Recently, I spoke with former WBA Light Heavyweight Champ, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Born Eddie Gregory, Muhammad won two New York Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur. Known as "Flame", Muhammad would win the light heavyweight title against Marvin Johnson in 1980 by TKO. He defended twice before losing to Michael Spinks in 1981. He would retire in 1988 with a 50-8-1 record.

Shawn Murphy: Eddie, can you tell me the highlights of your amateur career?

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad: One of the highlights was being an alternate on the 1972 Olympic team. I also won the Golden Gloves titles in 1971 and 1972. I beat Vito Antuofermo in 1971 and Patrick Maloney in 1972.

SM: Where did you get the nickname the "Flame"?

EM: My first manager had a restaurant called The Flame. He said your hands are fast and thatʼs the way we cook the steaks, so we'll call you "Flame".

SM: What about your first title shot against Victor Galindez in 1977? Do you think you actually won that fight?

EM: You know what, everyone said I won that fight, even the announcers. But I was in his territory, so going in I knew it would be rough. Don't get me wrong, Victor Galindez was a very credible champion and it was an honor to fight a guy like that. It was a real good fight, but I thought I beat him. More...

Recently it was my great pleasure to speak with former World Middleweight Champion Vito Antuofermo. Antuofermo was born in Italy, later moving to the United States. Antuofermo was a New York Golden Gloves Champion as an amateur, and won the World Middleweight Championship in 1979 over Hugo Corro.

After a defense over Marvin Hagler in a controversial draw, Antuofermo lost the title to Alan Minter by split decision. Antuofermo, known for a tendency to bleed, would also lose rematches later to Hagler and Minter via TKOʼs.

Well known fighters he would beat included Emile Griffith, Bennie Briscoe, Denny Moyer, Willie Classen and Eckhard Dagge. After a loss in 1985 to Matthew Hilton, Antuofermo retired with a record of 50-7-2.

Shawn Murphy: Mr. Antuofermo, how did you get your start in boxing, was it in Italy or the US?

Vito Antuofermo: I started as an amateur in America at age 17. I had a very good amateur career. I won the Golden Gloves title in 1970. In 1971 I was defeated in the finals by a guy named Eddie Gregory [later known as Eddie Mustafa Muhammad]. Eddie was a future light heavyweight champ and a big puncher. I did beat him the year before that loss.

SM: I have read in a previous interview that winning the Golden Gloves title was as proud a moment as when you won the middleweight title?

VA: Yes, Shawn I still believe that. It was a real honor to win the Golden Gloves. My son wanted the Golden Gloves title real bad too. He was a very good boxer but also was a very good student. He won his first three fights. In his last fight he didnʼt get the decision. I thought it was a bad decision. The guy that beat him ended up winning the title. I was very proud of him. I wouldnʼt want him to go pro, though. More...