Emanuel Augustus Documentary - The Legend of the Drunken Master

A look back at the career of Emanuel Augustus.

[@SuperCrazyEstonian]

Bittersweet ending. But it brings joy to my heart knowing that he is training young fighters now.

[@drinfernodds]

I don't know if it's mentioned in the video since I haven't finished it, but my favorite story was that Augustus would spar people wearing jeans and would dominate them.

[@Night-op7zf]

On a side note, Augustus vs Prince Naseem would be more of a dance-off than a fight.

[@blackdog4553]

​@@Night-op7zf😂😂 that would've been a good fight. Both had tricky dance moves with tremendous punching power.

[@blurredlights5235]

i hope i get to train with him someday he's my hero. hometown hero, at that.

[@OliverOils]

​@@Night-op7zf Prince is too small though but if they fought at a catch weight at 133 or something, it could be possible

[@beefcakebrown]

I wonder if the drunken master knows how much love he's gotten since his career has ended

[@asheru9254]

I first to pay homage to the drunken master!

[@williamfarrell4754]

Thus da dude... London says magnificent

[@Sheahova]

and the last to speak english XD

[@honestspoon]

I noticed that in the Mayweather fight the announcers ignored almost everything Emmanuel did and just kept praising Floyd, i mean floyd was winning the fight even before the stoppage but still

[@robertpitts8161]

So u just wanted to bring up Floyd?

[@AwestruckOffRoadingHertz]

Floyd was clearly on the promoters come up list.

[@MrNewtonian]

I agree the bias was sickening.

[@kevindowney1568]

Floyd said that was his toughest fight of his career!

[@Jonathan-pp3du]

They didn't ignore what Burton did. But Mayweather was hitting him 10 times to every one time Burton hit him. So what did you expect? This wasn't an even fight by any stretch of the imagination.

[@Thunder_Bear_mg]

I saw Emanuel Augustus fight twice at the Hampton beach casino vs Mickey ward and Ray Olivera. For the mickey ward fight, I went with my brother who bought the tickets as a birthday present. One of the best birthday gifts ever. I didn’t really know of Emanuel Augustus before that fight but I certainly payed attention to his career closely after this fight. I’ve always said if Augustus was managed properly he could have been a very solid world champion.

[@luke125]

I was at both of those fights too. During the Ward fight the lights went out. Do you remember that? Epic fight.

[@Chris-di2fv]

He was his best against Ray wasn't he he is special fighter you can't teach this Leprechaun magical boxing just doing what he did against Ray Oliveras

[@Laneganswake]

That was a slugfest! Great fight

[@Essays4College]

A judge actually scored that Augustus-Ward fight 98-91 ?????

[@bola5671]

It's about time we all pay absolute respect to one of the hidden gods of boxing

[@Laneganswake]

His record wasn't great but he just loves to fight he loves getting into slugfests. It says he didn't even watch tape in prep for the other fighters. He has a blast while he's in the ring though

[@Kal-El207]

@@LaneganswakeHis record is the way it is because judges hated how he would fight. They didn’t understand that his style wasn’t showboating all the time, it was also his rhythm.

[@mider-spanman5577]

The Drunken Master! This is the one I have been waiting on because he never had anything easy, and he was screwed over so many times in both his life, and his career. The man was shot in the head! I believe that is what ended his legendary boxing career. Such a tragic tale of not born in the right era, and one of much hardship. He still has perseverance though. I'm glad so many more people know about him and are giving him his flowers while he is still here. 🥊

[@SuperCrazyEstonian]

There was a documentary being made about him and his last attempt at glory in boxing. But then he got shot. It was some novice who apparently had spent years on the project, but it just disappeared. A real shame.

[@deduderi5795]

I would argue that Augustus was actually born in the right era, as he was able to fight marquee opponents and fight in front of huge crowds and television watchers, which gave him the recognition he deserved. Unfortunately, he also fought in an era of absolute talents and superstars, especially around his divisions. In today's however-many belt era, I could see him winning a strap or at the very least challenging for more of them.

