Silvi Knows: Greg Haugen

Former world boxing champ Greg Haugen joins us on the Silvi Knows podcast to talk about his new book, "Tough Man - The Greg Haugen Story." He shares a lot of stories from the book as well as some not in the book, like the time boxing legend Emanuel Steward lost $625,000 betting against Haugen (29:20).
Haugen starts and ends the podcast talking about his disdain for Vinnie Pazienza and how they've never spoken since their third and final fight against each other.
Other topics include Haugen's days of fighting in Tough Man competitions in Alaska (22:00), the one boxer who hit him so hard he blacked out in the first round (17:45), Haugen's fastest knockout (20:45) as well as his favorite fight of his career (23:30). Haugen also talks about a possible Mike Tyson comeback (31:20) and why Muhammad Ali was his all time favorite.

[@jerryashlock5519]

they threw away the mold when they made Greg Haugen ... an all time great warrior

[@DJK-cq2uy]

He's sobreal..genuine. Can't stand Paz or Canacho..but Greg is so real. He reminds me if Carmen Basilio

[@steveforsyth6076]

What a guy. Tough as teak. He talked the talk but walked the walk!

[@guyphoto9437]

Greg was a tough, tough fighter. I don't think, today, they have fighters that could compete at the level Greg fought. He was a non-stop hard punching fighter. I have tremendous respect for Greg Haugen.

[@marcspardello1254]

I come from the land of Pazienza and I have to say the Haugen was one hell of a fighter. He went on the road to fight and had a very difficult career in terms of getting a fair shake in terms of decisions. The man is a legit HoF fighter, hopefully one day he will be recognized in Nevada’s HoF (if he is not already)

[@claystern2794]

No slurred speech for a guy you fought all those rough fights he sounds great

[@DumbVidsIMadeForAlex]

he sounds great and his memory is better than mine and I'm 27!

[@johnhaggerty1907]

Guy gave you your moneys worth.Really a great fighter you fought him you were in for a rough night.

[@bebillious]

Greg Haugen was a underrated crowd pleasing fighter! A World Champion

[@johnpratt3187]

It's good to see Greg Haugen in good shape after his boxing career

[@robertnahum5823]

Good shape?...lol...what? Sugar Ray Leonard is in good shape. This guy looks like he's been living under a bridge.

[@goldenboy8334]

Back in old Youngstown, Ohio we in the boys would always have a big fight night party with all his fights. Haugen is a true Legend.

[@kc1973able]

I bet you guys had a big one when he put my favourite all time lightweight away your very own Boom Boom Mancini 🥊 The Mutt Haugen put Ray into permanent boxing 🥊 retirement 👍

[@doctorprepper5196]

Watched most every fight on Greg's that was televised. And admit that I didn't think a "Tough Man" club fighter would make it, but boy was I wrong. Much respect to The Champ.

[@fletchf.fletch8242]

He actually had 300 amateur fights. He wasn't just a tough man competitor.

[@kellythaxton6692]

This man got so many bad decisions. One hell of a fighter

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Fagienza and Baracho

[@lendrury2771]

I was a fan of gregs during his boxing days and I always respected that he is an honest upfront guy Good interview

[@listennow1537]

People to soft, the Tiajuana Taxi Cab driver comment was hilarious 😂 and the Post fight interview he gave, "they must have been tough Tiajuana Taxi drivers" was the perfect Punch Line🤣🤣🤣. Im Mexican

[@rayist1520]

Apparently don king made up a rumor that Haugen said he was going to have sex with Chaves wife after he won so that might have had something to do with it.

[@davidmestas8522]

I met you in person you were in line to take a piss and Evey one let you go first but you said no I'll wait like everyone else you were in San Jose CA seeing your next opponent. You are one of the greatest.

[@alangrace8628]

A real tough guy.. Keeps it simple and no nonsense

[@mickylawless1941]

Being from Auburn, Mutt represented us well. A tough, humble man. In regards to Vinny sPaz, Mutt beat him to a pulp in that first fight. I felt Greg got robbed. In that second fight, Greg throughly dominated him. I wish Greg well.

[@JasonMarshMusic]

First time I saw Greg was his first fight against Paz. So many good memories. Thanks, Greg.

[@onyoubs4682]

That is one tough hombre thanks for all the blood and guts you showed in the sweet science

[@ScottStephens7]

Great interview! The book is wonderful. Greg was one very special fighter.

[@seka1986]

Greg Haugen is great!

[@joshuazerubbabel5951]

That was great! Much respect to Mr. Haugen!!

[@craigmaverick]

Currently reading his book, great story of how the boxing world really works and how successful he really was. One tough guy no doubt!

[@bennyadler5882]

Solid fighter, he spent time training here in San Diego, I was working and missed seeing him in training. Good, really good fighter and highly honest. Best wishes Greg.

[@BobCat623923]

Read the book...a good read. Haugen was my favorite along with Gatti. And yes, Greg won in Providence in that first fight with Paz...no way they should've took his title after that fight.

