James Shuler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Shuler |
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| Real name | James Shuler | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Black Gold | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rated at | Middleweight | |||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reach | 78 in (198 cm) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | American | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 29 May 1959 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Died | March 17, 1986 (aged 26) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stance | Orthodox | |||||||||||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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James Shuler (born May 29, 1959 – died March 17, 1986) was a talented American boxer. He was known as "Black Gold" and came from Philadelphia. James was both an Olympic hopeful and a successful professional boxer.
Contents
Amateur Boxing Career
James Shuler was trained by the famous boxer Joe Frazier. James became the National Golden Gloves Light Middleweight Champion in both 1979 and 1980.
A Missed Olympic Chance
Shuler was chosen for the 1980 U.S. Olympic boxing team. This team was heading to Warsaw, Poland, for a special boxing event. However, James could not go with them because he was injured. Sadly, the plane carrying his teammates crashed, and many boxers and coaches passed away. James was not on that flight.
Later, the United States decided to boycott the 1980 Olympics. This meant James could not compete, even if he had been healthy. In 2007, he received a special Congressional Gold Medal. This medal honored him and other athletes who missed their Olympic chance.
Amateur Achievements
James Shuler had a very strong amateur career. He won several important matches and tournaments:
- In March 1979, he won the National Golden Gloves (156 lbs) in Indianapolis.
- In May–June 1979, he won the Pan Am Trials (156 lbs) in Toledo, Ohio.
- In July 1979, he earned a silver medal at the Pan American Games (156 lbs) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- In October 1979, he won a gold medal at the World Cup (156 lbs) in New York City.
- In March 1980, he won the National Golden Gloves (156 lbs) again in Shreveport, Louisiana.
- In June 1980, he won the Olympic Trials (156 lbs) in Atlanta.
James Shuler finished his amateur boxing career with an impressive record of 165 wins and only 8 losses.
Professional Boxing Career
James Shuler started his professional boxing journey on September 12, 1980. He quickly showed his power, winning his first fight by knockout. Over five years, he became a top middleweight boxer. He won the NABF (North American Boxing Federation) national Middleweight championship.
Shuler had a professional record of 22 wins and only 1 loss. He won 16 of his fights by knockout. His only professional loss came on March 10, 1986. He was knocked out in the first round by the famous boxer Thomas Hearns.
His Passing
Sadly, James Shuler passed away in a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia on March 17, 1986. This was just one week after his last boxing match.
Remembering James Shuler
Many people remembered James Shuler as a kind and respectful person. Bob Arum, a famous boxing promoter, shared a story about James. After his last fight, James went to thank Arum for promoting the match. Arum said James was the only boxer who had ever done that. He called James "a decent, decent young man."
In 1995, James's close friend, Percy Custus, opened the 'James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym' in Philadelphia. This gym honors James and helps young boxers in his hometown. Percy and James had trained together at the Joe Frazier Gym and were close friends for many years.
