I fear BR may have lost a local legend

Emanuel Augustus, for a long time went by Burton, was fatally shot Monday night

He had some classic fights over the years and was easily the most entertaining fighter I've ever seen fight.

His bout with Courtney Burton was amazing. He fought an entire round staring at Burton's wife in the first row.
His fight with Mickey Ward rivals any boxing match I've ever seen.

Every boxer and many combat sports athletes of other disciplines over the last 20 years have been influenced by Augustus.

His "Drunkin Master" style was truly unique, and very very frustrating to us trying to learn from him. He would teach is the importance of movement and offbeat timing as he was nearly impossible to hit, all the while talking to us and trying to feed us pointers. You always learned something when he came in the gym.

He would also spar anyone anytime under and circumstances. When we first opened the gym back in 2005, Manny would stop by anytime he was in the area and jump in the ring with jeans and boots on and embarrass everyone who stepped in. But not spitefully, mercifully actually. again always talking, correcting, encouraging, but always pointing out your mistakes with (much softer than he could) counter punches or evasive movement that left you off balance and in a bad angle.

I didn't know him well beyond the gym, but I'll tell you everyone loved his energy and marveled at his skill when he stopped in. And his fights were a real treat


RIP Emanuel Augustus


UPDATE
I spoke too soon. He is still holding on on life support