[@jeremysipes44]

I thought I knew boxing but I can't say that this dude rings a bell.🤨🤔

[@hiphopjewels]

Teddy Atlas gave him credit, and Floyd Mayweather gave him credit too. Floyd still occasionally mentions Emanuel Augustus in interviews. That "fight of the year" with Mickey Ward was more like a draw than a unanimous decision. He was robbed on that one too. Sorry to hear what happened with him being shot and his long lasting injuries and retirement as a result. He brought a lot to boxing, heart, skill and pure entertainment. I'm a fan, dude is a living legend in the sport.

[@APAMVs]

I remember reading that Teddy Atlas got mad and apparently fought with one of the judges or all of them on what happened. I respect Teddy a lot, he loses it when it comes to robberies.

[@benlogan430]

My favorite boxer of all time! He wasn’t clowning it was his style and he was a really good boxer. He should of had his shot after one certain run.

[@KlaxxJaxx1984]

He's been cheated way too much out of the decisions of his fights clearly his record didn't reflect his talent thanks for uploading this small doc rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure.

[@bola5671]

Almost exactly how Floyd felt he had to praise him

[@federicozambelli2045]

Damn, probably one of the most underrated boxer... Such a shame. He was amazing.

[@jumpinjojo]

What was his rating?

[@federicozambelli2045]

@@jumpinjojo really dont know his rating at the time. Sorry

[@Duel1982]

In today's era with a promoter he could've been Protected to a 20-0 record. Dude was legitimately better than most of the lower weight fighters of today.

[@u4ea70]

Oh man, so bummed to hear about his financial issues, homelessness and injury but so happy to hear he is doing what he loves now. I hope he is happy and content. Great doc Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, U4 EA

[@garyclarke2385]

Unfortunately this is a story told far to often back in those days...I ONLY LOOKED UP THIS " DRUNKEN MASTER " after Floyd mayweather actually said that Agustos was his toughest opponent....its a shame to see so many others get rich of this man's fight anyone, anyplace anytime attitude.... I hope he has great success with the future boxer's he's training aswell as passing along all the knowledge about promoters and agent's to be aware of.....HE'S A PART OF BOXING HISTORY THAT'S FOR SURE 👍 👌 👏 💯... GREAT DOCUMENTARY TELLING UNFORTUNATELY ANOTHER FIGHTER WHO WAS LEFT BROKEN.....

[@itsnotme3882]

@@garyclarke2385fighters are left broken when they don’t value themselves. Burton played video games, smoked pot and didn’t take his career seriously. He didn’t care if he got beat up. He threw fights and just wanted the pay days. He could have taken this seriously, made real sacrifices and had more than just a career. Journeymen are journeymen for two reasons. They either don’t have the skill or they don’t have the will to be more. Burton had the skill. He wouldn’t respect his body or the gym enough to be more than what he became. I actually think he didn’t really believe in himself very much. If he thought that he would have been able to win decisions he would have trained more. But he always felt cheated by the judges and he just said “whatever”. I have a lot of respect for him, but part of me wishes he would have seen this great fighter reach fulfillment. I hope he is teaching those around him more than just his story.

[@fresh4335]

@@garyclarke2385tbf he never took boxing seriously, wqs basically an much more skilled and underrated prince hamed

[@blaisehanon]

Vow ,just vow.. the sheer talent of this guy is out of this world.. the counters,distance control,body work,in and out defense and the heart and stamina is beyond human..

[@kmyles405]

Highly underrated in the boxing world. Brought a style NO ONE could mimic, and should definitely be recognized as a potential HOF somewhere in the sport of boxing or combative sports.

[@jumpinjojo]

What was his rating?

[@HavaOwensMMA]

Love this man's style, and always looked up to him from the beginning.

