Donald Glen Wilson (born September 10, 1954), nicknamed "The Dragon", is an American martial artist, former professional kickboxer, and actor.[1] An 11-time world champion who scored 47 knockouts in four decades, he has been called by the STAR System Ratings as "perhaps the greatest kickboxer in American history. He has disposed of more quality competition than anyone we've ever ranked".[2] In 2015, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.[3]
| Don Wilson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Donald Glen Wilson September 10, 1954 Alton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Other names | The Dragon Don Hoshino |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Division | Light Heavyweight Cruiserweight |
| Style |
|
| Fighting out of | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Teacher(s) |
|
| Years active | 1974–1991, 1999–2002, 2013–Present |
| Professional boxing record | |
| Total | 9 |
| Wins | 6 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| Losses | 3 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 82 |
| Wins | 72 |
| By knockout | 48 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 3 |
| Other information | |
| Notable relatives | Jim Wilson (brother), Kathleen Karridene (wife) |
| Website | www |
As an actor, he is best known for starring in several B movie martial arts films,[4] such as the Bloodfist series (from Bloodfist to Bloodfist VIII: Trained to Kill), the Ring of Fire series (from Ring of Fire to Ring of Fire III: Lion Strike), Red Sun Rising (1994), and the Cyber Tracker series (CyberTracker and CyberTracker 2).[5]
Early years and training
editWilson was born to a Japanese mother and American father in Alton, Illinois. He utilized his mother's family name, Hoshino (星野), as a ring name while competing in Japan.
He attended Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, where he was an MVP in football and basketball.[6] Wilson also tried his hand at wrestling, in which he excelled enough to score a 4th place in the Florida State Collegiate Wrestling competition.
After high school, Wilson was accepted into the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in the fall of 1972. Wilson has stated that his brother challenged him to friendly sparring, which he imagined he would dominate since Wilson was more physically imposing and athletic than his brother. To his surprise, he was easily knocked around by his brother's martial arts ability. He credits this experience for making a believer out of him, after which he would pursue martial arts. He began studying Goju-ryu Karate with Chuck Merriman for two hours a week for one year.[7]
In 1973, Wilson left the Academy and earned an associate degree in electrical engineering at Brevard Community College in Florida. He then enrolled at his father's alma mater, the Florida Institute of Technology, but dropped out to pursue a professional fighting career, to the elder Wilson's disappointment. During this time, he trained in Pai Lum White Dragon Kung Fu, a form derivative of Shaolin Kung Fu, taught by Danny K. Pai.[8] Wilson was trained by Fred Schmitz, Pai's first black belt in America.[9]
Don's nickname, "The Dragon" was used in his first professional kickboxing match in Orlando. He also had two other nicknames that were used at times during his long career.
In July 1977, Wilson defeated Howard Hayden. A report of the match in Official Karate Magazine said, "Don Wilson's showboat tactics have seen him through a couple of fights, but the Flash won't last long when the going gets tough." Wilson said he was hugely insulted; a few people began to refer to him as Don "The Flash" Wilson, which annoyed him. He said this inspired him to prove something: "I got serious."[7]
Kickboxing
editWilson won a total of 11 world titles with several sanctioning bodies, including the IKF, WKA, KICK, ISKA, STAR and the PKO. He won his IKF (www.IKFKickboxing.com) FCR Cruiserweight World Title on May 15, 1999, in Lowell, Massachusetts, when he defeated Dick Kimber. (Lynn, Massachusetts, USA PRO: 23-3/21, AM: 25-0/25 5'9" 197 lbs) At the end of the third round Wilson came alive and eventually knocked Kimber to the floor motionless. Referee Dan Stell counted Kimber out on the floor, a count that went into the round break. Kimber never stood during the count.
Having never been challenged for his title, Wilson voluntarily retired it to move down to the Light Heavyweight Division, where he eventually retired from fighting a few years later.
