Vampire Johnson - Boxing's Oddity of the 1980s

A look back at the career of Wilbert 'Vampire' Johnson, an ESPN favorite of the early 1980s.

[@paulmaupin7570]

What I love about your documentaries is that I get reminded of fighters that I haven't thought about in years. It's like the archeology of my childhood

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Paul.

[@borganfreeman]

Facts 😂

[@lordshango4184]

A good man! RIP.

[@christopherbellore3511]

Well Rich, here we are again. I read all of the comments so far. All I can do is echo their praise and appreciation for what you're doing. I'm grateful for you and your work. Many young people today can learn so much from your sincere humble non-bias approach in every bio/documentary that you produce. You're a true gentleman, and you are a tribute to the the sport of the sweet science of boxing. You ARE, THE Fight Historian, Rich. Bravo 👋 R.I.P. Wilbert Johnson 🙏🥊🕊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you very much, Christopher.

[@drako7822]

This is my uncle appreciate u keeping his name alive I grew up boxing learning from him 🤟🏾

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, DraKo. Good to hear from you.

[@joelewis4748]

I have known Wilbur for years, a good guy from my home town attended the same church and sang in the choir together a great boxer and good friend he's missed by family and friends

[@brianseneca3546]

"the graveyard shift" fittingly

[@fredjonestowns4213]

Dont even consider my recommendation's for topics anymore, your idea's are better. Great work Rich !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Ah, Fred, you have some good recommendations that are on my to-do list :)

[@fredjonestowns4213]

@@RichtheFightHistorian 😁😁

[@kojack7425]

Christopher Lee wasn't a great boxer but he was a great vampire

[@Montyhugo]

Another fighter i had forgotten about! You could tell the "Vampire" wasn't a "bloodsucker" but a kind and generous man. Thanks Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Monty.

[@t9190kp]

I remember this dude! Was a regular on the midweek ESPN shows back in the day!

[@ringmasterjeb3453]

The Face of ESPN boxing back in the day. Great times.

[@2KDUDE22]

Thank you for these mini docs about these brave men. Some i ve never heard of before and I m glad you give me these history lessons.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, 2kDUDE22

[@daweilee1986]

I love the ESPN fights from the mid 80s, especially the Tyson fights. Michael Buffer was the man.

[@bio-plasmictoad5311]

Seemed like a very calm dude.

[@danc2426]

Great video on a classy fighter that would have been forgotten had it not been for you Rich ! Thank you for honouring these great athletes .

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Dan.

[@BoxerRick]

God bless these guys. Johnson, Caveman Lee, Some of these great Ham and Eggers made me want to box when I was a kid cause I saw them more as regular people like me who made it.

[@LetitGolazziter-uk9xi]

I’ve never heard of “Vampire” now that’s an outstanding fighter name. Salute Rich🫡

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, LetitGoIazziter

[@bvabky]

Another Masterpiece Rich, WELL DONE

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, George.

[@slaphead8835]

You dug up a good one here Rich. I remember Vampire Johnson. Lenny Villers for that matter too. (But that's because Villers from my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. We had a few name fighters from our proud city. I'll throw in a wink here). Vampire may not have reached the top of the heap. But he was an entertaining boxer who deserves your tribute. Thanks as always. Damn I enjoy your channel.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Slaphead. I hadn't heard of Villers until researching this video.

[@bryandungee1029]

I’m from Farrell,Pa as you know about 15min from you guys, seeing this was in the 80s was Villers promoted aka “controlled” by the MOB, I know their presence was extremely strong during that time period in YTown!!!

[@l.w.8470]

The glory days of ESPN Boxing in the 1980s, when colorful boxers like the, "Vampire, " stalked the Boxing arenas in the Midwest.

[@barrybarnes96]

Michael Buffer so young here ...43 years later he's still at it introducing the fighters in Saudi Arabia few weeks ago...apparently he's made multi millions with his "Let's Get Ready To Rumble" intro.

[@suprcrzy]

Never heard of him before, but I appreciate you telling me about him. Seemed like he was well spoken and respectful in the interview with Al. RIP Vampire 🙏

[@bajaborracho9139]

Rich i had suggested vampire johnson a while back glad to see you found some video brother! So awesome rich!🥊👍🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Right on, Baja. "Vampire" was a fun guy.

[@MikeBellec]

Thanks for the upload Rich. Vampire Johnson fought a few times in Winnipeg. I was there the night he beat Donny Lalonde on a 6 round decision but I honestly don’t remember much of it. It was Lalonde’s first loss as professional. The Golden Boy then stopped him in the second round in their rematch.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Mike.

[@Totentanz2440]

I remembered reading about him some a couple months ago, but don't remember much. Thanks for giving me the chance to really learn about Johnson, Rummy.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Totentaz.

[@sjames304]

I saw Wilbur twice in the 80s live against Donny Lalonde in Winnipeg. Lalonde broke his hand in the first fight against Wilbur which led to the loss. Lalonde then really gave it to Wilbur in the much-anticipated rematch. I do remember the teeth...lol.

[@skorwolf2719]

This guy is electrifying

[@boundsgreenboy8354]

Blood sweat and vampire cape's but Man these were the golden moments in boxing back then. Always appreciated Rich 🥊🥊👌

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

'Blood, Sweat and Vampire Capes' - that is a great line :)

[@LetitGolazziter-uk9xi]

I remember watching ESPN fights as a teenager with my dad sometimes. Rich, how about one on Oba Carr?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Carr is on the to-do list, not sure when I'll get to him.

[@donnellvickers6314]

Love these videos of fighters I never heard of and there back stories love it RICH I'm watching now

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Donnell.

