Greg Haugen Back in Cali

Former Lightweight Champ at TBP Fight

Although slight of build, the man in the green button-down shirt fit right in with the usual rough-and-ready crowd commonly found at any given boxing match. With his slightly raspy voice and his casual no-nonsense but friendly manner, he could’ve been easily mistaken for any other hardworking trucker, bricklayer or construction laborer that frequents the action at these popular fight series hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP) in Ontario, California.

And at the beginning of the “Locked ‘N Loaded II” fights last Saturday night, he did a good job of blending in with the crowd until boxing fans quickly recognized his mug. “Hey…Isn’t that ‘The Mutt’?” was heard as the humble ex-boxing champ obliged all autograph and photo requests that started to stream in.

This guy–who stands tall at just 5′ 6″–will never be mistaken for a heavyweight, but he’s one of the toughest guys you’ll ever meet. Greg Haugen fought the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, Vinny Pazienza, and Freddie Roach among others while amassing a record of 40-10-2 with 19 KOs along the way.

Before turning pro, Greg also logged in over 325 amateur fights and famously became the reigning “Toughman” Champ of Alaska with a perfect 24-0 record. Described as “glorified bar fights,” the scrappy boxer took on all comers and ruled the Anchorage fight scene before moving back down to Washington in the “Lower 48.”

And the Auburn resident was happy to be back in SoCal last weekend, and was even happier to be at promoter Ken Thompson’s show held at the Doubletree Hotel. The former WBO and IBF Lightweight and Light Welter Champ is still very active in the sweet science–but now in the role of trainer and matchmaker.

One of his fighters, unbeaten heavyweight Jonte Willis, was scheduled to fight last Saturday. But as it often happens in boxing, his opponent fell through at the last minute due to a minor health issue. Feinting off any disappointment, the trainer tells me that the team will make their way back down to Cali for the August 20 card at TBP’s show in Corona. “But we don’t know who’s the opponent yet,” Haugen adds.

But he does have high hopes for Willis, a former amateur standout. “He is a smart guy; he’s not a dumb fighter,” his coach praises. “He’s got hand speed and foot speed, with in-and-out, in-and-out moves. He uses his strengths to his ability. And right now we’re working on his power too.”

Greg says his young heavyweight, who was a 2007 National Golden Gloves Champ, had a short layoff but is now poised to make his mark in the division. “He’s not an easy guy to fight; and it’s not easy getting fights for him,” warns Haugen. “He’s one of the best heavyweights out there–he’s got some skills!”

Haugen, who was a crowd pleaser himself with his own style of boxing, is currently building a strong stable of future contenders at the Vision Quest gym in Auburn. “I’m working with four different guys right now,” he says. “I’ve got two heavyweights, Vincent Thompson, who’s 4-0 and Jonte, who’s 7-0, a super middleweight who’s 4-0, Mike Urbanski, and an amateur kid named Zach.”

Catching up with the pug a few days after their visit, the boxer, who will turn 50 on August 31, told me he had a great time at the fights and admits to some California Dreamin’! With ties to the Southland, Haugen says he hopes to make many return trips to the Inland Empire. “I’d love to come down here more often,” the father and grandfather confirms. “My son Layne, the ‘baby,’ is 15 and a half and lives near Ontario. My other kids are all grown up now; they’re adults. So I’d like to spend more time with my youngest son.”

Another reason he’d love to visit and work in sunnier weather than his native Washington is his new girlfriend Tammy, who attended the fights with him on Saturday. “That was her VERY first fight!” Greg confesses. “When we first started dating she didn’t know I was a fighter. I told her to ‘Google me!’ The next time I saw her she said, ‘You didn’t tell me you’re a famous fighter!'” He chuckles at the memory.

It was also Haugen’s first time at this particular venue. “I went to one Thompson’s fights a couple of years ago in Corona but this was my first time at the fights in Ontario.” The ex-champ, and 2008 World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee, had stayed in contact with TBP President Ken Thompson through the years. “I met him about eight years ago when he was President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame,” the slugger says. “He’s always been a class act who keeps the best interest of boxers in mind. He’s got a really good stable. They’re doing really, really well–just look at his champion Timothy Bradley!”

He was also impressed with TBP’s last bouts that featured many up-and-comers. “There were some competitive fights there! We had a good time,” relays Greg, giving props to Thompson and matchmaker Alex Camponovo too. “Alex did a great job matchmaking; it’s not easy to be a matchmaker–people can drive you crazy!”

While they didn’t get to showcase Jonte’s skills that night, Haugen and his fighter Willis were both called up into the ring by Jimmy Lennon Jr. during a special VIP introduction as the crowd applauded the former champion and his punching protégé.

Also a fan favorite in the Pacific Northwest, Haugen heads his own foundation in his name to fight autism (which has afflicted a grandson). “Yes, I’m still working with that,” answers Greg when I inquire about how his organization is going. “I have a desire to help others in need; that’s one of my goals.” He’s had his share of well-documented personal scraps in the limelight but has stayed on the right path for a while now. He’s also proud of his hometown area and even had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game.

Back in Washington and back at the gym, he and Jonte are training hard for their next battle.

So look for this “Mutt” to return to California soon. Speaking of that infamous nickname, I asked the boxer if it bothered him at all that people still call him that, long after he’s hung up his gloves.

“I tried to lose that nickname when I moved to Vegas,” laughs Greg.

“What would you rather be called now?” I ask him.

Haugen thinks for a second and replies, “Greg’s my first name,” he says, “but you can call me Greg, Mr. Haugen or ‘Mutt’!”

While no longer really a mutt, keep your eye on Team Haugen as they make plans to become “top dogs” in the sport.

Photo of Thompson and Haugen by Michele Chong