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			{{Use mdy dates\|date=July 2023}}
	{{short description\|American boxer and convicted felon}}		{{short description\|American boxer and convicted felon}}
	{{Infobox boxer		{{Infobox boxer
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	\| nickname = Harlem Hammer		\| nickname = Harlem Hammer
	\| realname =		\| realname =
	\| nationality = ~~American~~		\| nationality =
	\| weight = ]		\| weight = ]
	\| height = 6 ft 0 in		\| height = 6 ft 0 in
	\| reach =		\| reach =
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	\| losses = 5		\| losses = 5
	}}		}}
	'''James Butler Jr.''' (born December 18, 1972 in ]) is a ~~retired American~~ professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2004. He challenged once for the IBF super middleweight title in 2000, but he is best known for his infamous bout on November 23, 2001~~.<ref~~ ~~name='nyt'/>~~ ~~Butler~~ ~~brutally~~ ~~]ed~~ ] after ~~losing~~ the fight ~~and~~ ~~served four months at ]~~. In 2004, Butler was arrested for the murder of Sam Kellerman and was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison.		'''James Butler Jr.''' (born December 18, 1972) is an American convicted murderer and former ] who competed from 1996 to 2004. He challenged once for the ] ] title in 2000, but he is best known for his infamous bout on November 23, 2001 against Richard Grant where he was arrested after the fight for assault.<ref name='nyt'/> In 2004, Butler was arrested for the murder of Sam Kellerman and was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison.

	== Biography ==		== Biography ==
	Butler started off his career by scoring 18 wins and only 1 loss in the super middleweight division. This led to a title fight against ] who beat Butler by unanimous decision.		Butler started off his career by scoring 18 wins and only 1 loss in the super middleweight division. This led to a title fight against ] who beat Butler by unanimous decision.

			Butler's next bout earned him infamy. On November 23, 2001, Butler took on Richard Grant on a special edition of ]'s '']'', which emanated from the ] in ] and was part of a charity event designed to raise money to help assist New York police and fire department personnel that survived the ]. The two had met earlier in their careers, fighting in 1996 when they were first starting out as professionals, with Grant winning a four-round decision. The fight was scheduled for ten rounds and went the distances, with all three judges scoring the bout for Grant.
	Butler's next bout earned him infamy on November 23, 2001, at the ] in ], ]. The bout was a charity event to benefit surviving New York firemen and police officers of the ] terrorist attacks in New York City and was televised live on ]. Butler faced ], a fighter who had decisioned him early in his career. After losing the rematch by unanimous decision, Butler had his gloves removed before the announcement of the winner, Grant then went to Butler's side of the ring for an expected exchange of congratulations. Instead, Butler sucker-punched Grant, nailing a bare-handed right hook to his jaw. Grant suffered a temporarily dislocated jaw and a lacerated tongue that required 26 stitches.<ref name='nyt'/> Butler was arrested and charged with 2nd degree ]. Butler was later convicted and served four months at ] detention facility.<ref name='nydn' />

			As the two men waited for the results, Butler asked for his gloves to be cut off. After Grant was announced the winner, Butler stood in his corner seeming unpleased by the decision. Grant then made his way over to Butler to congratulate him for his effort, but Butler ]ed the unsuspecting Grant with a right hook that dropped him to the floor. Grant lay dazed on the ring mat and bleeding from the mouth while broadcasters ] and ] called out for Butler to be arrested on assault charges. <ref name='nyt'/> Grant suffered a dislocated jaw and lacerated tongue from the unprotected bare knuckle punch, and Butler was eventually convicted of assaulting Grant and spent four months in ].<ref name='nydn' />
	Butler's last bout was a split-decision loss on August 10, 2004, to ].

