The 'Hand Grenade' Legacy
An in-depth exploration of the life and career of David Bey, from amateur triumphs to professional challenges and his lasting impact on the sport of heavyweight boxing.
Who Was David? ๐ View Record ๐Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Introducing David Bey
Early Life & Amateur Foundations
Born David Bey on March 11, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his journey into boxing began with a personal goal: weight loss. This initial pursuit quickly revealed a natural talent, leading him to become an outstanding amateur boxer. His dedication and skill earned him a coveted spot on the prestigious U.S. All Army Boxing Team, laying a robust foundation for his professional aspirations.
Professional Ascent & USBA Title
Bey made his professional debut in 1981, immediately making a significant impact by defeating James "Buster" Douglas, who would later become an undisputed world heavyweight champion, via a second-round knockout. He rapidly built an impressive undefeated record of 14โ0. During this period, he notably became the first boxer to stop the resilient veteran contender George Chaplin with a TKO in the fourth round. His ascent culminated in a decisive victory over Greg Page, a future WBA heavyweight champion, in a 12-round decision, securing him the United States Boxing Association (USBA) heavyweight championship.
The Championship Challenge
In March 1985, David Bey earned a highly anticipated title shot against the formidable International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes. The bout, a pinnacle of his career, saw Bey start strongly. However, Holmes's experience and power proved overwhelming, as he knocked Bey down twice in the eighth round. The referee ultimately halted the contest in the tenth round, marking Bey's first professional defeat and the end of his undefeated streak.
Career Trajectory
Post-Title Setbacks
The loss to Larry Holmes proved to be a pivotal moment in Bey's career, as he reportedly never fully regained his prior confidence. In his subsequent comeback fight, he faced Trevor Berbick and lost his USBA title via an 11th-round technical knockout. This period marked a challenging transition from contender to a different role within the heavyweight division.
'Opponent' Status & Global Bouts
Following his championship challenges, Bey was often cast in the role of an 'opponent,' facing a series of notable heavyweights. His career took him across continents, engaging in bouts against formidable fighters such as James "Bonecrusher" Smith, Joe Bugner in Australia, Tyrell Biggs, and Johnny DuPlooy in South Africa. These fights, while not always resulting in victories, showcased his enduring presence in the sport.
Retirement, Comeback, and Final Bout
David Bey initially retired from boxing in 1987 after his loss to Johnny DuPlooy. However, the allure of the ring drew him back, and he made a comeback in 1990, compiling a record of 3 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw during this period. His final professional fight occurred in 1994 in Macao, China, where he concluded his career with a victory, knocking out David Jaco. After his boxing career, Bey resided in China for a time before returning to the United States and resuming his work in construction. Tragically, he passed away in 2017 due to a construction accident in Camden, New Jersey, at the age of 60.
Professional Boxing Record
Detailed Fight History
David Bey's professional career spanned 30 fights, culminating in 18 wins (14 by knockout, 4 by decision), 11 losses (8 by knockout, 3 by decision), and 1 draw. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of his professional boxing record.
Key Encounters
Defining Victories
David Bey's early career was marked by a series of impressive wins that established him as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. These victories demonstrated his power and technical skill, propelling him into the championship picture.
Championship Aspirations
Bey's career included two significant championship bouts that, while not resulting in titles, were defining moments against top-tier heavyweights of his era.
International Engagements
As his career progressed, David Bey's boxing journey took him to various international venues, facing opponents in different parts of the world.
Enduring Legacy
A Force in the Ring
David Bey, known as "Hand Grenade," emerged as a powerful and promising heavyweight in the early 1980s. His undefeated streak and capture of the USBA title underscored his potential to reach the sport's highest echelons. His ability to secure 14 knockouts among his 18 victories speaks volumes about his offensive capabilities and the excitement he brought to his fights.
The Turning Point
The championship bout against Larry Holmes represented a critical juncture in Bey's career. While a loss, it placed him on the grand stage against one of boxing's legends. The aftermath of this fight, characterized by a reported decline in confidence and a shift to 'opponent' status, illustrates the profound psychological and professional challenges that can follow a high-stakes defeat in professional sports.
Beyond the Ropes
Bey's narrative extends beyond his boxing career, encompassing a period living in China and a return to a construction profession in the United States. His life, marked by the highs of athletic achievement and the subsequent transitions, concluded tragically in 2017. David Bey's journey offers a poignant reflection on the transient nature of athletic glory and the diverse paths individuals navigate after their time in the spotlight.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "David Bey" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Boxing record for David Bey. BoxRec.com.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports analysis, historical research, or biographical expertise. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified historians or sports journalists for specific details and interpretations. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.