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Saturday, December 24, 2011

A Look Back: David Dusang

In an effort to link the past with the present, The Jewish Boxing Blog will present monthly a short biography of notable former Jewish boxers.

Sadly, David Dusang died last month. Dusang wasn't a world champion boxer, but he was an inspiration to many and led a truly impactful life.

David Dusang was born in 1963 and grew up in Winnipeg, Canada. His father, Ken, had had a few professional bouts and inspired David to take an interest in boxing. The son trained with his older brother in a makeshift gym Ken had set up in the family basement. David would go on to become a noted amateur.

Dusang, who would mostly fight at welterweight, made his professional debut on February 12, 1981 when he was 18 years old. Laurie Mann knocked him out in the first round. But Dusang didn't quit. He rattled off ten consecutive wins over the next two and half years.

Dusang, nicknamed the "Jewish Bomber," was known for his hand speed and his movement. Promoter Tommy Burns described Dusang as such, "He has great footwork, quick hands and lots of skill, but he’s too smart to be a boxer. He doesn’t like to get hit and when you stop and think about it, there is nothing wrong with that. You just have to find something else to do.”

The Jewish Bomber, who proudly wore the Star of David on his trunks, earned a rematch against Laurie Mann on December 6, 1983. Mann was 15-1 as Dusang hoped to avenge his only loss. But it wasn't to be. Mann repeated his earlier performance, knocking out Dusang in the first round.

Dusang had one more fight in 1984, before retiring with an 11-2 record and six KOs. His father Ken said of David, "He was a good boxer as a young man back in the day, but he was really a better adult. He had a wonderful career in business and was a great husband and father. David was a fine, fine man.”

Dusang attended the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba after his boxing career. He was a successful advertising executive, including a long stint with Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays.

On November 17, 2011, Dusang was tragically killed in a car accident when a speeding truck ran into his car near Toronto, where Dusang lived. After his death, a friend eulogized, "Dave was pure sweetness, kindness, a compassionate man, a good soul... He was sincere, dedicated, determined. He was an incredible gift to all that knew him."


Bibliography
Rosen, Harvey. "In Memory of David Dusang." The Canadian Jewish News. 2011.
Taylor, Scott. "Former boxer David Dusang dies in car crash."  The Jewish Post & News. 2011.

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