Anthony Elmore
American kickboxer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anthony Elmore born in 1953 is a retired American kickboxing champion and professional boxer from Memphis, Tennessee.[1][2] He was a PKA World Super Heavyweight Champion,[3] PKA World Heavyweight champion,[4] Professional Karate Commission World Super Heavyweight champion,[5] KICK World Heavyweight champion and KICK World Super Heavyweight champion.[6] He was also the STAR undisputed Heavyweight champion in 1982.[7][8] His record is listed as 31 wins, against only 5 losses.
| Anthony Elmore | |
|---|---|
| Born | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | |
| Professional boxing record | |
| Total | 2 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 36 |
| Wins | 31 |
| Losses | 5 |
Biography
Elmore was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee.[2] At the age of 15, he began studying Japanese Shotokan Karate under his Memphis teacher, Julius L. Dorsey.[2] In 1982, he became the first kickboxer to gain a sponsorship from a major corporation, landing a personal service contract with Coors Beer.[2] He had many of his fights broadcast on ESPN.[2] He wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the 1988 semi-autobiographical film, The Contemporary Gladiator (also released as Iron Thunder).[9]
He founded the Safari Initiative aimed at bringing African-style furnishings and products to a global market.[10] He has advocated for U.S. government support for this initiative to help modernize African trade.[10] He also created an all African home in Memphis as a showcase and cultural bridge.[10] In 2009, Congressman Steve Cohen commended Elmore on the House floor for his work in advancing U.S.-Africa cultural understanding.[10]
Professional career
Elmore is a martial artist from Memphis, Tennessee, recognized as a five-time World Karate/Kickboxing Champion.[2][10] His career is notable not only for his success in the ring but also for his role as a pioneer who helped popularize the sport.[6]
Elmore won the PKA world Heavyweight Champion title on May 29, 1982, in Memphis. He defeated Demetrius Edwards to win his first world championship in a 12-round fight.[4][2] In 1983 Elmore defended his PKA World Superheavyweight title against Bill Morrison winning by decision.[11][12][13] In 1983 Elmore defeated Tony Palmore by TKO in the 10th round.[2] He also defeated John Jackson.[14]
In 1984 Elmore fought Tracy Thomas to defend his PKA Superheavyweight Title, winning by TKO in the 9th round.[6] Also in 1984, he fought a rematch against Palmore in Miami. In that bout Elmore set a world record of throwing 190 kicks, but lost a split decision and his PKA Superheavyweight Title.[3][15][2] In 1984 Elmore also defeated "Super" Ray Williams to win the KICK World Superheavyweight title.[2] Elmore also fought a non-title bout against William Eaves with Elmore winning by KO due to the three knockdown rule being in effect.[6]
In 1985 Elmore defeated Bill Morrison in a rematch for the vacant KICK World Heavyweight championship.[6] Elmore was ranked #1 under the STAR ratings for Heavyweight in 1985.[16]
In 1986 he defended his KICK World Heavyweight title by beating Jeff Hollins by decision.[17] In 1986 Elmore defeated the KICK US Heavyweight champion M. Cole by TKO in the 12th round defending his KICK World title.[2]
In 1987 he defeated Cole in a rematch.[2] In April 1987 Elmore lost his PKC World Superheavyweight title to Brad Hefton by doctor stoppage due to an eye injury in the 12th round.[5][18][2]
In 1990 Elmore fought Stan Longinidis losing a decision and his KICK World Superheavyweight Title.[19] Longinidis vacated the KICK Superheavyweight title shortly after winning.[19]
In 1991 Elmore was the #12 ranked Superheavyweight by the PKO.[20] In 1999, after a 3-year layoff, Elmore fought Dennis Alexio for the IKF heavyweight title losing by KO in the 12th round.[21]