[@buddyacesmxbc1055]

Agreed

[@tommaguzzi1723]

Vinnie looked like he'd been hit by a truck after the first fight but somehow they gave him the win. I guess he just had to be standing up at the end for them to give him Greg's title.

[@BobCat623923]

@@tommaguzzi1723 Well...if you watch the fight, Vinnie throws a lot of flashy combinations that for the most part only hit air...but the crowd goes crazy like he's doing damage. I think the hometown crowd had an effect on the decision without question. Most of the meaningful damage was done by Haugen as you can see by Vinny's face in the end...but it was a close tough fight. I just believe you dont take away his title after that. Haugen should've got the decision.

[@emilyz766]

Nice interview, cool dude, no bs, honest guy, was a great fighter in his time. Thanks for posting this will be looking for that book.

[@jmarcguy]

Glad to hear him sound so good. Watched him all the time back in the day. 👍🏼

[@abestone60]

I'm Mexican American but I always rooted for Greg Haugen when he fought Hispanic fighters! He reminded me of a feisty Bull terrier I used to have!

[@oden4154]

Fantastic interview. I'm a bigger fan now than the time he was fighting.

[@mackman9977]

Greg Haugen was a lil warrior,gotta love this guy😁I had a Greg Haugen poster on my wall when I was a teenager,like how he threw that upper cut and constant forward movement.this guy was a real 2 time champion at the time when it was hard to get a title,these fighters now don't fight like these guys did...." straight action"...."Haugen is a true champion"...

[@goldenboy8334]

👍

[@darryllonsdale]

A legend,a champion and a man of life's tests.A man of decency.Much love from Australia champ.👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🥊🥊🥊

[@joeszulborski-zg5sg]

This guy is as real as it gets. Loved thos haugen vs paz fights.

[@kuriaki71]

A true warrior.

[@BobandWeave83]

I became a fan of Greg Haugen after watching him get ripped off in the first fight with Pazieza... which Haugen won. He was a true fighter who didn’t have a lot of flash and glamour, but stayed the course with true grit. I wish him well.

[@christophermclean3921]

Tough fighter. No bs. Great interview. Thanks

[@j4armenta]

Gaugen was such a good fighter but the real secret is he was a Very very good boxer. Im a mexican boxing fans sice I was 10 yo and think that Greg Haugen is one of the most enjoyable fighther to watch. He was also tough as hell and honest and direct boxer. Thank u so much for the memories

[@robertz7294]

I've always liked Greg Haugen, always down to Earth. I just bought this book, I can't wait to read it. Cheers.

[@weirdo482]

Great fighter and a honest man

[@alexdoe6338]

These people interviewing fighters for views should link the book/products the fighters are promoting

[@daltonkeller2664]

My friend Cisco and I meant Greg Haugen at a bar in Auburn, Wa around 20 or so years ago. I still have the bar coaster he autographed.

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Yea???😂😂😂😂🎉

[@breakdancerQ]

Good to see he's alright. Definitely one of the toughest dudes in the sport. Only the very best could beat him, but they always had a rough time and never enjoyed being in there with him.

[@RobD-jq7ry]

This man was a total bad ass!!

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Wasn't He good friends with Hagler?

[@albertoomar819]

I came here today because a highlights of Chavez and Greg came out on my Facebook videos

[@surfshack2]

I always liked Greg.

[@peterparsons7141]

The Hagen Paul fight was really good. I appreciated Haugens boxing skill more since I’ve been watching the old fights again. If you look at it, he fought some of the best boxers of his day. I’m not sure and I don’t know, if he had the best managers or training facilities. He’s had some really good fights, and won a lot of tough ones. ( I really enjoyed watching him beat up Hot Dogs).

[@mpicewe3023]

Class act unlike the dirtbag he fought 3 times.

[@michaelfrazia4569]

legend...loved Haugen

[@thomasrender]

I saw the second Pazienza fight at Convention Hall in AC.He is correct.The crowd was 10000 Italians from Providence.He gave Pazienza a horrible beating that day.He entered the ring to AC/DC Bad Boy Boogie and he backed it up.Great fighter.

[@coreysmorgan8488]

I'm from Westport, WA, & quite a few people I know knew him from Auburn, Wa..a real stand up guy

[@GomerfromIsaan]

I knew him in grade school. He was tough then too.

[@richwiz2]

The screwed him over because he smoked pot in his off-time; what a shame; it’s not like he was doing anabolic steroids or other PED’s.

[@normkile7697]

Greg Haugen was an uncompromising bad ass.

[@user-rn6hr1qw3l]

Auburn Elk Club in Washington state was by far the best boxing club in the state , back in the 70s and 80s going to the AAU boxing tournaments and you were put against a auburn fighter you KNEW THAT YOU WERE UP TO A HARD FIGHT MUCH RESPECT FOR THOSE FOLKS

[@xXx-tt6lq]

I'm from New England and I remember Greg and Vinny fights and watch them and the same reaction I know Greg got screwed he should of won, but people knows he did.

