 Deyamporte
(Dee) Cavette
1987 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: BOXING
They called him Mr. Golden Gloves, one of the most promising fighters
in the history of Flint's amateur boxing. Back when boxing was a vehicle
for many young Black's to gain employment in General Motors, a well
built youngster by the name of Dee Cavette emerged. He soon became
well known in the gym's around Flint. One of the first Blacks to win
a championship, the 1933 golden gloves welterweight title. It was three
years before he lost a fight. He went on to win 13 boxing championships.
One of the greatest thrills was the 1936 General Motors National Tournament
in which he won the middleweight title. He was the only fighter to
register two knockouts in the tournament. Jack Dempsey called Cavette
the most terrific puncher in the tournament. His boxing championships
included the Detroit Diamond Belt, Detroit Free Press, Tri-State and
Michigan State Golden Gloves tournaments. He also was picked for the
All-American Boxing Team of 1937.
After failing vision forced him to give up a dream of becoming a professional
champion, Cavette became a trainer for young Flint fighters. He was
one of the most consistent and productive trainers in the State of
Michigan. His fighters from the old FICC and Berston won more championships
than any other boxing teams around, winning 16 titles out of a possible
22.
Among his achievements he received a plaque for his contribution to
boxing in 1983, the Judge Freeman Award in 1958 and inducted into the
Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.
Cavette was a Golden Gloves trainer for 37 years. He passed away May
18, 1978.
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