James Smith (boxer)

Last updated
James Smith
Champions for Kids.jpg
Smith in 2018
Born (1953-04-03) April 3, 1953 (age 72)
Magnolia, North Carolina, U.S.
Other namesBonecrusher
Statistics
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Reach82 in (208 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights62
Wins44
Wins by KO32
Losses17
Draws1

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.

Contents

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

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

62 fights44 wins17 losses
By knockout327
By decision1210
Draws1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
62Loss44–17–1 Larry Holmes TKO8 (10), 2:00Jun 18, 1999 Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.
61Win44–16–1Dave SlaughterTKO2 (8), 1:50Nov 27, 1998 Genesis Convention Center, Gary, Indiana, U.S.
60Loss43–16–1 Joe Bugner RTD1 (12), 3:00Jul 4, 1998 Carrara Indoor Stadium, Gold Coast, AustraliaFor vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
59Win43–15–1Lynwood JonesUD8Feb 25, 1998The Ritz, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
58Win42–15–1Troy RobertsTKO3 (10), 2:36Apr 11, 1996 University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
57Win41–15–1Eli DixonTKO3 (8)Aug 22, 1995Civic Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
56Win40–15–1Bernd FriedrichSD10Mar 25, 1995 Düsseldorf, Germany
55Loss39–15–1 Brian Nielsen TKO5 (8)Oct 7, 1994 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark
54Loss39–14–1 Axel Schulz UD10Sep 17, 1994 Leverkusen, Germany
53Loss39–13–1 Lionel Butler TKO3 (10), 2:19Jan 18, 1994 Civic Auditorium, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
52Win39–12–1Lester JacksonUD3Dec 3, 1993Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
51Win38–12–1Marshall TillmanUD3Dec 3, 1993Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
50Loss37–12–1 Daniel Dăncuță UD3Dec 3, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
49Win37–11–1 Elijah Tillery TKO6 (10), 2:51Sep 14, 1993Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
48Win36–11–1Andrew StokesUD10Aug 7, 1993Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
47Win35–11–1 Kevin Ford TKO9 (10)Jun 26, 1993 Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
46Win34–11–1Donnell WingfieldTKO2 (10), 1:53Jun 1, 1993 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45Loss33–11–1 Michael Moorer UD10Feb 27, 1993 Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
44Loss33–10–1 Greg Page UD10Jun 26, 1992 CSU Convocation Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
43Win33–9–1Danny WoffordTKO8Apr 24, 1992Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
42Win32–9–1Mark WillsUD10Feb 15, 1992 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
41Win31–9–1Andre CrowderKO1 (10), 1:50Dec 13, 1991Union Hall, Countryside, Illinois, U.S.
40Loss30–9–1Levi BillupsUD10Nov 4, 1991Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
39Win30–8–1Marshall TillmanTKO10 (10), 2:14Sep 24, 1991 Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.
38Win29–8–1Jeff SimsKO1 (10), 1:41Sep 17, 1991 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
37Win28–8–1Everett MartinTKO8 (10), 0:50Aug 6, 1991 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
36Win27–8–1Kimmuel OdumTKO3 (12), 2:37Jul 22, 1991 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Won vacant IBC Junior heavyweight title
35Win26–8–1Terry ArmstrongKO2Jun 28, 1991Salle Leyrit, Nice, France
34Win25–8–1Lawrence CarterTKO1 (12), 2:28Apr 28, 1991Civic Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
33Win24–8–1 Mike Weaver UD12Apr 4, 1990Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Won WBA Americas heavyweight title
32Win23–8–1Manoel de AlmeidaRTD6 (10), 3:00Feb 20, 1990 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
31Win22–8–1Mike RouseKO7 (10), 1:42Dec 14, 1989 St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
30Win21–8–1Jesse McGheeTKO2Oct 21, 1989 Grady Cole Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
29Win20–8–1Calvin JonesTKO8 (10)Sep 29, 1989 Athletic Park, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
28Loss19–8–1 Donovan Ruddock KO7 (10), 2:18Jul 2, 1989Cumberland County Memorial Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.
27Draw19–7–1Mike RouseTD3 (10)Jul 30, 1988 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Rouse cut from an accidental head clash
26Loss19–7 Adílson Rodrigues SD10Aug 9, 1987Ginásio Estadual do Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brazil
25Loss19–6 Mike Tyson UD12 Mar 7, 1987 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBA heavyweight title;
For WBC heavyweight title
24Win19–5 Tim Witherspoon KO1 (15), 2:12 Dec 12, 1986 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Won WBA heavyweight title
23Win18–5 David Bey UD10Aug 23, 1986Cumberland County Auditorium, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.
22Win17–5 Jesse Ferguson MD10Jun 7, 1986 Hamilton, Bermuda
21Win16–5 Mike Weaver TKO1 (10), 2:29Apr 5, 1986Coliseum Theatre, Colonie, New York, U.S.
20Loss15–5 Marvis Frazier UD10Feb 23, 1986Memorial Auditorium, Richmond, California, U.S.
19Loss15–4 Tim Witherspoon UD12Jun 15, 1985Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.For NABF heavyweight title
18Win15–3 José Ribalta SD10Apr 29, 1985 Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
17Loss14–3 Tony Tubbs UD10Mar 15, 1985Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
16Loss14–2 Larry Holmes TKO12 (15), 2:10Nov 9, 1984 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.For IBF heavyweight title
15Win14–1 Frank Bruno KO10 (10)May 13, 1984 Wembley Arena, London, England
14Win13–1Rahim MuhammadTKO5Feb 19, 1984Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
13Win12–1Leroy BooneTKO4 (10)Nov 4, 1983Egypt Shrine Temple, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
12Win11–1Walter SantemoreTKO4 (10)Aug 23, 1983Tropicana, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
11Win10–1Eugene CatoKO4 (10)Jun 14, 1983Ramada Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
10Win9–1Lynwood JonesTKO2May 10, 1983 Tropicana, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
9Win8–1Lee CohenKO1Apr 23, 1983 New York City, New York, U.S.
8Win7–1Nate RobinsonTKO2 (8), 1:35Apr 2, 1983Host Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7Win6–1Larry GivensTKO3Dec 14, 1982Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6Win5–1Lonnie ChapmanKO2Oct 16, 1982 Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
5Win4–1Chris McDonaldMD8Sep 11, 1982Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
4Win3–1Louis AlexanderKO2, 2:37Jul 31, 1982 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
3Win2–1Mike CohenKO2Apr 22, 1982Sheraton Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
2Win1–1 Ricky Parkey PTS6Jan 30, 1982 Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
1Loss0–1 James Broad KO4 (6), 1:07Nov 5, 1981 Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Biography of James Smith Archived 2008-12-07 at the Wayback Machine at his charity, ChampionForKids.org
  2. ↑ "Fair, Good Or Very Good - Where Does James "Bonecrusher" Smith Rank? - East Side Boxing News". www.boxing247.com. 2021-04-03. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  3. ↑ "Tim Witherspoon Vs. James "Bonecrusher" Smith: VHS Classic Rewind". Boxing 101. 23 August 2012.
  4. ↑ Karen Kratz © 2002-2006 kratzk@roaringaardvark.com. "Champion for Kids". www.championforkids.org. Archived from the original on 2006-12-08. Retrieved 2025-08-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ↑ "Living Legends Unite to Make a Difference at Ring 10 2nd Annual Fundraiser". Boxing 101. Archived from the original on 2016-04-02.
  6. ↑ "Upcoming Events". championforkids. Archived from the original on 2018-12-03. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBA heavyweight champion
December 12, 1986 – March 7, 1987 		Succeeded by
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