Michael Nunn, once a dominant force in professional boxing, left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional skills and achievements.
Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and tactical prowess, Nunn’s career spanned nearly two decades, during which he captured world titles in multiple weight classes.
Michael Nunn’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael John Nunn |
| Nickname | “Second To” Nunn |
| Born | April 14, 1963 |
| Age | 62 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1984 |
| Net Worth | $50,000 |
| Relationship Status | N/A |
Michael Nunn, born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, began his journey in boxing at a young age. His natural talent and dedication to the sport quickly set him apart from his peers, paving the way for a remarkable professional career.
Early Career
Michael Nunn’s amateur career laid the foundation for his professional success. He honed his skills in local gyms and tournaments, developing the southpaw stance and defensive techniques that would become his trademark.
Nunn’s amateur accomplishments caught the attention of promoters and trainers, setting the stage for his transition to the professional ranks in 1984.
His early professional bouts showcased his potential, with a string of impressive victories that quickly elevated him in the middleweight division.
Professional Career
Nunn’s professional career took off rapidly, culminating in his first world title victory in 1988 when he defeated Frank Tate for the IBF middleweight championship.
His most memorable performance came in 1989 with a stunning first-round knockout of Sumbu Kalambay, solidifying his status as one of the best middleweights in the world.
Nunn successfully defended his titles multiple times, facing notable opponents such as Iran Barkley and Marlon Starling. However, his career faced a significant setback in 1991 when he lost to James Toney.
Nunn later moved up to super middleweight, capturing the WBA title in 1992. Despite his talent, legal troubles and a decline in performance marked the latter part of his career, which ended in 2002.
Michael Nunn’s Net Worth Details
Michael Nunn’s net worth is estimated to be $50,000 as of 2025.
This figure reflects a significant decline from his earnings during his boxing prime, largely due to legal issues and financial challenges faced after his retirement from the sport.
Nunn’s current financial situation underscores the importance of financial management for athletes post-career.
Fight Purses
| Fight | Year | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Tate (IBF Middleweight Title) | 1988 | N/A |
| Sumbu Kalambay | 1989 | $1.2 million |
| Iran Barkley | 1989 | $1.2 million |
| Marlon Starling | 1990 | $1.1 million |
| James Toney | 1991 | N/A |
| Victor Cordoba (WBA Super Middleweight Title) | 1992 | N/A |
Career Records
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 58 |
| Wins | 58 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Knockouts | 37 |
Notable Opponents:
- Frank Tate
- Sumbu Kalambay
- Iran Barkley
- Marlon Starling
- James Toney
- Victor Cordoba
FAQs
1. What were Michael Nunn’s most significant boxing achievements?
Michael Nunn held the IBF middleweight title from 1988 to 1991 and the WBA super middleweight title from 1992 to 1994. He was also the lineal champion in both weight classes during these reigns.
2. How many professional fights did Michael Nunn have?
Michael Nunn had a total of 63 professional fights, with a record of 58 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest.
3. What was Michael Nunn’s most famous fight?
Nunn’s most famous fight was his first-round knockout victory over Sumbu Kalambay in 1989, which is considered one of the most impressive performances of his career.
4. Why did Michael Nunn’s boxing career end?
Nunn’s boxing career effectively ended due to legal troubles. He was arrested in 2002 and later convicted on drug trafficking charges in 2004, resulting in a 24-year prison sentence.
5. When was Michael Nunn released from prison?
Michael Nunn was released from federal prison in February 2019, after serving nearly 15 years of his sentence.
6. What is Michael Nunn’s current net worth?
Michael Nunn’s estimated net worth is approximately $50,000, significantly reduced from his earnings during his boxing career.
7. Who were some of Michael Nunn’s notable opponents?
Nunn faced several notable opponents, including Frank Tate, Sumbu Kalambay, Iran Barkley, Marlon Starling, James Toney, and Victor Cordoba.
8. What was Michael Nunn’s fighting style?
Nunn was known for his southpaw stance, exceptional hand speed, defensive skills, and counterpunching ability. He was often praised for his technical proficiency in the ring.
9. How much did Michael Nunn earn for his biggest fights?
Nunn earned $1.2 million each for his fights against Sumbu Kalambay and Iran Barkley, and $1.1 million for his bout with Marlon Starling.
10. What is Michael Nunn doing now?
Since his release from prison, Nunn has been involved in boxing-related activities, including making appearances at boxing events and mentoring young boxers.
