By Richard McManus (photo by Richie Maldonado)

Emanuel Augustus (32-25-6, 17 KOs) will return to the ring this Friday night. This time out he faces the rugged Mexican journeyman, Arturo Morua (22-7-1, 13 KOs).

Augustus, 31, is a fan favorite known as much for his antics and ring dancing as he is for his boxing skills, which are considerable. He’s a fighter with good hand speed, quick combinations, great footwork and excellent ring movement.

There are 25 losses on his record, but he’s very tough opponent and almost always loses by decision. Of his 25 losses only 3 have been by knockout and two of those were against elite fighters (Floyd Mayweather and Jesus Chavez). Augustus only won 6 fights in a row once, and those six wins were in his first six fights. Since then he’s lost four in a row on two occasions. This fight on Friday will be Augustus’ 2nd fight so far this year.

In his last fight one month ago, Augustus scored a dramatic 10th round knockout of Jamie Rangel, the tough 140-pounder who is best known for getting knocked out in one round by Zab Judah. Before the Rangel tiff, in October 2005, Augustus lost a close, reportedly controversial decision to Montreal’s Hermann Ngoudjo in a NABF 140-pound title fight that took place in Ngoudjo’s hometown.

According to reports, Augustus lost some early rounds due to general inactivity and clowning but rallied late scoring a knockdown of Ngoudjo with 30 seconds left in the 12th and nearly ended the fight.

Prior to Ngoudjo, Augustus beat grizzled veteran Ray Oliviera by way of an 8th round TKO. In that fight Augustus displayed lightening quick combinations and remained focused for much of the fight seemingly intent on getting the stoppage, which eventually came as the result of an accumulation of punches.

So, Augustus keeps hanging around. He’s staying busy. He’s staying in shape. He’s waiting for another shot, another payday.

He has earned some minor title shots along the way and he’s actually held some minor belts for brief periods of time including the IBA 140-pound strap, which he won in 2004 by way of a 12-round decision over Alex Trujillo.

Augustus lost the title however, in his very next fight, against Tomas Barrientes when he was disqualified, while ahead on all cards, for antics and clowning that weren’t appreciated by the referee.

He’s had some cracks at the big time too. In 2000 he took on Floyd Mayweather in a non-title fight (even though at the time Floyd was the WBC 130-pound title holder). Augustus lost by way of a 9th round stoppage but gave the 23-0 Mayweather one of his toughest fights.

Augustus is best known for traveling to his opponent’s hometowns and taking fights on relatively short notice. One of the things about having 25 losses as a professional boxer is that guys don’t really have to come to you.

The fact of the matter is that if he wants to earn another shot, he’s going to have to earn it the hard way. And if history offers any lessons for Augustus’ future prospects, he’s probably going to have to knock out his opponents if he’s going to win.

The list of fighters Augustus has lost to by decision is staggering.

Among the fighters to beat him by decision are: Ivan Robinson, Diosbelys Hurtado, Antonio Diaz, Teddy Reid, John John Molina, Mickey Ward, Leonard Dorin, Omar Weis and Kelson Pinto.

Admittedly, the list is more impressive than the list of fighters that he has beaten but he deserves some credit for fighting competitive, close bouts with so many champs, former champs and world-class contenders.

Perhaps the most egregious miscarriages of recent boxing justice came in 2004 when Augustus traveled to Michigan on short notice to square off against the rising local star Courtney Burton.

Now, there is no way to deny that Augustus clearly won the fight. He probably shut out Burton. He made Burton look like an amateur. He landed more, threw more and landed the more effective and more powerful punches and combinations.

The problem was that Courtney Burton was a highly regarded local prospect with a 20-2 record and Augustus touched gloves with Burton boasting 23 losses.

When the judges scorecards were read the numbers were astounding. One judge had the fight 98-94 for Burton. Another had it 99-90 for Augustus. The third judge scored the bout 97-92 for Burton.

It was one of the most shocking decisions in the history of Friday Night Fights, a boxing show known for delivering hometown decisions. As a side note it should be mentioned that Burton went on to lose his next three fights, all by knockout, to pretty good fighters (Ebo Elder, Juan Lazcano and Rolando Reyes).

Now, Augustus may not ever get another shot at the big time and he may not ever get another shot at a big payday. And you know what, if he gets the shot he may not make the most of it.

But Augustus has paid his dues. He’s entertained fans with his skills, speed and antics for years. His fights are almost always filled with drama. And he’s earned a reputation among fight fans as an excellent fighter and as a guy that will always gives the fans their monies worth.

Contact Richard at rmcm12@hotmail.com