DaVarryl Williamson

DaVarryl Williamson

Age: 36 (7/25/68) Alias: Touch of Sleep Residence: Aurora, Colorado Birthplace: Washington, D.C. Record: 21–3, 17KO’s Height: 6’4” Weight: 220 lbs Reach: 80” Promoter: Don King Productions Trainer: George Durbin Webpage: www.tosboxing.com

Accolades:  Professional Record: 21–3, 17KO’s

 Former NABF & WBO Latino American Heavyweight Champion. Ranked as high as #10 by the WBC, #6 by the WBO & #8 by the IBF

 National Golden Gloves Champion – 1996, 1999

 United States National Heavyweight Champion – 1996 through 1998* (*1st and only Heavyweight to ever accomplish this feat)

 10-Time National Amateur Boxing Champion

 Goodwill Games Silver Medalist – 1998

 USA Olympic Team – First Alternate – 1996

 Olympic Festival Champion – 1995

 American Boxing Classic Champion – 1995, 1996, 1999

 National Police Athletic League Champion – 1999

 Amateur Record: 120–17–1, 103 KO’s (88% KO rate)

 His professional opponents have a combined record of 337–150–6

Personal: The road to this point in this career has been a struggle. DaVarryl was born to poverty, in the rough streets of inner city Washington, DC. He was born to a mother addicted to drugs and a father addicted to a life of crime. He spent his youth shuffled between foster-homes and between schools until his father chose to re-establish himself in DaVarryl’s life at the age of 11. Although this reunion was not a cure-all, it gave DaVarryl enough stability to move forward instead of backward on the dangerous path he was beginning to take. DaVarryl had his troubles, but when he finally discovered athletics the straight and narrow path became ever increasingly inviting.

These athletic talents were not limited to football; in fact, DaVarryl was twice given All Inter-high basketball honors. Because of his talents, he was awarded the opportunity to play football at Rochester Community College in Minnesota, and later at Wayne State College in Nebraska. Williamson quarterbacked the Wayne State Wildcats (NE) for two seasons, leading to tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football). A self-proclaimed ‘jack of all trades’, Williamson would also fill in as team mascot on occasion, and could often be spotted joining the ‘Yell Team’ from time to time.

Failed tryouts with NFL teams led DaVarryl to try boxing as another way to improve his odds. At the age of 25, he stepped into the ring for the first time. His talent was so immediately evident that after only two short years he won a spot on the 1996 Olympic Team as the first alternate. While training for the Olympics, Williamson finished his Master’s Degree at the University of Northern Michigan.

He finished his amateur career with a record of 120–17–1, 103KOs, including victories over current Heavyweight Champion (WBO) Lamon Brewster and current top contender Monte Barrett.

He is currently married to wife Shalifa and they have two wonderful children, Dontel & Alayana. DaVarryl prides himself on being ‘Mr. Mom’, driving his children to daycare, preparing meals and planning all the family outings. His family is his life, and no decisions are made without consulting each member of the family.

When asked to name his proudest achievement, and without hesitation you will hear him speak of his education. “You don’t really go to school to learn. Learning is a process that takes place every day. School helped me increase my ability to think. When I increased my ability to think, I made better decisions in life and I made better decisions in the ring, because I am constantly challenging my brain to think differently.” says Williamson.

Education:

Masters of Arts, Administrative Services --1998 --Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI

Bachelor of Science, Recreation — 1993 — Wayne State College, Wayne, NE