			After Butler's assault, he would not return to boxing for three years. Returning as a light heavyweight, he fought four times and lost twice. His last fight was on another ESPN card against former super middleweight contender ], which he lost by split decision on August 10, 2004.
⚫	== ~~Murder~~ of Sam Kellerman ~~and conviction~~ ==

		⚫	== Killing of Sam Kellerman ==

	On October 12, 2004, writer Sam Kellerman (brother of sports analyst ]) was killed at his apartment in ]. His body was not found until October 17. Butler was considered a ] since he had been friends with Kellerman for over 10 years.		On October 12, 2004, writer Sam Kellerman (brother of sports analyst ]) was killed at his apartment in ]. His body was not found until October 17. Butler was considered a ] since he had been friends with Kellerman for over 10 years.
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	On October 20, Butler, accompanied by a ], sought treatment for his alleged ].		On October 20, Butler, accompanied by a ], sought treatment for his alleged ].

	Butler was arrested for the Kellerman murder on October 27. Two days later, he pleaded not guilty to murder and ]. He was held on $1.25 million bail. Prosecutors claimed that Butler, the only suspect in the case, repeatedly struck Kellerman in the head with a hammer then torched Kellerman's ] apartment in an attempted ].		Butler was arrested for the Kellerman murder on October 27. Two days later, he pleaded not guilty to murder and ]. He was held on $1.25 million bail. Prosecutors claimed that Butler, the only suspect in the case, repeatedly struck Kellerman in the head with a hammer, then torched Kellerman's ] apartment in an attempted ].

	On July 8, 2005, a ] judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for Butler to stand trial on charges of murder and arson.		On July 8, 2005, a ] judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for Butler to stand trial on charges of murder and arson.
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	On March 27, 2006, Butler pleaded guilty to ] and ] in the 2004 death of Kellerman. On April 5, Butler was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison by Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, according to Deputy Public Defender Jack Keenan.<ref name='espn_1'/>		On March 27, 2006, Butler pleaded guilty to ] and ] in the 2004 death of Kellerman. On April 5, Butler was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison by Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, according to Deputy Public Defender Jack Keenan.<ref name='espn_1'/>

	Prosecutors speculated Butler was having relationship issues with his girlfriend while also struggling to revive his boxing career when Kellerman asked Butler to move out. A disagreement ensued on how long Butler could stay when he picked up a hammer and killed Kellerman then torched his house.<ref name='espn_2' />		Prosecutors speculated Butler was having relationship issues with his girlfriend while also struggling to revive his boxing career when Kellerman asked Butler to move out. A disagreement ensued on how long Butler could stay when he picked up a hammer and killed Kellerman, then torched his house.<ref name='espn_2' />

