The biography and personal life details of James Butler the former boxer

James Butler is an American former light heavyweight boxer who competed for eight years. He had a promising start in his career but later tarnished his reputation by killing his close friend. Butler also once attacked his opponent after losing a fight in 2001.

The legendary boxer fought under the nickname "The Harlem Hammer" and won most of his bouts. Butler was known as a hot-tempered boxer, which later cost him his career. This article features his life history, net worth, and what happened to his career afterwards.

James Butler profile summary

James Butler's biography

Former IBF super middleweight champion James Butler (age 50 as of December 2023) was born and raised in Harlem, New York, United States. James Butler's height is 1.83 m or 6 feet and 0 inches.

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James Butler's nationality is American. He lived with his mother, Velva Gadson, and brother Aaron in New York after his father reportedly abandoned them. James Butler's family had a difficult life without much money. Velva was strict with her sons, moulding them to be strong.

The legendary boxer used to fight on the streets as a young kid and cause people trouble. A week before his 18th birthday, Butler spent 20 days in jail for petty theft.

James Butler's career

Butler loved boxing and decided to pursue the career despite his mother's disapproval. He began as an amateur before turning pro. Velva's son won the city's most coveted amateur boxing title, the Golden Gloves, in 1992 and 1995.

James also won the United States Boxing Association super middleweight title in 1999 and fought for the International Boxing Federation title early in 2001. His friend, Sam Kellerman, believed in his abilities and helped him to pursue his dream.

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Sam introduced James to his brother, Max, who agreed to promote him on TV. Kellerman was a sports journalist, while his brother Max was a New York-based boxing expert and ESPN Radio show host.

James Butler's boxing record

The Harlem native had a remarkable career from 1996-2004. He started his journey by scoring 18 wins and only one loss in the super middleweight division. He finished his career with a record of 20-5-0 (including 12 knockouts). Butler won 20 fights and lost only five. Here is a breakdown of his career bouts, from the first to the last.

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What happened to James Butler's boxing career?

Butler's career took a different turn after sucker-punching opponent Richard Grant during a televised charity on 23 November 2001. Organisers of the fight sought to raise funds for surviving New York firefighters and police officers of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City.

James punched Grant without gloves on after losing the fight by unanimous decision. He got arrested and charged with aggravated assault. He was later convicted and served four months at Riker's Island detention facility.

Grant suffered a temporarily dislocated jaw and a lacerated tongue that required 26 stitches. James Butler Jr. and Richard Grant met twice in the ring, with Grant winning on both occasions.

End of an era

Butler resumed his career after his release from detention. He only featured in four bouts before meeting another catastrophe that ended his career. In 2004, he pleaded guilty to killing his friend Sam Kellerman. According to the police, Kellerman's body was found in his Hollywood apartment on 17 October 2004 near a hammer.

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Prosecutors believed Butler's attack on his friend came following his depression and harrowing experience in reviving his career and fixing his relationship with his girlfriend.

"It's possible Mr. Kellerman asked him to move out, or there was a disagreement over how long he could stay with him, and it resulted in him picking up a hammer," said Superior Court spokeswoman Pat Kelly.

James Butler Jr.'s prison sentence was initially 29 years and four months before Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor reduced the sentence by 613 days to account for the time James spent in custody four days after the killing.

The court also ordered the fierce boxer to pay $17,853 in funeral expenses to Sam's family, $10,000 to the state's victim restitution fund and $11,882 to the owner of the victim's apartment, which was left torched and blood-soaked after the killing. James was also banned for life from boxing.

Interesting facts about James Butler

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Butler established himself among the best boxers of his generation. However, his anger problems and hot temper ruined his reputation. Here are other things you need to know about him.

James Butler's net worth

According to sources, the legendary athlete earned around $1 million - $5 million from his boxing career. He was among the most successful boxers in New York during his peak.

James Butler's girlfriend and son

Butler had a relationship with Chase Mariposa. The couple reportedly had problems in their affair that affected the boxer's mental health. They had a son, Zaire, whose whereabouts remain undisclosed.

Where is James Butler doing now?

The former boxer is reportedly still serving his prison sentence. He has been out of the limelight since moving to prison.

Final word

James Butler captivated audiences with his powerful punches and unrelenting determination to win. He worked tirelessly to establish himself among the best super middleweight fighters. Despite his misconduct, he was a role model to many in the ring.

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