According to Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing Magazine (August 1992), Wilson's professional kickboxing record was listed as 69 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws, 46 knockout wins, and 6 kick-knockouts, and 3 no-contests. On page 64, Wilson's first match with Bill Knoblok in Orlando, Florida in December 1974 is listed as a 3-round no-contest. However, on page 52 in the same issue, Wilson said about his fight with Knoblok, "But Bill won the third round by a larger margin than I had won the first. So he won the bout." Today the official result of this fight was listed as a no-contest on Wilson's official fight record because when he decided to fight for PKA, Joe Corley felt the rules of the bout were quite different from those of PKA, Corley told Wilson to omit it.
Wilson's kickboxing career spanned four decades; his first fight with Bill Knoblok in 1974 and his last fight, a 10th-round knockout victory over Eddie Butcher on July 19, 2002, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He defeated, among others, world champions Branko Cikatic, James Warring, Dennis Alexio, and Maurice Smith. Wilson fought to a draw with another champion, Jean-Yves Thériault. In 79 bouts, Wilson was only knocked out by Glen McMorris in 1980. Wilson's kickboxing record is listed as 72–5–2 (48 knockouts) with 3 no-contests.
Wilson was noted for being an American-style kickboxer who challenged the fabled fighters from Thailand. He prevailed in most instances, only suffering one loss.[citation needed] However, the matches were always problematic, due to the differences in traditions, style and judging. For his fight against Samart Prasarnmit, the officials who arranged the fight broke the previous arrangement, placing Wilson against a lighter opponent and forcing Wilson to lose 8 pounds on the day of the bout by sitting in a sauna from early morning until two hours before the bout, leaving him dangerously dehydrated. Wilson had also negotiated for a 7-round fight, which the officials also neglected to honor. Furthermore, the Thai judges only recognized Muay Thai techniques such as Thai kick or those performed within the clinch, which meant that Wilson's only hope to win was to knockout Samart, which he was unable to do because of his dehydration. Wilson, a fighter used to 12 round fights, was exhausted in the 2nd round, a clear indication of the seriousness of his condition.
Wilson was scheduled to make a comeback at 58 years old, against an unnamed opponent in a ten-rounder in Istanbul, Turkey in 2013.[10] However, at the last minute the fight in Istanbul was cancelled due to "breach of contract and non-performance of financial agreements".
In 2014, he was honored with the U.F. of Legends Dragon Award at the Urban Action Showcase & Expo at HBO.[11]
Kickboxing losses turned into no contests
editEarly in Wilson's career, he lost three fights by decision; these losses were changed into no contests by the Professional Karate Association.[12]
Wilson's first career match was against Bill Knoblock and he lost a third decision. This match was later turned into a no contest by the Professional Karate Association as they listed it as an "amateur" match. "This amateur bout was part of Wilson's black belt examination."[12] However, in a 2013 interview, Wilson recalled his first fight as a loss to Bill Knoblock on January 25, 1975, as a professional match in which he was paid $100.[13]
On May 28, 1976, in Tampa, Florida, Wilson lost a 5-round decision to Rudy Burney in a PKA sanctioned match.[12] However, the PKA later overturned the decision for, "improper procedures that impeded fair competition."
Finally, in September 1976, Wilson lost a 5-round points decision to Herb Thompson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The PKA overturned the decision, citing improper procedures and inappropriate equipment which impeded fair competition.[12]
Fighting style
editWilson was fairly notable thanks to his unique fighting style as used in the ring. He was ambidextrous, being able to switch stance on a whim and attack powerfully with either side, although he preferred to fight strong-side forward, which is a characteristic of some Chinese Martial arts like Pai Lum Tao Ng Ying Kungfu (Chinese: 五形功夫) he was known for being very good at Indian leg wrestling also. He identified himself as mainly a kicker, claiming that was his forte and the reason why he never seriously considered boxing.
He has a particularly devastating lead side kick, and was known to perform single-leg multiple kicks in rapid succession. Despite his focus on kicks, most of his KO's came through his punching, and he was particularly good with his lead (right) hook punch.
Professional boxing
editWilson had a brief professional boxing career. Wilson said in a 2015 interview that he had a 6–3–0 professional boxing record with all three defeats by first round stoppage.[13] He admits a change in his style lead to only an average boxing career.
