Howard Edward Davis, Jr. is a retired world-class American amateur and professional boxer. Growing up on Long Island as the eldest of 10 children, Davis first learned boxing from his father. After being inspired by a movie about Muhammad Ali, Davis embarked on his amateur career. He won the 1976 Olympic gold medal one week after his mother died. He was also awarded the "Val Barker Trophy at the Olympics, beating out such boxers Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael Spinks and Leon Spinks.
He turned professional after the Olympics and went on to a professional record of 36–6–1 with 14 knockouts. He retired in 1996. As of 2009, he works as boxing director at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, where he trains both amateur and professional boxers and MMA fighters. He is also a motivational speaker and a musician.