Don Wilson (kickboxer)

(Redirected from Don "The Dragon" Wilson)

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
BornDonald Glen Wilson
(1954-09-10) September 10, 1954 (age 70)
Alton, Illinois, U.S.
Other namesThe Dragon
Don Hoshino
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
DivisionLight Heavyweight Cruiserweight
Style
Fighting out ofLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Teacher(s)
  • Danny K. Pai
  • Fred Schmitz
  • Jim Wilson
  • Chuck Merriman
Years active1974–1991, 1999–2002, 2013–Present
Professional boxing record
Total9
Wins6
By knockout4
Losses3
By knockout3
Kickboxing record
Total82
Wins72
By knockout48
Losses5
Draws2
No contests3
Other information
Notable relativesJim Wilson (brother), Kathleen Karridene (wife)
Websitewww.donthedragonwilson.com

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

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Wilson 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

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Wilson 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

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Early 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

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Wilson 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

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Wilson 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

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Wilson 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

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Some 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

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  • 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

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Professional kickboxing record
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

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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

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Film

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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

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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

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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

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[19]

  1. ^ "Don The Dragon Wilson". www.ikfkickboxing.com.
  2. ^ Baker, Timothy (June 1989). The Rodney Dangerfield of Kickboxing: A Conversation With World Champion Don Wilson. Black Belt Magazine. p. 24.
  3. ^ Dr. Robert Goldman (March 13, 2015). "2015 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees". www.sportshof.org. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  4. ^ https://www.mandatory.com/fun/193895-exclusive-don-the-dragon-wilson-reveals-the-b-team-cast
  5. ^ "10 Best 90s DTV Action Stars". 16 July 2023.
  6. ^ Roddy Piper. "PIPER'S PIT with Roddy Piper". Podcastone.com. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  7. ^ a b Inside Kungfu August 1992
  8. ^ "Pai Lum Heritage « Rising Dragon Martial Arts". risingdragonmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  9. ^ "Frederick Schmitz Obituary (2008) - MERRITT ISLAND, FL - FloridaToday". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  10. ^ "LiverKick". LiverKick. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  11. ^ "2014 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival & Honoree Awards". YouTube. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  12. ^ a b c d e f "Don Wilson". Starsystemkickboxing.net. Archived from the original on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  13. ^ a b "Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Us)". Siamfightmag.com. 1954-09-10. Archived from the original on 2017-07-08. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  14. ^ "John L Johnson". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  15. ^ a b "Tim Jones". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  16. ^ "Batman Forever with Don Wilson". Martial Arts Encyclopedia. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2023-01-24.
  17. ^ "Dedicated to The Dragon". Don "The Dragon" Wilson. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  18. ^ "Career Highlights: Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson Professional Kickboxing Record". (August 1992). Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing magazine, p. 64
  19. ^ "Space Coast Daily". spacecoastdaily.com. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
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  NODES
Association 2
COMMUNITY 1
INTERN 3
Note 7