His biggest victory was against Muhammad Ali's former sparring partner John L. Johnson.[14] Wilson's last boxing match took place against Tim Jones on October 21, 1986, at the Reseda Country Club in California. Wilson had a 6–2–0 record in professional boxing going into this match, while Jones was winless in 6 bouts. Wilson lost by TKO at 2:58 of the first round. Dennis Alexio, who lost a kickboxing match to Wilson, had already defeated Jones. Jones lost his next 4 boxing matches, and retired with a 1–10–0 record.[15]
Commentating
editWilson was a fight commentator and interviewer in many of the early UFC events, beginning with UFC 7 in Buffalo. He stated several times that he would be willing to fight in the UFC himself if enough fans requested it, but it never happened. He went on to be a commentator for King of the Cage.
Film appearances
editSome movies to his credit include: Futurekick, Bloodfist 1–8, Ring of Fire 1, 2 & 3, Out for Blood, Operation Cobra, Blackbelt, Cyber Tracker 1 & 2, Terminal Rush, Redemption, Say Anything..., Capitol Conspiracy, Moving Target, and Batman Forever as the leader of the Neon Gang.[16]
Kickboxing titles
edit- 2010 World Kickboxing Hall of Fame Champion
- 2008 European Martial Arts Hall of Fame Member
- 2000 I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight North American Champion −190 lbs
- 1999 I.K.F. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −190 lbs
- 1989 P.K.O. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −170 lbs
- 1988–89 I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −182 lbs (0 title defences – vacated)
- 1984 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs
- 1984 W.K.A. Full Contact Super Light Heavyweight World Champion −184 lbs
- 1984 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Super Light Heavyweight World Champion −184 lbs
- 1983–84 W.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −190 lbs (0 title defences – vacated)
- 1983 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −184 lbs
- 1983–87 K.I.C.K. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs (2 title defences)
- 1980–91 W.K.A. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs (9 title defences – vacated)
- 1980 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs
- 1979–80 P.K.A. Full Contact Middleweight United States Champion −170 lbs (2 title defences)
- 1978–79 P.K.A. Full Contact Middleweight Florida State Champion −170 lbs (4 title defences – vacated)
Professional kickboxing record
edit| 72 wins (48 (T)KOs, 24 decisions), 5 losses, 2 draws, 1 no decision, 3 no contests[12] | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12-03 | Exhibition |  Kash Gill |
"Cinema against Pain" @ Almaty, | Kazakhstan | Exhibition | 3 | 72–5–2–3 | |
| 2002-07-19 | Win |  Eddie Butcher |
"A Night Of Champions", I.S.K.A. Event @ Tropicana Hotel | Atlantic City, New Jersey, US | KO (Overhand Right) | 10 | 72–5–2–3 | |
| 2000-03-17 | Win | Dewey Cooper |
I.S.K.A. Event @ MGM Grand | Las Vegas, Nevada, US | Decision | 10 | 2:00 | 71–5–2–3 |
| Wins I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight North American title −190 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1999-05-14 | Win | Dick Kimber |
I.K.F. Event @ Tsongas Arena | Lowell, Massachusetts, US | TKO | 3 | 2:08 | 70–5–2–3 |
| Wins I.K.F. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Title −190 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1991-01-12 | Win | Ghalib Carmichael |
W.K.A. Event | Anaheim, California, US | Decision | 11 | 2:00 | 69–5–2–3 |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (9th defence). Vacates title after win. | ||||||||
| 1991-12-03 | Exhibition |  Gary Daniels |
World Martial Arts Extravaganza | Birmingham, England | Exhibition | 3 | 68–5–2–3 | |
| 1990-07-27 | Win |  Yuleeb Kazakov |
K.I.C.K. & I.S.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | TKO | 5 | 68–5–2–3 | |
