Jean-Yves Thériault vs Don Wilson 12-18-84

The bout took place on December 18, 1984 at the Verdun Auditorium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in front of 7,000 spectators, with the fight set for twelve, two-minute rounds under American kickboxing rules. Neither fighter put any of their titles on the line.
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I am looking for:
Bill Wallace vs Tommy Hearns (exhibition)
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If you have any of the classic Kickboxing fights from the 80's and 90's please email me @ [e-mail]
I am a collector of Kickboxing videos, especially Jean-Yves Thériault's fights. Please email me ([e-mail]) if you have kickboxing videos.

[@dragondon]

I had fun! It seems like a thousand years ago.....Almost all my former opponents are now my friends. I'm not sure they have the same dynamic in MMA because I would never disrespect the martial arts or kickboxing by bringing personal insults into the interviews promoting fights. "The times, they are a changing....." Bob Dylan

[@krugstillo]

Hey Don. You should start to upload your fights here on youtube. Its really hard to find except for a few pieces of your carreer, and im pretty sure lots of people, me included, love your style of fighting.

[@dragondon]

Hi Krug, I have never downloaded anything on KZbin. People just post whatever they want and I have no control over their choices. I will ask a friend if he can help and transfer my fights to a DVD and then to KZbin. Thanks for caring to watch them because it seems like a thousand years ago to me now.

[@gregkelly2698]

Class act, Don. Good on you. Would that there were more of that to go around right now...

[@dragondon]

Thanks Greg, but today's MMA competitors seem to be emulating the Championship Wrestling Playbook for building up audiences. They create a "Good Guy" and a 'Bad Guy" so everyone is more emotionally invested in the outcome. Good marketing but not the image of World Champion Martial Artists which the "Old School" Champions aspired to create.@@gregkelly2698

[@gregkelly2698]

@@dragondon You're more than welcome, Don. I hadn't seen this tape or your match with J-YT, but of course had heard and read about it. And you were as gracious then as you are now. J-YT's comments (in French, after the post-match interview with you) are equally gracious. I went to university in Toronto and followed Jean-Yves' career closely, and went to several, and neither then nor lately have I ever heard him disparage an opponent, even when they may have deserved it. A class act, like you. The MMA-WWF (not the wildlife federation!) comparison strikes me as apt. And pro wrestling gets its DNA from -- wait for it -- medieval morality plays. Very simple moral landscape, and the audience follows suit. I have to wonder as well: how many of today's fighters are juiced, and we know -- especially if you were Canadian and conscious when Ben Johnson was disqualified in the '88 Seoul Olympics -- what these performance-enhancing drugs can to do a person's manner, and manners. We have lost something, I think. But you still have it. Wonderful to see.

[@kaguth]

Classic fight between two kickboxing legends. Jean-Yves is from my home province and I met him at an event once.

[@ronwells8806]

Two of the best, Fighters in the world.

[@robertmucciarone5212]

Brings back sooo many memories, thank you !! any chance you have early fights of Jersey Long, Hennegan, Cyrius ? the undercard to this bout was amazing as well. Montreal was the Vegas of Kickboxing, and Jean-Yves was our Elvis. Thanks for the memories Jean-Yves !!

[@KickboxingVideos]

Thank you for your comment. I have many of the classic kickboxing matches and I will be posting more at some point. I am not sure of I have the other fights you mentioned. If I come across them, I will be sure to post here.

[@barryharrell3355]

I was a judge at this fight and I wish everyone could have seen it from my seat (listen for my name when they call them out: Barry Harrell). Don won the fight as far as I am concerned and up close and personal from where I was sitting it really showed. Don't get me wrong, it was a fantastic fight and with all due respect to Theriault, who is one of the best of all time, seeing it again after 30 years I would still call it the same way as I did that night. You can't really see it on the camera, but Theriault had a big red welt on his left side/back from Don's hooks to the body. To this day I remember hearing them hit. SLAP! I mean they stung Theriault and made me flinch. I remember how the crowd was chanting Theriault when he came in, and then chanting Wilson at the end of the fight. If you want to know what Theriault and Wilson thought that night, just look at their faces and at their corner men while they waited for the decision. There is no question when you see their faces. Again, all due respect to Mr. Theriault. He is an amazing fighter and I love to see him fight. That was not an easy fight for either of them. What a fight - a night that has been etched in my mind for all of these years.

