Hicks won the Buffalo Golden Gloves tournament in 1965 in the 175 Novice Division, and in 1967 won the Open 175 Division and finished third in the Nationals in Milwaukee.[2]
Hicks began boxing professionally part-time in 1967, while continuing to work as a teacher.[2] Fighting from 1967 to 1974, he won 18 fights, 10 by knockout, while losing 12, 8 by knockout, and drawing 3.[1] On October 30, 1971, Hicks challenged Bob Foster (boxer) for the World Boxing Council Light Heavyweight title at Scranton Pennsylvania. Hicks was stopped in the 8th round.[3]
He was inducted into the Buffalo Boxing Hall of Fame.[2]
Hicks died on February 14, 2023, In Cedar Rapids, Iowa[4]