| 1989-12-01 | Win |  Maurizio Curallo |
P.K.O. Event | Rome, Italy | TKO (Gave Up) | 1 | 67–5–2–3 | |
| 1989-11-27 | Win | Giuliano Grillo |
P.K.O. Event | Milan, Italy | TKO | 2 | 66–5–2–3 | |
| 1989-11-04 | Loss |  Marek Piotrowski |
F.F.K.A. & P.K.C. Event @ Odeum Expo Center | Chicago, Illinois, US | Decision (Split) | 12 | 2:00 | 65–5–2–3 |
| Fight was for vacant F.F.K.A. & P.K.C. full-contact light-heavyweight world titles. Although his I.S.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title was not on the line, Wilson would have to vacate it due to the defeat. | ||||||||
| 1989-07-03 | Win | Mike Winkeljohn |
W.K.A. Event | Costa Mesa, California, US | TKO | 10 | 65–4–2–3 | |
| 1989-04-20 | Win | Keith Wilson |
P.K.O. Event | London, England, UK | TKO | 4 | 64–4–2–3 | |
| 1989-04-13 | Win |  Ken Stranberg |
P.K.O. Event | Gothenburg, Sweden | Decision | 5 | 2:00 | 63–4–2–3 |
| 1989-03-18 | Win |  Ferdinand Mack |
P.K.O. Event | Berlin, Germany | TKO | 9 | 62–4–2–3 | |
| Wins inaugural P.K.O. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −170 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1988-10-08 | Win | Rob Salazar |
I.S.K.A. Event | Lake Tahoe, Nevada, US | Decision (Split) | 12 | 61–4–2–3 | |
| Wins inaugural I.S.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title −182 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1988-07-30 | Win | Carl Englund |
W.K.A. & K.I.C.K. Event @ James L. Knight Center | Miami, Florida, US | TKO | 4 | 60–4–2–3 | |
| 1987-12-12 | Win |  Branko Cikatić |
K.I.C.K. Event | Orlando, Florida, US | TKO (punches) | 7 | 59–4–2–3 | |
| Retains K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (2nd defence). | ||||||||
| 1987-06-22 | Win | Art Jimmerson |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | KO | 6 | 58–4–2–3 | |
| 1987-04-22 | Win | Roger Hurd |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | TKO | 4 | 57–4–2–3 | |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (8th defence). | ||||||||
| 1987-01-19 | Win | Paul Ford |
W.K.A. Event | Merrit Island, Florida, US | TKO | 6 | 56–4–2–3 | |
| 1986-09-22 | Win | Rich Lopez |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | KO (Round Kick to Jaw) | 5 | 55–4–2–3 | |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (7th defence). | ||||||||
| 1985-12-06 | Win | Charlie Archie |
W.K.A. Event | Miami, Florida, US | KO (Kick) | 1 | 54–4–2–3 | |
| 1985-11-10 | Win |  Michael Husbands |
I.N.D. Event @ Verdun Auditorium | Montreal, Canada | TKO | 5 | 53–4–2–3 | |
| 1984-12-18 | Draw |  Jean-Yves Thériault |
I.N.D. Event @ Verdun Auditorium | Montreal, Canada | Decision Draw | 12 | 2:00 | 52–4–2–3 |
| Receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact light-heavyweight world champion −175 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1984-09-05 | Win |  Fanta Petchmuangtrat (Attapong Buadan)[12][17][18] |
W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium | Hong Kong | Decision | 7 | 3:00 | 52–4–1–3 |
| 1984-03-29 | Win | Dennis Alexio |
W.K.A. Event | Hollywood, Florida, US | Decision (Unanimous) | 12 | 2:00 | 51–4–1–3 |
| Wins inaugural W.K.A. full-contact super light-heavyweight world title −184 lbs and also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact super light-heavyweight world champion −184 lbs. Before taking the fight Wilson voluntarily vacated his W.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title in January, 1984. He would later also vacate his W.K.A. super light-heavyweight world title he won against Alexio in October that same year. | ||||||||
| 1983-12-02 | Loss | Samart Prasarnmit |
Royal Thai Army Welfare Event @ Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | 50–4–1–3 |
| 1983-11-03 | Exhibition | A.W. Muhammad |
W.K.C. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | Exhibition | 5 | 2:00 | 50–3–1–3 |
