William Guthrie (boxer)

William Douglas Guthrie (born January 17, 1967) is an American former professional boxer.

Early life
Prior to fighting, Guthrie was an admitted former player in the St Louis drugs scene, and he had been kicked off the 1988 US Olympic team after failing a drug test. He also later spent time in prison for drug possession.

Amateur career
Guthrie was the 1985 National Golden Gloves middleweight champion.

Professional career
Guthrie turned pro in 1989 and captured the Vacant IBF Light Heavyweight Title in 1997 with a win over Darrin Allen. He was seen as a looming threat to Roy Jones Jr. at light heavyweight due to his punching power, but instead of a unification bout, he lost the title in his next fight to Reggie Johnson by a knockout in the 5th. The knockout was a brutal one, and Guthrie left the ring on a stretcher. Instead of retiring, he instead moved up to cruiserweight and continued to fight. His final win was against Donnell Wiggins in South Carolina, he would have two more fights before retiring in 2007.