James Smith (boxer)
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James "Bonecrusher" Smith (born April 3, 1953) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1981 to 1999 and held the WBA heavyweight title from 1986 to 1987.
Early life
Smith was born in Magnolia, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, he attended James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, North Carolina. He earned an associate's degree in business administration in 1973.[1] Two years later, he got a bachelor's degree in business administration from Shaw University in Raleigh.[1]
Amateur career
After serving in the U.S. military and working as a prison guard, Smith competed as an amateur boxer, compiling a record of 35–4 before turning professional in November 1981.[2]
Professional career
He lost his first fight against James "Broad-Axe" Broad, a world-class amateur and qualifier for the 1980 Olympics who was 2–0 as a pro. The fight was broadcast on ESPN. Smith was dropped in 4 rounds with body shots and counted out.
The following year Smith upset future cruiserweight world champion and southpaw Ricky Parkey, then 2–0 as a pro, by winning a 6-round points decision. After scoring two knockouts, Smith followed up the Parkey win with another upset: an 8-round points decision over Chris McDonald, who was 8–0–1 as a pro and had been a top amateur. He went on to score nine straight knockouts, before traveling to the UK in 1984, where he fought and knocked out Frank Bruno, who was 21–0 (21 KOs).
In November 1984, he fought Larry Holmes for the IBF heavyweight championship. Holmes had a record of 45–0 (32 KOs) and won eighteen straight world title fights. Smith was stopped on advice of the doctor in the 12th round, due to a severe cut, and was behind on points again. He had Holmes in trouble from rounds five to seven.
Smith came back in 1985, fighting on Don King undercards. He lost a 10-round decision to 19–0 amateur star and future world champ Tony Tubbs in an eliminator, won a 10-round decision over 18–1 Cuban contender José Ribalta, then dropped a wide 12-round decision to ex-world champ Tim Witherspoon in a bid for Witherspoon's NABF belt.
In 1986 he dropped Marvis Frazier, including breaking Frazier's jaw, but lost the 10-round decision. At this time, Bonecrusher began consulting a psychiatrist. In his next fight he beat ex-world champ Mike Weaver in one round. He followed it up with two 10-round decisions over Jesse Ferguson (14–2) and David Bey (15–2).
WBA Heavyweight Champion
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In December 1986, while preparing for a fight with Mitch "Blood" Green, Don King informed him at short notice that Tony Tubbs had dropped out of his upcoming challenge to WBA champ Tim Witherspoon, and now Smith would be getting a rematch with Witherspoon. He dropped Witherspoon three times in the opening round, scoring a first-round knockout and winning the WBA title in an upset.[3]
With his victory over Witherspoon, Smith took his place in the heavyweight unification series, an ongoing competition being conducted by HBO and King to crown an undisputed world heavyweight champion for the first time since the retirement of Muhammad Ali. The victory garnered Smith another fight, where he was to defend his belt against newly crowned WBC champion Mike Tyson in a unification contest. Taking place on March 7, 1987, the bout saw Tyson beat Smith to the punch in nearly every round, while Smith resorted to holding to keep himself in the fight. The decision saw Smith lose eleven rounds on two scorecards and all twelve on another.
Final years
Smith returned to the ring for a few months, taking on Brazilian contender Adilson "Maguila" Rodrigues in São Paulo and losing by split decision.
In 1989, now aged 36, he took on the Jamaican-Canadian Razor Ruddock. Ruddock won by knockout in the 7th round and Smith announced his retirement afterwards, declaring he would pursue politics.
Smith was back in the ring only two months later, knocking out journeyman Calvin Jones, followed by three more knockouts before being matched with former victim Mike Weaver in a battle of hard hitting ex-champs. This time, Smith was resigned to having to win a dull 12-round points decision over Weaver, although he did score a knockdown in a brief moment of excitement. He also earned the WBA Americas belt and a world ranking.
After a year-long layoff he was back, now aged 38, and scored six knockouts. Achievements included a notable 8-round knockout of the cement-skulled journeyman Everett "Bigfoot" Martin (who had just taken George Foreman the distance) and a first-round knockout of Jeff Sims.
Smith lost his world ranking and all his momentum in November 1991 when he dropped a shocking 10-round decision to club fighter Levi Billups who had a patchy 15–5 record. Smith looked under-prepared as he was banged around and generally outhustled by Billups. Smith rallied to knock down the underdog in the 9th; however, it was too little too late.
Still active in 1992, now aged 39 and with a 33–9–1 record, Smith regained some credibility with a 10-round decision over Mark Wills. His old agitator Don King gave him another opportunity on one of his undercards and matched him with warhorse Greg Page, in a battle of two ex-champs. In the opening round, Bonecrusher tried to rush Page as he had done Witherspoon; however, Smith was decked for his efforts and outpunched by Page over the 10 round distance.
