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"Bonecrusher" Smith speaks at CCCC

10.16.2012 • College & Community, Special Events

SANFORD - James "Bonecrusher" Smith, former World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion of the World, will speak at Central Carolina Community College's Lee County Campus from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18.

Smith's appearance is sponsored by the college's MADE: Men of Academic Distinction and Excellence program. He will talk about challenges he overcame and how he became successful in college and in his career.

Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. The program takes place in Room 9105 of the college's Science Building, located across Kelly Drive from the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

Smith was born in Magnolia, N.C. He earned an associate degree in Business Administration from James Sprunt Community College and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Shaw University. He became the first heavyweight champion with a college degree.

Smith did not start boxing until he was in the Army. After his enlistment was up, he boxed successfully as an amateur, but was uncertain about going pro. He worked as a prison guard, then tried professional boxing. The results were uneven.

His co-manager suggested he retire and Smith became a car salesman in Fayetteville. Finally, he decided to go back into professional boxing. This time, with determination, hard work and skill, he went on to become the Heavyweight Champion. He ended his professional career in 1999 with a record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and one draw.

Smith, who now lives in Myrtle Beach, helped establish the N.C. Boxing Commission and served as its first chairman. He became an ordained minister and works to help youth stay free of drugs and crime.

In 2002, he founded and is still chair of the board of Champion for Kids, a nonprofit organization that mentors youth around the world. He worked for a while as a recruiter and director of intramural athletics for Sandhills Community College. He was inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.

For more information about his appearance at CCCC, contact Solomon McAuley, MADE coach, at smcau534@cccc.edu.

James "Bonecrusher" Smith, former World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion of the World, will speak about challenges he has overcome and how he became successful in college and career from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Central Carolina Community College's Lee County Campus. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. The program takes place in Room 9105 of the college's Science Building, located across Kelly Drive from the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. His appearance is sponsored by the college's MADE: Men of Academic Distinction and Excellence program. For more information, contact Solomon McAuley, MADE coach, at smcau534@cccc.edu .