[@LarryKelly]

Watched Greg fight in the Caesar Palace indoor arena in seats near the ring. Got my money’s worth. Wish him well.

[@RScott413]

Great interview.. Looks like Silvi finally got those hair plugs right.

[@Johnjohn-gq3du]

He’s about 62 but..... His mind seems excellent. But his looks say one rough life.

[@Robinson496]

Lmao stop it

[@jodydolphin79]

I worked at a gym in Auburn he trained young fighters.. good guy but likes the alcohol and meth.. he isn't aging well!!

[@patrickkirwan3353]

@@jodydolphin79 sad to hear that.

[@BetrayerSlayerMusic]

Had no clue he was from WA. My fave state

[@JavierSalazar]

Señor se acuerda de la madriza que le puso Julio Cesar Chávez González???

[@kevinmcgrath8969]

Great fighter

[@JuanReyes-eb9tx]

Exelent boxer and exelente human being

[@kc1973able]

Greg the mutt Haugen what a blast from the 1980’s boxing 🥊 past. Great at getting under fighters skin he fought the best and he beat some of the best. Good! counter puncher very durable always in shape his fights with Vinny Pazienza were good scraps and he permanently put Ray Boom Boom Mancini into retirement 🥊

[@chrisdogas6379]

Greg Haugen this guy has a good movie story tough as nails a real American.

[@rembertomondragon6169]

Chavez was a good sport, he shook your hand and gave you a hug and he said “ is a business” I don’t dislike anybody, the only winner on that fight was Don King

[@wjlintz]

Pazienza vs. Haugen IV?

[@jamesmorgan2064]

Helluva boxer.

[@willdoody4645]

Always liked Haugen, great fighter and he's right about Paz but please don't use an Italian slur. Buying the book today.

[@1Trenttube]

I also wrote a book about you! Greg Haugen!

[@fabmusicman4]

Siempre me gustó Haugen , muy desconocido en mi país pero pertenecía a una camada de guerreros

[@crungen5]

Really doubt that Mickey Ward ducked him

[@kevinkey9146]

Good Lord what happened to him??

[@B1FFCO]

He was a great 5th round TKO win for CHAVEZ

[@andrejensen7837]

Great figth in Denmark against Gert Bo .After round five it was clear who was winning.

[@leesboxingarchive]

Love Greg, but it’s sad to see him in this shape as he looks like he’s aged about 50 years from when he was the Seahawks 12th man about 10 years ago. It looks like he’s on some hard stuff.

[@dunsmoregaines4239]

Liver or kidneys. Poor guy. God bless him.

[@joesoto690]

I remember he beat Camacho all because Camacho couldn't keep his cool!

[@vladdeimpaalor572]

Haugen had him beat anyway. Remember the big buildup was Camacho vs Chavez. That was the moneymaker for boxing. Another reason why boxing is dead now

[@customerservice9602]

Boxing is dead now? They have been saying that for over 30 years at least.

[@evanbarr9270]

I thought Haugen beat Pazianza with the precision punching ,paz was all show with the bs flurries that did nothing.

[@cruzperez1182]

Greg looks like he's aged fast

[@xjbomb4463]

Wow he looks really old .but he's lucky that he can still talk well

[@evilgtsable]

I still remember the beat down Chavez gave him

[@vladdeimpaalor572]

Yes, Chavez won but everybody remembers Haugen

[@GuyFromTheSouth]

Haugen had a great career though. He beat alot of guys.

[@manher4335]

@@vladdeimpaalor572 Actually it's vice versa

[@daniboy6803]

Julio Cesar Chavez

[@buddyacesmxbc1055]

GREG WAS JUST DISPLAYING SHOWMANSHIP THE CAB BALLEROS FIGHTER'S THEY DON'T GET IT

[@jimdocker9606]

very good fighter could box ,punch, good defense good gas tank. Only the greats could beat him

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Chin beyond good..Lamotta n Basilio tough

[@manher4335]

7:49....oh the excuses.

[@GomerfromIsaan]

Basically he admitted that he did not train well or prepare adequately. That is a valid excuse. Had he been better prepared the results might have been different. We will never know.

[@scottyjoe22]

lol 10,000 dagos

[@xjbomb4463]

Pazenza was a overrated hotdog .

[@michealvillegas1766]

This dude looks old

[@jasonsweeton8368]

If you live long enough you will too, however if you don’t live long enough you won’t have to worry bout it.

[@manher4335]

@@jasonsweeton8368 Nah man. Dude look dusty and expired. He's as old as Sugar Ray at least.

[@danbernardi6599]

@@manher4335 Sugar Ray is 4 years older.

[@manher4335]

@@danbernardi6599 Astounding. Despite that he looks almost 12 years older than Ray.

[@italianwaterice9594]

@@manher4335 black dont crack

[@DocWyoming]

Paz lost all 3.end of story.

[@drummersinger5324]

All this hype about Haugen but he looked like a little boy against Chavez. Didn't he? LMAO

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Chavez a once in a lifetime