By Eddie Mitchell

Bonecrusher sat back in his chair at the Carolina Boxing Hall of Fame dinner in Charlotte. He was relaxed and enjoying the ambience of the evening. This 6’4″ ex-heavyweight with a reach of 82″ had been a formidable opponent from 1981 through 1999.

When Bonecrusher heard my English accent he immediately broke into a smile.

“In 1984 I was in London to fight the darling of the British fight game, Frank Bruno at Wembley Arena. The smile broadened, knocked him out in 10 rounds.”

 

Bruno wasn’t the only British fighter Bonecrusher faced. In 1998 in Queensland, Australia he fought Joe Bugner for the WBF World Heavyweight Title. Unfortunately Bonecrusher injured his shoulder in the first and had to retire.

His career was laced with great opponents from Larry Holmes, Greg Page, Donavon “Razor” Ruddick, “Iron” Mike Tyson and Tim Witherspoon. Not known as a great boxer, Bonecrusher had tremendous power in both hands and a chin that was solid.

In the mid-90s James was an instigator in the formation of the North Carolina Boxing Commission serving as the first chairman. “Champion for Kids,” a non-profit organization started by James in 2002, provides scholarships to high school students.

Across the room was another ex-heavyweight, Clamon “Sandman” Parker, another character, who on this special evening was inducted into the Carolina Boxing Hall of Fame.

Sandman’s acceptance speech was hilarious recalling some of the fond memories that boxing had given him. In 70 professional bouts he faced Greg Page, John Tate, Tony Tubbs and Alfonzo Ratliff. He also sparred with Joe Frazier, Michael Spinks and Bonecrusher Smith.

Now a Vocational Instructor and Licensed General Contractor, this former North Carolina Heavyweight Champion, like Bonecrusher, is a credit to the fight game.