail, and rang out seven consecutive victories against slight opposition, including a TKO victory over prospect Derrick Jefferson.

He was inactive for most of 2001, as fights with Lennox Lewis (for the heavyweight title), Mike Tyson, and Wladimir Klitschko all fell apart.

By the time he finally returned to the ring he looked a spent force as undefeated Fres Oquendo took him out in three rounds. After the loss to Oquendo, Izon was KO'd by Joe Mesi, and then dropped a decision over Al Cole, proving not only that Izon's days as a legitimate contender were effectively over, but that Izon himself had taken far too much punishment in his career, as is evidenced by his current speech difficulties and slow movements.

Personal

David's brothers, Roger and Emmanuel Izonritei, are also professional boxers. David lives in Pensacola, FL with his wife, Laurence (French) and two children, Melissa and Ian.