| 1983-09-26 | Win | Pongdejnoi Prasopchai |
W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium | Hong Kong | TKO (Spinning Back Kick) | 4 | 50–3–1–3 | |
| 1983-08-19 | Win | Jarvis Gradner |
W.K.A. Event | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | Decision | 9 | 2:00 | 49–3–1–3 |
| 1983-07-16 | Win | Steve Valencia |
K.I.C.K. Event | New York City, New York, US | TKO | 4 | 48–3–1–3 | |
| Retains K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (1st defence). | ||||||||
| 1983-05-21 | Win | Maurice Smith |
W.K.A. Event | Tokyo, Japan | Decision | 11 | 2:00 | 47–3–1–3 |
| Wins vacant W.K.A. cruiserweight world title −190 lbs. Also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact cruiserweight world champion −184 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1983-04-19 | Win | Curtis Crandall |
K.I.C.K. Event @ Caesar's Palace | Las Vegas, Nevada, US | TKO | 11 | 46–3–1–3 | |
| Wins inaugural K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1983-03-19 | Win | James Sisco |
W.K.A. Event | Nassau, Bahamas | KO | 2 | 45–3–1–3 | |
| 1982-11-06 | Win | Wade Woodbury |
W.K.C. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | Decision (Split) | 12 | 44–3–1–3 | |
| 1982-09-04 | Win | James Warring |
W.K.A. Event | Tokyo, Japan | Decision | 11 | 2:00 | 43–3–1–3 |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (6th defence). | ||||||||
| 1982-04-08 | Win | Jaidee Pitsanurachan |
W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium | Hong Kong | Decision | 9 | 42–3–1–3 | |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (5th defence). | ||||||||
| 1982-02-08 | Win | James Sisco |
W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium | Hong Kong | TKO | 4 | 41–3–1–3 | |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (4th defence). | ||||||||
| 1981-12-07 | Win | Dennis Downey |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | DQ (Biting) | 7 | 40–3–1–3 | |
| 1981-12-07 | Win | Mark Zacharatos |
W.K.A. Event @ Imperial Palace | Las Vegas, Nevada, US | KO | 3 | 39–3–1–3 | |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (3rd defence). | ||||||||
| 1981-09-08 | Win | Jaidee Pitsanurachan |
W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium | Hong Kong | Decision (Split) | 7 | 2:00 | 38–3–1–3 |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (2nd defence). | ||||||||
| 1981-07-25 | Win | Al Mims |
W.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | KO | 3 | 37–3–1–3 | |
| 1981-06-24 | Win |  Muhammed Ashraf Tai |
W.K.A. Event | Tokyo, Japan | KO | 2 | 36–3–1–3 | |
| 1981-05-15 | Win | Larry Nichols |
W.K.A. Event @ St. Lucie Civic Center | Fort Pierce, Florida, US | KO (Kick) | 5 | 35–3–1–3 | |
| 1981-03-23 | Win | Greg Smith |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | Decision | 5 | 2:00 | 34–3–1–3 |
| 1981-03-10 | Win | Herbie Thompson |
W.K.A. Event | Westchester, New York, US | KO | 8 | 33–3–1–3 | |
| Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (1st defence). | ||||||||
| 1981-02-10 | Win | Eddie Dourant |
W.K.A. Event @ St. Lucie Civic Center | Fort Pierce, Florida, US | TKO | 7 | 32–3–1–3 | |
| 1980-12-01 | Win | Larry Lockhart |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | TKO | 4 | 31–3–1–3 | |
| 1980-10-13 | Win | Andy White |
W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | KO | 2 | 30–3–1–3 | |
| Wins inaugural W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs. Also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact light-heavyweight world champion −175 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1980-07-21 | Win | Rodney Batiste |
P.K.A. World Championship Eliminations @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | Decision | 10 | 2:00 | 29–3–1–3 |
| Wins eliminator for shot at vacant P.K.A. and S.T.A.R. full-contact middleweight world titles against Jean-Yves Thériault. This fight would never materialise, however, due to a number of contractual & promotional issues. | ||||||||