[@eol6632]

In Ward vs Burton, love how much Steve Smoger was enjoying the fight. Man had the best seat in the house

[@dorgenois100]

He was the face of Friday Night Fights

[@huflungdung8252]

loved watching him on espn back in the day

[@Dannys_Dimensions]

Emanuel Augustus is a real one I’ve had a few conversations with him. Real underrated fighter despite his losses

[@jumpinjojo]

What was his rating?

[@cj88macleod]

The only boxers record that truly deserves a few ammendments

[@Manny-nm8dh]

I used to believe that, but he said himself he didn't take it seriously. He was fun to watch though.

[@kuwaitisnotadeployment1373]

O yeah Rich made my day waking up to this one 😉

[@robertquinsey9969]

His showboating went against him with the judges as he was a better fighter than his record suggests.Good to see him mentoring young fighters after his terrible injury.

[@Methadone4Life]

One of my favorite all-time fighters. If he had a decent management team that would not keep putting him in shitty situations...he most definitely could have been a champion. Most entertaining fighter of that era...bar none.

[@deduderi5795]

Thanks for talking about one of the most under-appreciated fighters in the 90s, Rich. A tragedy that although he was adored by fans and pundits, the judges and referees always seemed to have something against him. Unlike someone with a similar style during that era, Roy Jones Jr, Augustus was always the B-side, getting shafted in terms of prep time and scorecards, while Jones was virtually the consensus pound-for-pound fighter in his long reign. From an article about his post-boxing life, he seems to have taken his losses both in the ring and out in stride. Just goes to show you don't need to be a superstar to win the hearts of fans!

[@roncoleman9502]

Very well said my friend

[@rdallas81]

Facts.

[@HkFinn83]

Ok he was an interesting fighter and worthy of respect but you’re drastically overrating his level, he wasn’t in the same league as RJJ

[@ArveeEco]

Love this man's style! One of the most underrated, underappreciated ... under everything! If these you tubers fought like him... sheesh! I'd watch all day.

[@jeffbrown1611]

One of the greatest gatekeepers of all time bout time he got his proper due. Mayweather still says to this day Drunken Master was his toughest fight, and you can clearly see why Floyd had to change his style later. One more time tho Rich would love to see a doc on Eddie Hopson!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

It'll be a while on Hopson but that's a good recommendation.

[@jansonmeachemsr.6841]

Big mf factz I just watch on KZbin Flody talking bout drunk master

[@jjstratford]

8:08 check out that sequence in full speed. Then watch it again in 0.25-0.5x speed and notice how slick Augustus’ defensive movement was. Just incredible reflexes and IQ, particularly when you consider the opponent 🐐

[@gerryd7027]

Nice one Rich. I can see why the fight with ward got fight of the year. Massive respect to this warrior a true fighter in and out of the ring. 🥊😎

[@donnellvickers6314]

Aw man, a stray bullet, DAMM why that had to happen to him of all people, but he came out of it, just goes to show what a FIGHTER he is through and through ❤ Great 👍 video RICH

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Donnell

[@sergelipshitz8000]

Salve Augustus! Never mind his record. Never mind he held no belt .Never mind many decisioned him,quite a few rightly so.Never mind he ended poor, and didn't know how to insure and manage himself( if he did ,would he fight like that ) .But title holders,and better boxers,even hall -of -famers that beat him will be forgotten. That man will stay (an unofficiall ) legend .

[@christopherbellore3511]

Thanks for another great narrative, Rich. My top two favorite fighters are Archie Moore, and Marvin Hagler; that said, Emmanuel Augustus is somewhere in my top 5 favorites.

[@bajaborracho9139]

Another superb production Rich. The drunken master might be the most deeply respected boxer in modern times. True old school road warrior. I can tell you from experience its hard to turn down road money when you're broke but you know going in you need a knockout to get a draw. Funny my manager used to tell me even if you lose who the hell is ever going to know?😂 Thank you Rich for shining a light on boxing's finest road warrior.

