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Danny Hodge Was One Bad Dude

Posted: Jan 24th 2008 By: CMBurnham

Having recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Danny Hodge, a two time Olympic wrestler ('52, '56) and Silver medalist, a Golden Gloves heavyweight boxing champion, former professional wrestler, and professional boxer, I soon realized that I had indeed found the MMA champ that never was!

HUMBLE SURROUNDINGS FOR MULTI-CHAMP

Arriving at the modest, quaint house that held a State legend, it looked just like all the other houses in the small, quiet town of Perry, Oklahoma. After a few seconds, the door opened and Danny thrust out his hand to greet me with his trademark sturdy handshake. Inside, medals and plaques covered the walls, along with some fishing gear resting in the corner. I was a bit surprised by how soft spoken yet stern the 75 year old athlete was. Danny hadn't lost any of his intellect, nor his strength (as our handshake indicated). For the next couple of hours, I sat intrigued as Danny took me through his storied career.

UNBEATEN RECORD SPEAKS VOLUMES

As I listened more about his stellar amateur wrestling career including going undefeated at the University of Oklahoma with a mark of 46-0 with 36 pins, and winning the New York City Golden Gloves tournament as a heavyweight, I couldn't help but think to myself, "I bet this guy would be a force in the 2008 world of MMA." Of course that opportunity never presented itself as by the time Mixed Martial Arts had hit mainstream USA, Hodge was well into his sixties.

CAN CRUSH MORE THAN JUST APPLES

Danny's strength is legendary. He can crush an apple with his bare hand, and bring you to your knees with a handshake. I could not help but imagine that with his credentials, his size, skill and strength, along with his Ricky Hatton like workmanship, he could easily be an MMA champion. I have no question that if it was presented to him a half century ago, he would be a sure fire champion, like an unrefined Randy Couture.

OKLAHOMA COMMISSION WELL-RESPECTED

Listening to Danny, his thoughts if given the chance in his prime, about competing in MMA, and he felt it would have been a hell of a ride. Although never getting the opportunity to compete in MMA, he is now the chairman of the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission which regulates boxing, wrestling and MMA in Oklahoma.

MMA BIG IN OKLAHOMA AS WELL!

Obviously while holding this position, he is very familiar with the MMA scene in Oklahoma. He is actively involved in helping young athletes find their way into sports, as a fighter, writer, trainer or just an avid fan. Before I knew it, the time had passed and our meeting came to a close. Danny told me to be sure and come back to visit him soon, which I replied with "absolutely, I will take you fishing!"

ONE LAST "CRUSHING" HANDSHAKE!

Danny laughed and agreed saying he would hold me to it. As I walked out the front door, I turned around to say goodbye, and extended my hand for one last bone crushing handshake; which he gladly administered with a smile.

Tags: Danny Hodge