| 1980-06-? | Win | Steve Mackey |
P.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | KO | 1 | 28–3–1–3 | |
| 1980-05-20 | Win | Larry Doggert |
Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | KO | 7 | 27–3–1–3 | ||
| 1980-04-14 | Win | Bernard Clark |
P.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub | Cocoa Beach, Florida, US | TKO | 6 | 26–3–1–3 | |
| 1980-03-05 | Loss | Glenn McMorris |
P.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | TKO | 1 | 25–3–1–3 | |
| Loses P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1980-02-08 | Win | Larry Poore |
West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | TKO | 7 | 25–2–1–3 | |
| 1980-01-? | Win | Greg Strong |
P.K.A. Event | Miami, Florida, US | TKO (Kick) | 7 | 24–2–1–3 | |
| Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs (1st defence). | ||||||||
| 1979-11-10 | Draw | Steve Mackey |
P.K.A. Event | Orlando, Florida, US | Technical Draw | 2 | 23–2–1–3 | |
| 1979-10-23 | Win | Willie Ruffin |
Orlando Sports Stadium | Orlando, Florida, US | TKO | 5 | 23–2–0–3 | |
| 1979-09-15 | Win | Jimmy Horsley |
P.K.A. Event | Orlando, Florida, US | TKO | 7 | 22–2–0–3 | |
| Wins P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1979-08-? | Win | Danny Wedges |
W.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | KO | 1 | 21–2–0–3 | |
| 1979-08-? | Win | John Shields |
Bradenton, Florida, US | TKO | 2 | 20–2–0–3 | ||
| 1979-07-? | Win | Al Durr |
Orlando, Florida, US | KO | 3 | 19–2–0–3 | ||
| 1979-06-23 | Win | Benny Fernandez |
P.K.A. Event | Bradenton, Florida, US | DQ (Hit & Hold Clinching) | 1 | 18–2–0–3 | |
| Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (4th defence). | ||||||||
| 1979-06-09 | Win | Willie Ruffin |
Miami, Florida, US | TKO | 3 | 17–2–0–3 | ||
| 1979-05-26 | Win | Jeff Gripper |
W.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | Decision | 7 | 2:00 | 16–2–0–3 |
| 1979-03-07 | Win | Ted Pryor |
West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | Decision | 7 | 2:00 | 15–2–0–3 |
| 1979-02-17 | Win | Rich Cook |
P.K.A. Event | Stuart, Florida, US | Decision | 7 | 2:00 | 14–2–0–3 |
| Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (3rd defence). | ||||||||
| 1979-01-13 | Win | James Sisco |
P.K.A. Event | Bradenton, Florida, US | TKO | 4 | 13–2–0–3 | |
| Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (2nd defence). | ||||||||
| 1978-12-? | Win | Rick Herranz |
West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | KO | 1 | 12–2–0–3 | |
| 1978-12-02 | Win | Herbie Thompson |
P.K.A. Event | Stuart, Florida, US | Decision | 7 | 2:00 | 11–2–0–3 |
| Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (1st defence). | ||||||||
| 1978-11-18 | Win | Ron Harry |
P.K.A. Event | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US | KO | 1 | 10–2–0–3 | |
| 1978-10-20 | Loss | Robert Biggs |
P.K.A. Event | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | Decision (Split) | 5 | 2:00 | 9–2–0–3 |
| 1978-09-23 | Win | Ted Pryor |
P.K.A. Event | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US | Decision | 5 | 2:00 | 9–1–0–3 |
| Wins P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs. | ||||||||
| 1978-04-08 | Win | Charlie Jordan |
P.K.A. Event | Miami, Florida, US | DQ (Failed Minimum Kicks Rule) | 4 | 8–1–0–3 | |
| 1977-10-08 | Win | Robert Parris |
Melbourne, Florida, US | Decision | 7 | 2:00 | 7–1–0–3 | |
| 1977-09-10 | Win | James Sisco |
P.K.A. Event | Miami, Florida, US | KO (Side Kick to Body) | 3 | 6–1–0–3 | |
| 1977-07-18 | Win | Howard Hayden |
West Palm Beach Auditorium | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | Decision | 5 | 2:00 | 5–1–0–3 |
| 1977-05-? | Win | John Sweet |
Miami, Florida, US | Decision | 5 | 2:00 | 4–1–0–3 | |
| 1977-03-? | Win | Robert Dillard |