[@marcoslaureano5562]

I don't know dude. Glen "ROAD WARRIOR" Johnson literally has like ten defeats that were straight robberies because he'd go anywhere anytime to fight. AND he put Roy to SLEEP.

[@bajaborracho9139]

@@marcoslaureano5562 good call brother!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Baja

[@jewelcitizen2567]

If this man had the punching power to match his insane ability, he would easily have had worldwide recognition. Incredibly talented, entertaining and courageous…

[@billyrayvalentine9923]

Another great piece by Rich the Fight Historian. Augustus vs Mickey Ward was one of my favorite fights to watch. Thanks Rich for all your hard work keeping these legends of the fight game alive.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you Billy Ray

[@scottieeasley4907]

He's a little fella he doesn't have like stone cold power but he was hard to hit and he was very very good he knew fluid dynamics bro. Very talented. It's a shame that someone shot him out here in Baton Rouge

[@MREGGGOD1]

Legend baby 👍🥊👍

[@brianbattaglia2187]

top 5 on my all time favs. Him vs Ward was amazing, when Smoger says he’s loves them at end was beautiful

[@donohoe71]

believe it or not, Frank Warren had Ricky Hatton potentially face Burton, as he was called at the time. I've even got a fight poster naming Burton as opponent against the Hitman.

[@pizzulo8111]

One of the most entertaining fighters ever. He was much better than his record showed. For years, Mayweather said Emanuel Burton was his toughest fight.

[@andrewmorris6187]

What a fighter. If only he had a good promoter, he would of been champion.

[@reubenrodriguez5581]

The greatest fighter to never be in the spotlight. You don't just give guys like Mayweather and Ward great fights.

[@kuwaitisnotadeployment1373]

​@Ralph Reilly not to mention multiple fight of the years

[@reubenrodriguez5581]

I mean he wasn't that popular despite having those fights before you know what I mean? He probably would have had a better record if his fights were better judged

[@gianluocchi6515]

Emmanuel Augustus !!! LOVE and RESPECT from Italy !

[@gianluocchi6515]

"he's not a champion, but to beat him, you have to be a champion" ..., Cit.

[@roadrunner381]

I was impressed by his will to win, he never quit, a real GLADIATOR, respect to the man! 🥊🌍🌛🌞

[@marcoslaureano5562]

YES! Been WAITING on this one. I knew you'd get to him eventually. Rich strikes AGAIN!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, thanks ,Marcos.

[@davidbolen8982]

My favorite boxing channel. Rich scores again. Keeping their greatness alive. 54k subs… soon to be 100k

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, David.

[@hugoprimera5995]

Full respect to him, was not a fan of his in his fighting days but I am now.🥊

[@richardanderson8135]

Another great video with excellent footage and Narration

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Richard.

[@richardanderson8135]

@@RichtheFightHistorian I am addicted to this channel and that says a lot because I’m really particular about what I watch

[@Mandarintoenail1]

I don’t know how I’m 3 days late seeing the notification for this... Emanuel is one of my all time favorites. Great video as always, Rich. I’ve always told people to watch him v Ward to see that he wasn’t just the “drunken master.” The dude could box, brawl, slip and move. I personally think he’s one of the boxing geniuses and is slept on by many because of how his career was molded. Took so many fights on a week or less notice. I think he loves boxing and understands it so much that he messes around with rhythm and timing and his dancing and goofing around. I use the chess analogy for boxing usually, but how he would slip while dancing or catch someone with a hard counter hook while in the groove is nothing short of poetry

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, as another commenter described, Augustus definitely had a "flow state".

[@abudujana13]

What a superb talent! Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, abudujana

[@stevenminks5828]

So much fun to watch on ESPN 2 back in the day! Gave Mayweather a tough fight! He was never afraid to fight anybody on short notice!

[@Padilla4042]

Awesome! Thanks for covering this fighter so well

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Earnest.

