Best fights of James Smith
Over 18 years as a professional, James Smith has compiled a 44-17-1 (32) record, including seven title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. James Smith KOs Tim Witherspoon in their 2nd fight
On December 12, 1986 James Smith fought Tim Witherspoon for the WBA heavyweight title. It was their second meeting. Smith was 33 years old with a record of 18-5, and Witherspoon was 28 with a record of 25-2. Smith was on a 3-fight winning streak and Witherspoon was on a 7-fight winning streak. Smith stopped Tim Witherspoon via KO in the 1st round. Crowned the new heavyweight champion.
2. James Smith KOs Mike Weaver
On April 5, 1986 James Smith faced Mike Weaver in a heavyweight bout. Smith was 33 years old with a record of 15-5, and Weaver was 34 with a record of 28-11-1. Smith was on a 2-fight losing streak, while Weaver was coming off a win. Smith stopped Mike Weaver via TKO in the 1st round.
3. James Smith loses to Larry Holmes via KO
On November 9, 1984 James Smith fought Larry Holmes for the IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles. Smith was 31 years old with a record of 14-1, and Holmes was 35 with a record of 45-0. Smith was on a 14-fight winning streak and Holmes was on an undefeated 45-fight winning streak. Holmes stopped Smith via TKO in the 12th round. Failed to capture the title. Lasted into the 12th round.
4. James Smith loses to Mike Tyson via unanimous decision
On March 7, 1987 James Smith, the WBA heavyweight champion, met Mike Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion, in a title unification fight. Smith was 33 years old with a record of 19-5, and Tyson was 20 with a record of 28-0. Smith was on a 4-fight winning streak and Tyson was on an undefeated 28-fight winning streak. Smith lost via unanimous decision. Lost the title in unification. Went the distance with Tyson.
5. James Smith loses to Michael Moorer via unanimous decision
On February 27, 1993 James Smith faced Michael Moorer in a heavyweight bout. Smith was 39 years old with a record of 33-10-1, and Moorer was 25 with a record of 30-0. Smith was coming off a loss, while Moorer was on an undefeated 30-fight winning streak. Smith lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Moorer.
6. James Smith KOs Kimmuel Odum
On July 22, 1991 James Smith fought Kimmuel Odum for the vacant IBC cruiserweight title. Smith was 38 years old with a record of 26-8-1, and Odum was 0 with a record of 0-0. Smith was on a 7-fight winning streak. Smith stopped Kimmuel Odum via TKO in the 3rd round. Won the vacant title.
7. James Smith KOs Lawrence Carter
On April 28, 1991 James Smith faced Lawrence Carter. Smith was 38 years old with a record of 24-8-1, and Carter was 0 with a record of 0-0. Smith was on a 5-fight winning streak. Smith stopped Lawrence Carter via TKO in the 1st round.
8. James Smith KOs Jeff Sims
On September 17, 1991 James Smith faced Jeff Sims. Smith was 38 years old with a record of 28-8-1, and Sims was 0 with a record of 0-0. Smith was on a 9-fight winning streak. Smith stopped Jeff Sims via KO in the 1st round.
9. James Smith KOs Andre Crowder
On December 13, 1991 James Smith faced Andre Crowder. Smith was 38 years old with a record of 30-9-1, and Crowder was 0 with a record of 0-0. Smith was coming off a loss. Smith stopped Andre Crowder via KO in the 1st round.
10. James Smith KOs Frank Bruno
On May 13, 1984 James Smith faced Frank Bruno. Smith was 31 years old with a record of 13-1, and Bruno was 22 with a record of 21-0. Smith was on a 13-fight winning streak and Bruno was on an undefeated 21-fight winning streak. Smith stopped Frank Bruno via KO in the 10th round.