Melbourne, Florida, US | Decision | 3 | 2:00 | 3–1–0–3 | |
| 1976-09-? | NC | Herbie Thompson |
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US | No Contest | 5 | 2:00 | 2–1–0–3 | |
| P.K.A. changed result due to improper procedures & equipment which hindered fair competition. | ||||||||
| 1976-05-28 | NC | Rudy Burney |
P.K.A. Event | Tampa, Florida, US | No Contest | 5 | 2:00 | 2–1–0–2 |
| Questionable decision for Burney was changed by P.K.A. due to judging/promoting elements which prevented a fair result for Wilson. | ||||||||
| 1975-11-? | Loss | Steve Shepherd |
Miami, Florida, US | Decision | 3 | 2:00 | 2–1–0–1 | |
| 1975-08-? | Win | Ben Green |
Melbourne, Florida, US | Decision | 5 | 2:00 | 2–0–0–1 | |
| 1975-05-? | Win | Ken Broadway |
Melbourne, Florida, US | KO (Side Kick to Body) | 3 | 1–0–0–1 | ||
| 1975-01-25 | NC | Bill Knoblock |
Space Coast Karate Tournament | Orlando, Florida, US | No Contest | 3 | 2:00 | 0-0-0-1 |
| Part of Wilson's Black Belt examination. P.K.A. changed result to No-Contest which both participants and promoters agreed on. | ||||||||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Exhibition Notes | ||||||||
Professional boxing record
editThis section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (August 2015) |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Date | Round | Time | Event | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss[15] | 6–3–0 | Tim Jones
|
KO | Oct 28, 1986 | 1 | Reseda, California | |||
| Win | 6–2–0 | Roke Harris
|
KO | Jul 25, 1986 | 4 | San Diego, California | |||
| Loss | 5–2–0 |  Miguel Murillo
|
KO | Mar 17, 1986 | 2 | Inglewood, California | |||
| Win | 5–1–0 | Harold Thames
|
TKO | Feb 16, 1983 | 3 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | |||
| Win | 4–1–0 | Dennis Korall
|
PTS | Sep 16, 1982 | 6 | Tampa, Florida | |||
| Win | 3–1–0 | Bob Smith
|
KO | Florida | |||||
| Loss | 2–1–0 |  Unknown
|
TKO | 1 | Florida | ||||
| Win | 2–0–0 | Unknown
|
Florida | ||||||
| Win | 1–0–0 | John L. Johnson
|
TKO | 1 | Cocoa Beach, Florida | Mixed Match: Kickboxer vs. Boxer:Johnson throws up and match is halted. |
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | New York Chinatown | Actor | ||
| 1988 | The Expendables | Wilson | ||
| The Firing Line | Government Soldier | |||
| 1989 | Say Anything... | Sparring Partner | ||
| Bloodfist | Jake Raye | First time in a lead role | ||
| 1990 | Bloodfist II | Jake Raye | ||
| 1991 | Ring of Fire | Johnny Woo | ||
| Future Kick | Walker | |||
| 1992 | Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight | Jimmy Boland | ||
| Blackbelt | Jack Dillon | |||
| Out for Blood | John Decker | Also producer | ||
| Bloodfist IV: Die Trying | Danny Holt | Also producer | ||
| 1993 | Ring of Fire II: Blood and Steel | Johnny Woo | Also producer | |
| Magic Kid | Himself | |||
| 1994 | Bloodfist V: Human Target | Jim Stanton | ||
| Red Sun Rising | Thomas Hoshino | |||
| CyberTracker | Eric Phillips | |||
| 1995 | Bloodfist VI: Ground Zero | Nick Corrigan | Also producer | |
| Ring of Fire 3: Lion Strike (aka: Lion Strike) |
Dr. Johnny Wu | Also storywriter | ||
| Batman Forever | Gang Leader | |||
| Bloodfist VII: Manhunt | Jim Trudell | Also producer | ||
| Cyber-Tracker 2 | Eric | Also producer | ||
| The Power Within | Himself | |||
| Virtual Combat | David Quarry | |||
| 1996 | Bloodfist VIII: Trained to Kill | Rick Cowan / George "Mac" MacReady | ||
| Terminal Rush | Jacob Harper | Also producer | ||
| Night Hunter | Jack Cutter | Also producer | ||
| 1997 | Hollywood Safari | Greg | ||
| Inferno (aka: Operation Cobra) |
Kyle Conners | |||
| Papertrail | FBI Agent Ryu | (As Don Wilson) | ||
| 1998 | Whatever It Takes | Neil | Also Producer | |
| The Prophet (aka: The Capitol Conspiracy) |
Jarrid Maddox | |||
| 2000 | Moving Target | Ray Brock | Also producer | |
