Article from: http://nypost.com/2015/08/07/boxings-forgotten-legend-fighting-biggest-fight-lung-cancer/
Howard Davis Jr. Photo: Getty Images; Splash News
Howard Davis Jr. doesn’t have time to ask “Why me?” He didn’t ask “Why me?” when his mother died only days before the start of the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, where Davis was representing the USA boxing team in the 132-pound division.
He didn’t ask “Why me?” when the words of his mother kept echoing in his head, “You better win that gold medal!” He didn’t ask “Why me?” when, after a decorated amateur career, he never won a world title as a professional. So he’s not about to ask “Why me?” after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, which has since spread to his liver, shoulder, lower back and pelvic bone.
“I’ve never questioned ‘Why me?” Davis, 59, told The Post this week. “God chose me to have this disease for a reason, and I have to find out the purpose and I’m kind of figuring it out why.”
Boxing fans under age 40 might not be familiar with Davis, and that’s a shame. The Long Island native and eldest of 10 kids was part of arguably the best U.S. boxing team to compete in the Olympics. The 1984 squad, which won nine gold medals, might beg to differ, though the powerful Soviet Union boycotted the Games in Los Angeles.