[@angelmanfredy]

No sad ending. Fought back gave back and lives a life of worth.

[@BruceLee-ro5eh]

I always liked the Drunken Master style from him!!!👍😁🥊

[@Kidgavilan700]

Thanks Rich A guy who deserves to be remembered

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, James.

[@luke125]

I saw Emmanuel Burton fight many times here in New England including the FOTY in 2001 against Mickey Ward at the Hampton Beach Ballroom in NH. Loved watching Burton/Augustus fight.

[@tllhy1591]

One of the most UNDERRATED FIGHTERS EVER!!! GREAT, GREAT FIGHTER!!!! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!

[@jumpinjojo]

What was his rating?

[@harleyyoung9585]

Only watched him fight once against Mayweather. Always wondered what happened to him Thanks for posting....

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Gerald.

[@domturiace670]

what a tough human being . I remember watching him in many fights and no matter what you knew you would get a good show by him win or lose .I though thought he had been killed and saddened me and was happy to hear he was still alive .Its not the ideal situation but it seems even a bullet to the head couldn't stop him but sometimes these type of things actually save a person .

[@samuelclemons508]

What a fight the Mickey Ward fight was !!!!

[@Chris-di2fv]

He is unbelievable Emmanuel Burton is a World Class fighter who couldn't catch a break but if he was managed early on he would be in Hall of Fame he has took these fights on 1 or 2 days notice and he is whooping them and they get the wins anyway he is a legendary Magical showman you can't teach this stuff.

[@13BLT13]

Very underrated!! Thanks for another! Always look forward to anything you do 🙏🏻

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, 13BLT13

[@jumpinjojo]

What was his rating?

[@SuperDerrickG]

my IDOL.. we had similar careers.. lost a lot and then lost a lot when we should have won 🏆 My respects brother You're a true warrior

[@getsmart3701]

An excellent one Rich, I know I say it often but you surpassed yourself with this one. Thank you for it.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Get Smart

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

INCREDIBLE! TALENT. This man deserves to be financially secure for life

[@boundsgreenboy8354]

Another great story of boxer fighting against the odds Rich, dunno how you do it Man but sure glad you do, one of the few great historical boxing appreciation channels, God bless you Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Bounds Greenboy

[@bookah8787]

Watching on a CCTV monitor at work lol , he's the drunken fighter or something similar to that name they gave him , my guy Richie done it again 👍

[@bookah8787]

Drunken master I was close haha

[@bookah8787]

I think that was stopped just at the right time that body shot was a sickener

[@bookah8787]

Similar to prince nassem from the ingle camp so awkward to fight a man like that, although naz was open to head shots a lot more than him

[@bookah8787]

Something different June 19th watch the sun set it will illuminate from the reflection of earth crazy man, I've been watching it set recently on the balcony with my daughter super bright moon beautiful to see

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, bookah.

[@George999Welch]

He was so awesome. Every time it was him or Micky Ward, or both, it was time to grab the popcorn.

[@jeffbridges6110]

I loved him. He will always be one of my favorites. Good 'ol Emanuel.

[@matthewwhite5600]

Emmanuel Burton/Augustus was funny AF in the ring!!!

[@peteygee8395]

One of my all time favorite fighters... a warrior an entertainer a a true master of the drunken style.... wish him nothing but good things and hope God keeps blessing him with many more years

[@spanishrock]

Viva El Drunken Master...always entertaining to watch

[@bbake3973]

Always loved watching Augustus fight, great job Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, B Bake

[@AwestruckOffRoadingHertz]

Been waiting for this one Rich!!

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John

[@antoniobooker8426]

One of Mt heroes. Been studying his fights for years.

[@omaru737]

Legend has it that Augustus actually drank a fith of gin just prior to each fight alleging that alcohol actually increased his awareness in the ring while simultaneously elevating his tolerance to taking punishment!! All hail to the drunken master one of my all time favorite fighters!!