| 2002 | Redemption | John Sato Collins | Also producer | |
| Stealing Harvard | Loach's Friend | (As Don Wilson) | ||
| 2004 | Sci-Fighter | Jack Tanaka | Also producer | |
| 2006 | Crooked (aka: Soft Target) |
Danny Tyler | Also producer | |
| 2007 | The Last Sentinel | Tallis | (As Don Wilson); also producer | |
| 2012 | Liberator | "Sidewinder" | Also producer | |
| 2015 | The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power | Gizzan | ||
| Diamond Cartel | Mr. Lo | |||
| The Martial Arts Kid | Glen | |||
| One More Round | Bob Paulson | |||
| Underdog Kids | Himself, Judge | |||
| 2016 | Showdown in Manila | Dillon | ||
| The Horde | War Veteran | |||
| 2017 | Death Fighter | Bobby Pau | ||
| 2018 | The Hitman Agency | "The Dragon" | ||
| Enter the Fist and the Golden Fleecing | Master Duck Suck Song | |||
| 2019 | Devotion | Don "The Dragon" Wilson (as Don "The Dragon" Wilson) | ||
| 2021 | New York Ninja | John Liu (voice) | ||
| 2024 | Black Creek | Xiyang |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Moesha | Himself | Episode: "Break It Down" | |
| 2001 | Walker, Texas Ranger | Himself | Episode: "Legends" | |
| 2002 | Modern Warriors | Himself | TV special | |
| 2009 | Hollywood Lives | Himself | Only appears in one episode. |
Direct-to-video releases
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Top Fighter | Himself | Documentary | |
| 2002 | Mass Destruction | Himself | Documentary | |
| 2003 | How to Be an Action Star | Himself | ||
| 2006 | 18 Fingers of Death! | Himself |
References
edit- ^ "Don The Dragon Wilson". www.ikfkickboxing.com.
- ^ Baker, Timothy (June 1989). The Rodney Dangerfield of Kickboxing: A Conversation With World Champion Don Wilson. Black Belt Magazine. p. 24.
- ^ Dr. Robert Goldman (March 13, 2015). "2015 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees". www.sportshof.org. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ https://www.mandatory.com/fun/193895-exclusive-don-the-dragon-wilson-reveals-the-b-team-cast
- ^ "10 Best 90s DTV Action Stars". 16 July 2023.
- ^ Roddy Piper. "PIPER'S PIT with Roddy Piper". Podcastone.com. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ a b Inside Kungfu August 1992
- ^ "Pai Lum Heritage « Rising Dragon Martial Arts". risingdragonmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ "Frederick Schmitz Obituary (2008) - MERRITT ISLAND, FL - FloridaToday". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
- ^ "LiverKick". LiverKick. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ "2014 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival & Honoree Awards". YouTube. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
- ^ a b c d e f "Don Wilson". Starsystemkickboxing.net. Archived from the original on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ a b "Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Us)". Siamfightmag.com. 1954-09-10. Archived from the original on 2017-07-08. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ "John L Johnson". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ a b "Tim Jones". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ "Batman Forever with Don Wilson". Martial Arts Encyclopedia. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2023-01-24.
- ^ "Dedicated to The Dragon". Don "The Dragon" Wilson. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^ "Career Highlights: Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson Professional Kickboxing Record". (August 1992). Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing magazine, p. 64
- ^ "Space Coast Daily". spacecoastdaily.com. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
External links
edit- Official website
- Don "The Dragon" Wilson Interview on WorldKickboxing.Net
- Don Wilson at IMDb
- Don Wilson at AllMovie
- Don "The Dragon" Wilson Wilson's Site On IKF
- Interview with Don "The Dragon Wilson"