[@OverSooll]

what an amazing time for martial arts ! never equaled

[@johnbuck9701]

That's awsome. Thanks for the comment. It must really be neat to see it again and comments to don and so on. This is a really cool way to connect with folks.

[@DennisAlexioAndyHug]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR UPLOADING

[@rick00770]

Theriault clearly the better fighter here despite his age and wear and tear. , though Wilson is no slouch. It’s been a pleasure following all the great martial artist,s since about 1962. They were an inspiration. Great Video. Subscribed.

[@jayskyrunner]

glad i found this, Lo ve Don the Dragon, growing up as a martial artist and watching his movies also And Jean Yves was my intstuctors kickboxing teacher. That was cool to find out, and then to meet him at seminars in my town

[@tomg2946]

A fair result actually, if Jean Yves didnt get that knock down, an edge to Don. Great fighters either way.

[@lebowe385]

thanks for posting

[@ukraineazerbaijan8113]

Дон Вилсон доминировал большинство раундов и был точнее и активнее,но из-за пропущенного нокдауна,присудили ничью,вполне справедливо )

[@omegasquad868]

to the OP be careful with youtube and posting fights they banned Steve Armstrong for posting certain fights but also look up Steve Armstrong on FB he is hands down the biggest fight collector especially Muay Thai and Kickboxing

[@OverSooll]

the commentators didn't give a dime on Don's head and spoke even borderline disrespectful or at least with disdain, until the 4th round, they started to be amazed at the Dragon's skills and grace, I enjoyed listening to their discovering who the Dragon is, that fight is precious like a landmark in time

[@omegasquad868]

both great world champions but Mr. Wilson did dare to fight internationally and with success one of the few American who had success internationally

[@krugstillo]

Man. Put more american kickboxing videos on youtube, please please please. Or give me a link where i can see your fights. I love them all, Alexio, Wilson, Theriault, Billye Jackson, Havanas, Roufus, Kaman, Bad Brad

[@KickboxingVideos]

Well said!!! That is why I began posting the classic kickboxing videos. I hoped that posting them would get others to post theirs. The "good ole days" of kickboxing are gone but there are plenty of kickboxing fans around the world that have these fights.

[@leelemaire5716]

Très beau combat respectueux. Bravo Iceman.

[@karolnowak2678]

Świetna walka 🥊🥊

[@fmills1583]

This is the Ali-Frazer of the full contact karate world. Too bad this sport didn't reach the popularity of boxing or MMA.

[@jefferysteen1041]

2 all time Legends meeting in their prime!!

[@johnnymatteis3452]

His footwork is great. I'm more a boxing enthusiast. but I enjoy watching MMA also and I always bring up the footwork lacking in MMA and I'm always told it's because you have to have a more squared stance for kicking. This proves that's not true. He's as sideways as you can get.

[@kevingundelach8753]

I remember reading an article in Black Belt Magazine or maybe karate Illustrated and they interview Don Wilson and he said he wasn't particularly pleased with his kicks because he said he leaned back while throwing them well I'll tell you from this fight there was very good technique ,and very little leaning ,very impressive to say the least especially when you got somebody like Jean Yves coming at you.

[@jefferysteen1041]

2 legends!!

[@KickboxingVideos]

Agreed!!!!

[@elimeleckelimeleck1122]

I'm big fan of yours sir 🇵🇷♿😊

[@redfoot69]

Too bad no rematch ever happened

[@ericrecano8557]

I have a hard time deciding who was the greatest American kickboxer of all time between Benny Urquidez and Don Wilson-but of u look at the dragons resume-it’s go all these future champions in UFC K-1-and Kick boxing like Of Course Jean Yves, Dennis Alexio, Branko Cikatick, Maurice Smith….I’d have to say as far as American Kick Boxing goes…Don Wilson is the greatest ever…his resume is astounding knowing what some of his future opponents would achieve later in their careers

[@DavidMaslo-yd9yc]

Against the ice man i gotta watchvthis one.

