Gary Helms
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Gary Helms (born March 4, 1965) is an American kickboxer from Houston, Texas, who was given the nickname "Hitman" because of his pin-point accuracy, speed, and mobster style hat or cowboy hat he would wear into the ring.
Helms's grandfather, James Helms, was a World War II veteran who had won a Bronze Star and Purple Heart as well as a Presidential Unit Citation (US).
James became Gary's inspiration as Gary started an amateur career in 1980. In 1982 he turned professional. His hand, leg-speed, and personality soon made him a major attraction to promoters and event organizers across the country.
Early in his career, Gary defeated some well-known kickboxers, such as former U.S. champion Robert Duttman.
He lost his first United States title attempt to Robert Visitacion in Shreveport, Louisiana. The bout is still recognized today as one of the sports most action packed events. The focal point of the bout came upon entrance to the ring, when Visitacion showed up mocking Helms wearing a duplicate to Helms trademark cowboy hat and kicking jeans and mocking him from across the ring.
When asked at the post fight interview what was said to him when Visitacion walked over to him in his corner, Helms responded with, "he first looked me up and down and said, this ain't going to take long". Visitacion used his experience to his advantage and took out the challenger in 10 rounds winning a unanimous decision.
Helms was devastated by his first defeat, but did not give up on his dream. In 1988 he completed his career with a final record of 56 wins, 2 losses and 47 knockouts.
In 1997 he was the assistant coach for Team USA on their European Tour of London, Paris, Athlone and Dublin Ireland.
A two time World Champion in the light and middleweight divisions in 1985 and 1987 by the WKBA and USKBA, most magazines and newpapers, still rate him as one of the fiercest competitors to ever enter the kickboxing ring.
He resides in Deer Park, Texas and remains accessible to his fans taking photos and talking with supporters, signing autographs, and welcoming new friends.
