James Kinchen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Kinchen |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | The Heat |
| Rated at | Middleweight Super-middleweight Light-heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 9+1/2 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | March 1, 1958 San Diego, California |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 60 |
| Wins | 49 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Draws | 2 |
James Kinchen, born on March 1, 1958, is a retired American boxer. He was known as "The Heat" because of his exciting fighting style. James competed as a professional boxer from 1980 to 1992. He is most famous for his big fight against Thomas Hearns for the very first WBO super middleweight championship. James also fought for world titles in the light-heavyweight division two times.
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Early Boxing Days
James Kinchen began his boxing journey in McKinney, Texas. Before turning professional, he had a very successful amateur career. He won the famous Golden Gloves championship three times. He was also a three-time champion in the Southwestern AAU. James finished his amateur boxing with an impressive record of 127 wins and only 12 losses.
Professional Boxing Career
James Kinchen started his professional boxing career on August 8, 1980. In his very first fight, he defeated O'Daniel Marks with a first-round knockout (KO). This happened at the Dallas Convention Center.
Winning Championships
James won his first major title on November 24, 1984. He stopped Alex Ramos in the ninth round by knockout. This win made him the USBA middleweight champion. Later, on October 13, 1988, he won another important title. He became the NABF super middleweight champion. He earned this title by winning a unanimous decision against Marvin Mack. A unanimous decision means all judges agreed he won.
Big Fights and Challenges
Less than a month after winning the NABF title, James faced a huge challenge. He fought against the legendary boxer Thomas Hearns. This fight was for the brand new WBO super middleweight title. James stepped in to fight Hearns because another boxer, Fulgencio Obelmejias, was injured.
In their exciting match, Kinchen even knocked Hearns down in the fourth round! However, James ultimately lost the fight by a close majority decision. A majority decision means most, but not all, judges thought Hearns won. James Kinchen also challenged for two other world titles. He fought for the WBA and IBF light-heavyweight world championships.
Pro Boxing Titles
- USBA middleweight champion
- NABF middleweight champion
Personal Life
James Kinchen currently lives in San Diego, California. He is also a member and now a Pastor of the Helping Hand Church of God in Christ.
