by David P. Greisman
Howard Davis Jr., who won Olympic gold at lightweight in 1976, was diagnosed in February with Stage IV lung cancer and told he had less than a year to live, according to Florida newspaper The Sun-Sentinel.
“Normally, it is a death sentence, but for me it's fight time,” he told the newspaper.
Davis continues to be treated, though the cancer has “spread throughout his lungs and to his liver, lower back, right shoulder and right hip,” the article said.
“For some strange reason, I am not scared of death. If it happens to come, I'm ready,” Davis told the newspaper.
The 59-year-old had only just turned 20 when he was part of the famed Olympic team that traveled to Montreal and won five gold medals, one silver and one bronze. His teammates included notable names such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael and Leon Spinks, and John Tate.
Davis turned pro in 1977 and fought until 1988, then spent more than six years out of the ring until returning for five bouts between 1994 and 1996. He challenged for a world title three times, losing a decision to lightweight Jim Watt in 1980, being edged by lightweight Edwin Rosario in 1984, and getting knocked out by junior welterweight Buddy McGirt in 1988. Davis retired with a record of 36-6-1 with 14 KOs. He had since gone into training and promoting, particularly with mixed martial artists.
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