[@sonnycarr7305]

An underrated fighter and a true champion in life...All hail "The Drunken Master"

[@gio92307]

That ward fight was pure Savagery. So much heart

[@scottdehaan5864]

Yes! This is the doc I was waiting for! Thanks so much!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Scott

[@felixlopez26]

Thanks again rich we all appreciate you for all your hard work and time bringing us these forgotten warriors.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Felix.

[@PACHOUSEFITNESS]

It always seem like they just called him at the last minute and told him he was fighting. He always put up a good fight and show.

[@Mystery77427]

Lovely tribute again to an underrated fighter Rich. Good work mate 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Kieran

[@jumpinjojo]

What was his rating?

[@bleeem]

@@jumpinjojo man you asked this is every single comment, what the hell is this "rating" you looking for? There is not 2nd place, 7th ranking, white belt, heavenly dragon belt. people say underrated because nobody ever talks about him or praises him

[@MartinBlackburn]

One of your very best Rich- thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you. Keep going and going Sir !!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Martin.

[@Lacuadraboxeo.]

Been waiting for this, great homage to Emmanuel Augustus. Great video rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much.

[@Brock_3256]

Love this guy! So fun to watch! I'll never forget watching live that straight blatant robbery in the Courtney Burton fight on ESPN. Teddy Atlas blew a gasket! Rightfully so! You make some great docs! I've been binge watching the last few days! I'm an old school boxing fan from the early to mid 80s. Not into it so much any more because of the politics and bullsh1t it's mostly turned into, but I'll still catch a fight or two once in a while. Thanks for the great memorable content!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Brock, thanks for checking the vids out.

[@trevmunroe]

One of my ALL-TIME favorite fighters. Floyd Mayweather jr always says Augustus was his toughest fight

[@tonishampioni4087]

A phenomenal boxer

[@patrickkirwan3353]

Brilliant rich! Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Patrick.

[@rayg3116]

The announcers for Mayweather fights are hilarious. The color commentator was like "are we watching the same fight?"

[@lesteryoung5510]

I had never heard of this boxer before and I was very impressed. Thank you very much Rich for the introduction.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Lester

[@vigil82]

Underrated channel thank you !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure Josh, thanks.

[@morleycross1980]

Beautiful documentary!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Morley.

[@anitabingham279]

God Bless You Brother! I wish You health Peace &. Prosperity to a True Boxing original.

[@madsupervilian.]

Dude, came from a time where kung-fu movie was popular, reminds me of Jackie Chan's Drunken Master fighting

[@rigofernandez830]

😳👌 WOW!!! WHAT AN AWESOME FIGHT ! AUGUSTUS VS. WARD ..NEVER SEEN THAT FIGHT BEFORE. GREAT WORK OF ART RICH! 👌

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Rigo

[@v2vroth]

Thanks have been waiting for this one! A true boxing unsung tactician .

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Vinny

[@bennyadler5882]

Talk about underrated, best video presentation on many of yours to date. Really outstandingly done and a very good man , still aptly connecting the words “entertainer” and fighter together.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Benny

[@brettpaterson8042]

Thanks a million for making this documentary, I mentioned along with other fans about the drunken master and true to your word you delivered..A truly great fighter, brilliant and so entertaining, a throwback. I remember the Thaxton fight in the UK and promoter and especially the commentators didn’t do their homework because they never gave Emmanuel a chance, he took Thaxton apart (And Thaxton was a decent boxer, did go 10 rounds with Hatton), I think Emmanuel had 3 fights in one month at that time. Tremendous respect, I was distraught when I found out the accidental shooting, but amazingly he survived and although financially not secure he is teaching what he knows best. There really needs to be a secure pension scheme for ex boxers but alas it’s not yet been achieved. Thanks again Rich. 🥊👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Brett, thanks for the support.

[@JLee-bi4es]

THANK YOU RICH!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Lee.