[@lynnlRDR-RDR2]

I've been watching all of Don's movies on tubi this last week and actually just discovering him just now but did not realizing I have seen him in a few movies expecially Walker which I watched when Walker was airing. And now watching this to learn more about Don

[@stevenpaul5540]

Two class acts

[@garysappier6903]

Such a great fight, two warriors who are such great fighters. Much respect to both of you. Don Wilson, what were your thoughts at the 9th round when you looked in your corner after the knock down? Cheers.

[@dragondon]

Oooops....

[@antetutic3600]

zwe kikboxing legende.haben gut gekemft.respekt an beide

[@mtolivesecurityshipping5455]

Paul Vizzio from Brooklyn NY was an incredible Kung Fu kickboxing champion. Upload his fights.

[@pierrel4525]

I cannot imagine how could I have been doing this sport in the eighties when I watch it today it is so boring without any action and power and even speed. These guys are only champions because there is NO competition like in boxing.

[@steveflynn7950]

Despite the knockdown by JVT in ninth both fighters showed tremendous respect for each others fighting skills and didn't fight each other like they've fought others. Both conservative but capable of KO power n that this ernt the distance to me shows a mutual respect and I think they kinda held back tbh.

[@JimKat5646]

Amazing cardio

[@fmills1583]

Don's highest paying fight was against Dick Kimber. Don made $150,000 for that fight. So Don made less than that for this fight, that is criminal how little these guys got paid.

[@jeffreywright2294]

Have to love them both the Ice Man the Dragon

[@MRPERFECT_79]

REF LOOKS LIKE PAUL BEARER IN A NINJA SUIT

[@usmarinesgt108]

I really like seeing benny urquidez early fights from his point sparring days.. don is there any video of your point sparring days?

[@ronwells8806]

Crazy statement!

[@deejin25]

The most shocking thing about this fight was seeing a fully clothed ring girl. Talk about a classy event. two fighters showing respect, before during and after, and a ring girl in a long dress like she's presenting the oscars.

[@solitarizeppeli9547]

6:29 just a remainder for when i come back

[@lynnlRDR-RDR2]

I was 9 months old then lol

[@jamesvaughn1090]

Do have more don Dragon Wilson fight

[@KickboxingVideos]

Mr. Vaughn, I have several of Don Wilson's fights. I do plan on posting more videos and I will be sure to include some of Don Wilson's other fights!!

[@jamesvaughn1090]

All right thanks u can't wait.

[@jeanfrancoisethier7608]

Theriault received a local decision: it happens a lot when you go fight in the champion backyard. When he lost his title to Petridis many years later he should have gotten the decision Jean-Yves failed at making the adjustments: Wilson would start every round the exact same way.

[@barryharrell3355]

What do you mean "Theriault received a local decision"? I don't understand, please forgive me if I misunderstood you. The fight was a draw - I was one of the judges at that fight (you hear my name called out at the beginning, "Barry Harrell," and can see me in a blue suit, brown hair and a beard on the right side of the ring - looking at it from the camera's view). The two US judges (me and Paul Maslak) went for Don and the two Canadian judges went for Theriault.

[@violent_bebop9687]

So out of 12 rounds , I thought Don won a few more than Theriault.

[@TheMundusvultdecipi]

@@barryharrell3355 He meant the Canadian judges were biased and handed the win to Theriault knowing that Wilson won the fight.

[@user-oh3je5vl3y]

Theriault was a yellow belt for most of his fighting career!!

[@barryharrell3355]

Look at the end of the fight - watch the two fighters and see how they react. It is clear that Theriault did not think he won. He looks upset, pacing back and fourth and his cornermen do not look happy. But Don looks very happy and so do his cornermen. They knew he won and the reactions of the two sides tell you that. Theriaul is a great fighter, but I was ringside and you don't get the same feel for the fight watching it online. Also, look at Theriaul's left side later in the fight. It is red. It is very hard to see on film, but I will never forget it - up close it was bright red and every time Don hooked him there (look for it in the fight, it happened a lot), it sounded like a punching bag being slapped. It made me cringe after a while when I would hear that SMACK! and see the red welts.

[@DavidMaslo-yd9yc]

❤ 2:30 2:33 2:35 3:04

[@maxime5217]

From Ottawa? Isn't he from Paquetville?

