A genius and champion
The truth is Lee was a formidable opponent with a chiseled physique and technique. I totally enjoyed sparring and just spending time with him. He was as charismatic and friendly in the ring and at home, as he was on film. His confidence and wit were dazzling, and sometimes even debilitating to others. Saying things to others like, “A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard.â€
Lee was lightening fast, very agile and incredibly strong for his size. He was also a master marketer – a fact demonstrated by his ability to talk the world karate champion at the time (me) into being defeated on screen!
However, many today don’t realize he never competed professionally. If he had, I believe he would have been a world champion. Rather, his fame was crowned with the Green Hornet television series. He was then immortalized with such movies as “Enter the Dragon†and “Return of the Dragon,†in which Lee and I fought in the now famous fighting sequence inside the Roman Colosseum.
I enjoy speaking about my friendship with Bruce. It is something about which many don’t know. As I travel the world, it seems that younger people identify me merely with some of the folklore in the Chuck Norris Facts – those hyperbolic sayings that elevate my abilities beyond my capabilities. Others view me in light of the character I played in “Walker, Texas Ranger†or in one of my 20 tough-guy films. But, prior to my film and television career, not everyone realized that I was the six-time world champion back then. From 1964 to 1968, I won many state, national and international amateur karate titles. In 1968, I fought and won the World Professional MiddleWeight Karate championship by defeating the world’s top fighters. I then held that title until 1974, when I retired undefeated.
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