Page "Mr. T" Paragraph 11

While he was in his late twenties, Tureaud won two tough-man competitions consecutively.

The first aired as " Sunday Games " on NBC-TV under the contest of " America's Toughest Bouncer " which included throwing a stuntman, and breaking through a wooden door.

For the first event, Tureaud came in third place.

For the end, two finalists squared off in a boxing ring for a two-minute round to declare the champion.

Making it to the ring as a finalist, his opponent was a Honolulu bouncer named Tutefano Tufi.

Within twenty seconds " Mr. T " gave the six foot five competitor a bloody nose, and later a bloody mouth.

He won the match and thus the competition.

The second competition was aired under the new name " Games People Play " on NBC-TV.

When interviewed by Bryant Gumbel before the final boxing match, Mr T. said, " I just feel sorry for the guy who I have to box.

I just feel real sorry for him.

" This fight was scheduled to last three rounds, but Mr. T finished it in less than 54 seconds.

When Sylvester Stallone spotted Mr. T in this second airing, it is strongly believed that the interview with sports journalist Bryant Gumbel originated his famous line " I don't hate him but ... I pity the fool ", which was worked into the movie Rocky.