In 1993 Smith lost to undefeated southpaw and #1 contender Michael Moorer. The paying audience jeered the two passive fighters through to the 10 round finish, where Smith lost a lopsided decision.
Smith competed in the One-Night Heavyweight Tournament in Bay St Louis (not included in the official record, counted as show), where a group of heavies of varying quality would fight a series of 3 round fights with the winner being awarded one million dollars. He beat Lester Jackson and Marshall Tillman, before losing in the semi-final to Romanian prospect Daniel Dăncuţă. Smith's old buddy Tony Tubbs eventually won the tournament.
In 1994 Smith was matched with power punching Lionel Butler, who was highly ranked and on a red-hot string of knockouts. Smith collapsed in 3 rounds with little resistance.
Later that year he traveled to Europe to drop a points decision to German Axel Schulz, and in Denmark he was stopped in 5 rounds due to a cut from a headbutt by Brian Nielsen. Smith was overweight for both fights and his days as a contender dwindled.
He fought on and off for a few more years. In 1998, he traveled to Australia to battle Joe Bugner for the WBF heavyweight championship, but had to retire after one round when his shoulder dislocated. The same injury ended a fight in 1999 with former world champion Larry Holmes. After this loss, Smith retired at the age of 46, touting a record of 44–17–1 (32 KOs).
In 1995, Smith helped establish the North Carolina Boxing Commission and served as the first chairman.[1]
Life after boxing
Smith became an ordained minister in 1996[1] and dedicated his life to helping young people stay clear of crime and drugs. Three years later, he retired from boxing.[1]
In 2004 Smith started the non-profit Champion For Kids Inc. to provide scholarships to high school students.[4]
Smith began working as a recruiter and the Director of Intramural Athletics for Sandhills Community College in June 2005.
Deeply committed to helping impoverished fighters, Smith was a guest at the Ring 10 Veterans Boxing Foundation 2nd Annual Fundraiser in 2012, where he expressed his support of initiatives to better provide for those in need.[5]
Smith is currently working with organizers to establish the Legends of Boxing Hall of Fame in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.[6]
Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | Loss | 44–17–1 | Larry Holmes | TKO | 8 (10), 2:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 18, 1999 | Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 61 | Win | 44–16–1 | Dave Slaughter | TKO | 2 (8), 1:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 27, 1998 | Genesis Convention Center, Gary, Indiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 60 | Loss | 43–16–1 | Joe Bugner | RTD | 1 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 4, 1998 | Carrara Indoor Stadium, Gold Coast, AustraliaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 59 | Win | 43–15–1 | Lynwood Jones | UD | 8 | Feb 25, 1998 | The Ritz, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 58 | Win | 42–15–1 | Troy Roberts | TKO | 3 (10), 2:36Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 11, 1996 | University, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 57 | Win | 41–15–1 | Eli Dixon | TKO | 3 (8) | Aug 22, 1995 | Civic Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 56 | Win | 40–15–1 | Bernd Friedrich | SD | 10 | Mar 25, 1995 | Düsseldorf, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 55 | Loss | 39–15–1 | Brian Nielsen | TKO | 5 (8) | Oct 7, 1994 | K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 54 | Loss | 39–14–1 | Axel Schulz | UD | 10 | Sep 17, 1994 | Leverkusen, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 53 | Loss | 39–13–1 | Lionel Butler | TKO | 3 (10), 2:19Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 18, 1994 | Civic Auditorium, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 52 | Win | 39–12–1 | Lester Jackson | UD | 3 | Dec 3, 1993 | Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 51 | Win | 38–12–1 | Marshall Tillman | UD | 3 | Dec 3, 1993 | Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 50 | Loss | 37–12–1 | Daniel Dăncuță | UD | 3 | Dec 3, 1993 | Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 49 | Win | 37–11–1 | Elijah Tillery | TKO | 6 (10), 2:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 14, 1993 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 48 | Win | 36–11–1 | Andrew Stokes | UD | 10 | Aug 7, 1993 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 47 | Win | 35–11–1 | Kevin Ford | TKO | 9 (10) | Jun 26, 1993 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 46 | Win | 34–11–1 | Donnell Wingfield | TKO | 2 (10), 1:53Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 1, 1993 | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 45 | Loss | 33–11–1 | Michael Moorer | UD | 10 | Feb 27, 1993 | Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 44 | Loss | 33–10–1 | Greg Page | UD | 10 | Jun 26, 1992 | CSU Convocation Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 43 | Win | 33–9–1 | Danny Wofford | TKO | 8 | Apr 24, 1992 | Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 42 | Win | 32–9–1 | Mark Wills | UD | 10 | Feb 15, 1992 | The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 41 | Win | 31–9–1 | Andre Crowder | KO | 1 (10), 1:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 13, 1991 | Union Hall, Countryside, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 40 | Loss | 30–9–1 | Levi Billups | UD | 10 | Nov 4, 1991 | Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 39 | Win | 30–8–1 | Marshall Tillman | TKO | 10 (10), 2:14Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 24, 1991 | Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 38 | Win | 29–8–1 | Jeff Sims | KO | 1 (10), 1:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 17, 1991 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 37 | Win | 28–8–1 | Everett Martin | TKO | 8 (10), 0:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 6, 1991 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 36 | Win | 27–8–1 | Kimmuel Odum | TKO | 3 (12), 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 22, 1991 | Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant IBC Junior heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 35 | Win | 26–8–1 | Terry Armstrong | KO | 2 | Jun 28, 1991 | Salle Leyrit, Nice, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 34 | Win | 25–8–1 | Lawrence Carter | TKO | 1 (12), 2:28Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 28, 1991 | Civic Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 33 | Win | 24–8–1 | Mike Weaver | UD | 12 | Apr 4, 1990 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won WBA Americas heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 32 | Win | 23–8–1 | Manoel de Almeida | RTD | 6 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 20, 1990 | Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 31 | Win | 22–8–1 | Mike Rouse | KO | 7 (10), 1:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 14, 1989 | St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 30 | Win | 21–8–1 | Jesse McGhee | TKO | 2 | Oct 21, 1989 | Grady Cole Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 29 | Win | 20–8–1 | Calvin Jones | TKO | 8 (10) | Sep 29, 1989 | Athletic Park, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 28 | Loss | 19–8–1 | Donovan Ruddock | KO | 7 (10), 2:18Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 2, 1989 | Cumberland County Memorial Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 27 | Template:DrawDraw | 19–7–1 | Mike Rouse | TD | 3 (10) | Jul 30, 1988 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Rouse cut from an accidental head clashScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 26 | Loss | 19–7 | Adílson Rodrigues | SD | 10 | Aug 9, 1987 | Ginásio Estadual do Ibirapuera, São Paulo, BrazilScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 25 | Loss | 19–6 | Mike Tyson | UD | 12 | Mar 7, 1987 | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBA heavyweight title; For WBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 24 | Win | 19–5 | Tim Witherspoon | TKO | 1 (15), 2:12Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 12, 1986 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 23 | Win | 18–5 | David Bey | UD | 10 | Aug 23, 1986 | Cumberland County Auditorium, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 22 | Win | 17–5 | Jesse Ferguson | MD | 10 | Jun 7, 1986 | Hamilton, BermudaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 21 | Win | 16–5 | Mike Weaver | TKO | 1 (10), 2:29Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 5, 1986 | Coliseum Theatre, Colonie, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 20 | Loss | 15–5 | Marvis Frazier | UD | 10 | Feb 23, 1986 | Memorial Auditorium, Richmond, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 19 | Loss | 15–4 | Tim Witherspoon | UD | 12 | Jun 15, 1985 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For NABF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 18 | Win | 15–3 | José Ribalta | SD | 10 | Apr 29, 1985 | Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 17 | Loss | 14–3 | Tony Tubbs | UD | 10 | Mar 15, 1985 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 16 | Loss | 14–2 | Larry Holmes | TKO | 12 (15), 2:10Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 9, 1984 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 15 | Win | 14–1 | Frank Bruno | KO | 10 (10) | May 13, 1984 | Wembley Arena, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 14 | Win | 13–1 | Rahim Muhammad | TKO | 5 | Feb 19, 1984 | Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 13 | Win | 12–1 | Leroy Boone | TKO | 4 (10) | Nov 4, 1983 | Egypt Shrine Temple, Tampa, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 12 | Win | 11–1 | Walter Santemore | TKO | 4 (10) | Aug 23, 1983 | Tropicana, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 11 | Win | 10–1 | Eugene Cato | KO | 4 (10) | Jun 14, 1983 | Ramada Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 10 | Win | 9–1 | Lynwood Jones | TKO | 2 | May 10, 1983 | Tropicana, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 9 | Win | 8–1 | Lee Cohen | KO | 1 | Apr 23, 1983 | New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 8 | Win | 7–1 | Nate Robinson | TKO | 2 (8), 1:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 2, 1983 | Host Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 7 | Win | 6–1 | Larry Givens | TKO | 3 | Dec 14, 1982 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 6 | Win | 5–1 | Lonnie Chapman | KO | 2 | Oct 16, 1982 | Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 5 | Win | 4–1 | Chris McDonald | MD | 8 | Sep 11, 1982 | Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 4 | Win | 3–1 | Louis Alexander | KO | 2, 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 31, 1982 | Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 3 | Win | 2–1 | Mike Cohen | KO | 2 | Apr 22, 1982 | Sheraton Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 2 | Win | 1–1 | Ricky Parkey | PTS | 6 | Jan 30, 1982 | Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 1 | Loss | 0–1 | James Broad | KO | 4 (6), 1:07Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 5, 1981 | Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
References
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- ↑ a b c d e Biography of James Smith Template:Webarchive at his charity, ChampionForKids.org
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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