[@jeanfrancoisethier7608]

Ottawa was where he was living throughout is career not his birthplace

[@jaipaulsethi6880]

Don may have landed more total points, none were powerful- i would have to give it to JYT, he took the middle of the ring the entire fight, Don could not hurt him, and that 9th round was dominant with a knock down - slight favor to Theriault for the W

[@bill1982ify]

I apoligize if I offend anyone but I've seen so many bouts and boxed for 10 years mostly in Boston and New york. I'm nothing special but I love fights and this was by far not a good fight I think I watched guys just starting out give a better performance. I waited so long for this bout and this was a lackluster performance by Jean. I still can't get it out of my mind how angry I was. If you haven't seen a lot of fights look up jean yves in other bouts. He usually goes after guys like roberto Duran. I don't know why or if he ever tried regular boxing. I'm sorry to me this fight was like exabition to me.

[@user-oh3je5vl3y]

Both over trained and were overly cautious I recall reading that

[@user-oh3je5vl3y]

Reminds me of Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad. Both undefeated champs, lousy fight

[@michaelanthonyg3851]

The dragonnnnnnnn

[@user-oh3je5vl3y]

I've always heard Wilson was robbed and why the F were there 4 judges???

[@MacLeodRoy]

I had it 115-112 Wilson with the sound off.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

What is this "Hoshino" crap? I thought he was Don "The Dragon" Wilson?

[@jeremybrackett877]

How much money they make back then.

[@bill1982ify]

This fight was like an exibition bout Wilson just kept running and throwing silly side kicks my 15 year old son could have walked through. I thought Jean-yves was trying to throw the fight and let Wilson go into movies like he wanted. Usually when someone fought Jean like this he run threw those easy kicks and knock the guy out. I honestly cannot remember until he got old a fight when he just kept following around the ring with an opponent. I said to my wife he is throwing the bout on purpose. I waited for this bout for so long and was discusted with Theriault. Had to be the worst fight I ever seen from two men with this fighting ability. Especially Theriault who I thought would knock this guy out in 5or6 rounds. I also seen wilson 2 times and he was far better in past bouts i seen. So disappointed in Jean who I know was better then this guy in this type of fight because he was by far the best and hardest puncher in his class. I went to see a battle and came out yelling exibition bout.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

klown show for d rabble

[@DUARTE99]

Wow. I haven’t seen this in forever! Thank you for posting this! And Wilson is still a punk who made crappy movies.

[@rick00770]

Wilson is to much of a showboater, Jean Jves is much better fighter. And I’m American.

[@mategradac199]

Wilson won here

[@huliqan]

draw ? ))) Jean-Yves Thériaul more punches threw. more!)

[@cristiandworjanyn8151]

👍👍👍🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷😂😂😂

[@lylesuperfoot]

don Wilson a remarkable champion, sideways stance great kicks , awesome punching combos, him bill Wallace , benny the jet ,joe lewis, pete Cunningham phenoms.Just don't enjoy mma the striking is subpar to me.

[@ronwells8806]

Two Great s

[@nelsonguenen197]

Bad decision.

[@richardresseguier1]

Deux commentateurs nuls

[@jfethier5604]

Un des deux est encore actif malheureusement

[@RingJando]

Wilson ran & ran & ran . . . WTF was he there to dance or fight?

[@killcancer6499]

He threw an awful lot of punches and kicks for a guy who was "running." He did use the whole ring, but what do you expect? The Canadian had power which deserved respect. Some people don't know the difference between boxing and running. Running is when you use the whole ring to avoid conflict. Boxing is when you use the ring to set up your offense and/or counters.

[@rick00770]

My thought exactly, he showboats too much.Theriault is much better. Although I think he wasn’t at the top of his game in this fight. He is still the best.

[@shushane1]

Don won this hands down..knew everything Jean was doing..maybe even took a dive to make the fight more exciting..

[@MartinPoirier]

I don't think so. He was knocked out.

[@killcancer6499]

@@MartinPoirier he was knocked down legitimately although he was caught moving backwards and was probably a little off balance.

[@1iuh]

Совсем не зрелищно - скучно и однообразно.

[@yopchagi79]

I've never seen anyone land that many side kicks in a kickboxing match. They must have fought in Canada, though I admire Theriout it's no way he won enough rounds for a tie, even with a 10-8 for the knockdown.