[@getsmart3701]

Nice story and nice ending, I do like to hear about these guys that I have seen (the Mugabi bout) but knew nothing about. Thank you as always Rich, you do great work.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, GetSmart

[@stokesr08]

And another one!!!😁😁👍🏿👍🏿

[@dustybootsluke7494]

They way you pull people into the fighters they've never heard of is amazing! I always end up watching these fights intensely ....the initial background then into the some proper footage that always embodies the subject. Been watching you for years now. You are a true servant to the game my friend and a future hall of of famer for keeping all of these names alive....much respect and all the best

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much for the kind words, DustyBoots. I appreciate it.

[@thethracian3998]

He would hydrate with v-8. Rich, you're undisputed.

[@create-a-new-handle]

finally I see the source material for Jaimie Foxx’ “Carl The Tooth Williams”

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@MrEriccloy]

Oh those days of boxing were so much fun. Such talent in the weights between 147-160! Irish Teddy Mann was another of my favorites back then. You could count on at least one great middleweight matchup a week on TV!

[@Just_a_Reflection]

Thank you, brother. I am in my fifties and have been a hardcore fan for a long time. I am amazed at how many good fighters with great stories I missed. You remedy that. Great work 🥊🥊!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Just a Reflection.

[@alexdoe6338]

Excellent video! RIP Vampire Johnson

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Alex.

[@mattwillman10]

Legend.

[@john-bo9ve]

This channel is great for us boxing fans rich. Thanks bro. 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, John.

[@davepopoch3102]

Hey Rich ! Hard to know what to say or where to start..When I read the comments I say to myself;"Exactly ! I agree."..So I'll just say that I love that you do terrific documentaries on well known;little known never known;obscure;forgotten-then-remembered,etc,etc,boxers..There's many like Vampire where I say to myself;"I can't believe he's doing one on this guy .".. Anyway,as a life-long boxing fan your presentation gives me a great feeling of the way I watched boxing in the early 80s on Saturday afternoons on NBC with the great Marv Albert(and FerdiePacheco..Love Al Bernstein too but saw mostly NBC back then)..Thanks for your terrific channel...

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you for the kind words, Dave, I appreciate it. Really happy to hear so many people fondly remember or are introduced to these fighters of the past.

[@anthonymcken6050]

What a gimmick and a truly entertaining character.

[@Joe-ry2xq]

Reminds me Jaime fox character in liveing colour.... Carl the tooth

[@nicholashannigan6930]

What a channel! 👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Nicholas.

[@-Andre-Rodrigues]

Great, great stuff, as always in this channel. Top!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Andre.

[@GEGBoxing]

Another very engrossing documentary. Best channel in Boxing. So many you tube channels on Boxing and the overwhelming majority are unwatchable. Rich, this is the best. Thanks.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, GEGBoxing.

[@towers950]

Great work as usual Rich ! thanks

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Kim.

[@brucekielty8180]

When it comes to Rich The Fight Historian, as Carly Simon once sang "Nobody Does It Better..."

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks so much, Bruce.

[@emokellen]

Excellent! Another great fighter doc by the best in the business. Thanks so much, Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Emokellen

[@tkong35]

Rich I love what you do keep up the good work !!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, T Kong

[@slidecounter5813]

This guy would of did very well in this now social media era of Boxing he'd fit right in 🤣

[@anthonymcken6050]

For sure. Some people are just born at the wrong time.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Vampire would be killin' it on IG if he were competing today.

[@rafaelramirez1507]

Another gem by Dr. Rich 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Rafael.

[@handsomeblackman255]

6:01 vicious left by Dracula!!!

[@John.Flower.Productions]

I have a pretty hard time believing that his purse for the Mugabi fight was $100,000.

[@cedricliggins7528]

At least he had the good sense to invest it well in blue chip stock and no load mutual funds.

[@tomservo5607]

Is there any better nickname in sports history than Eddie “The Clot” Aliano?

[@stevon521]

I fought him at Ohio State Fair

[@terrytari1891]

He's not a Vampire but he is Blackula!!

[@terrytari1891]

Oh my!

[@mozfonky]

Thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Mozfonky

[@qdigggs]

Carl “the tooth” Williams 😂

[@goldenone82]

Great job again Rich. I love your're videos on fighters like Vampire. Any chance we see one on Ray Windmill White ?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Goldenone. Ah, there was an article I had on White from an old Boxing Illustrated that I've been fishing around for. As soon as I come across it again I'll make it.

[@goldenone82]

Thanks Rich , that would be great

[@MrBenandrea]

These are all great but if I could make a bold ask I would love to see an extended documentary on smokin Bert cooper. There's nothing good out there on him and he fought everybody. Lost against the top big boys but rocked evander holyfield to the boots and not many did that

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, MrBenandrea. Cooper is my to-do list, yes.

[@MrBenandrea]

Thank you good sir, I'm already looking forward to it

[@eddiesoul4890]

No disrespect but Leon Spinks had that title first..Thanks to Ali..

[@davelou1995]

Where do you find the footage! Thanks for reminding me of another great fighter. Keep up your brilliant work

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, Dave.

[@reycesarcarino4653]

Is that a real Song

[@terrytari1891]

The Killer vs Blackula! Let's do the Monster Mash or The Thriller!! By I'm going to do the Moon Walk & howl at tonight's full Moon! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

[@SalomonEspinosa70]

Remember the old staple of Tuesday Nite Fights? The "Pink Cat" ? (died by suicide I believe)

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Scott Walker, sure.

[@SalomonEspinosa70]

@@RichtheFightHistorian That's right! I could not remember his name. Man those were the days. Ol' Sean O'Grady, "oh look at those punches....he's shaking his head like its not effecting him...but "no means yes""

[@Just_a_Reflection]

Hi, Rich. Did you know that none of the merch in your store is available?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, I have to tweak things a little more there.