	== Professional boxing record ==		== Professional boxing record ==
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	}}		}}
	{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"		{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
	\|-
	!{{abbr\|No.\|Number}}
	!Result
	!Record
	!Opponent
	!Type
	!Round, time
	!Date
	!Location
	!Notes
	\|-		\|-
	\|25		\|25
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	\|{{abbr\|SD\|Split Decision}}		\|{{abbr\|SD\|Split Decision}}
	\|10		\|10
	\|10 August 2004		\|August 10, 2004
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
Line 75:		Line 68:
	\|UD		\|UD
	\|6		\|6
	\|4 June 2004		\|June 4, 2004
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
Line 85:		Line 78:
	\|UD		\|UD
	\|6		\|6
	\|7 May 2004		\|May 7, 2004
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Farm Bureau Building, ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Farm Bureau Building, ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
Line 95:		Line 88:
	\|UD		\|UD
	\|8		\|8
	\|27 February 2004		\|February 27, 2004
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Key Skating Center, ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Key Skating Center, ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|{{no2}}Loss		\|{{no2}}Loss
	\|18–3		\|18–3
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|JAM}} ]		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|JAM}} Richard Grant
	\|UD		\|UD
	\|10		\|10
	\|29 November 2001		\|November 23, 2001
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
Line 115:		Line 108:
	\|UD		\|UD
	\|12		\|12
	\|1 September 2001		\|September 1, 2001
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|GER}} {{small\|], ], Germany}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|GER}} {{small\|], ], Germany}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|For ] super-middleweight title}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|For ] super-middleweight title}}
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	\|UD		\|UD
	\|8		\|8
	\|24 March 2001		\|March 24, 2001
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|GER}} {{small\|], ], Germany}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|GER}} {{small\|], ], Germany}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
Line 135:		Line 128:
	\|TKO		\|TKO
	\|6 (12), {{small\|0:59}}		\|6 (12), {{small\|0:59}}
	\|29 September 2000		\|September 29, 2000
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|Retained ] super middleweight title}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|Retained ] super middleweight title}}
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	\|TKO		\|TKO
	\|2 (12), {{small\|2:03}}		\|2 (12), {{small\|2:03}}
	\|24 March 2000		\|March 24, 2000
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|Retained ] super middleweight title}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|Retained ] super middleweight title}}
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	\|KO		\|KO
	\|7 (12), {{small\|0:55}}		\|7 (12), {{small\|0:55}}
	\|29 October 1999		\|October 29, 1999
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Farm Bureau Building, ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Farm Bureau Building, ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|For ] super middleweight title}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|For ] super middleweight title}}
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	\|TKO		\|TKO
	\|2 (10), {{small\|1:02}}		\|2 (10), {{small\|1:02}}
	\|16 July 1999		\|July 16, 1999
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|TKO		\|TKO
	\|2 (6)		\|2 (6)
	\|24 June 1999		\|June 24, 1999
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|TKO		\|TKO
	\|7 (10)		\|7 (10)
	\|15 May 1999		\|May 15, 1999
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|KO		\|KO
	\|1 (10)		\|1 (10)
	\|22 April 1999		\|April 22, 1999
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|UD		\|UD
	\|10		\|10
	\|9 October 1998		\|October 9, 1998
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|TKO		\|TKO
	\|6 (8)		\|6 (8)
	\|11 September 1998		\|September 11, 1998
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|\|{{abbr\|UD\|Unanimous decision}}		\|\|{{abbr\|UD\|Unanimous decision}}
	\|6		\|6
	\|24 March 1998		\|March 24, 1998
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|KO		\|KO
	\|3 (4)		\|3 (4)
	\|24 January 1998		\|January 24, 1998
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|Elks Lodge, ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
	\|-		\|-
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	\|PTS		\|PTS
	\|6		\|6
	\|10 October 1997		\|October 10, 1997
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|PTS		\|PTS
	\|4		\|4
	\|19 September 1997		\|September 19, 1997
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|KO		\|KO
	\|6 (6)		\|6 (6)
	\|18 June 1997		\|June 18, 1997
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|{{abbr\|KO\|Knockout}}		\|{{abbr\|KO\|Knockout}}
	\|1 (4)		\|1 (4)
	\|11 April 1997		\|April 11, 1997
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|{{no2}}Loss		\|{{no2}}Loss
	\|2–1		\|2–1
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|JAM}} ]		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|JAM}} Richard Grant
	\|PTS		\|PTS
	\|4		\|4
	\|31 January 1997		\|January 31, 1997
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|{{abbr\|PTS\|Points decision}}		\|{{abbr\|PTS\|Points decision}}
	\|4		\|4
	\|2 November 1996		\|November 2, 1996
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|		\|style="text-align:left;"\|
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	\|{{abbr\|TKO\|Technical Knockout}}		\|{{abbr\|TKO\|Technical Knockout}}
	\|1 (4)		\|1 (4)
	\|18 October 1996		\|October 18, 1996
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], U.S.}}
	\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|Professional debut}}		\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{small\|Professional debut}}
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	== References ==		== References ==
	{{Reflist\|refs=		{{Reflist\|refs=
	<ref name="nyt">{{cite news \|last=Wong \|first=Edward \|title="BOXING; Boxer Barred and Charged For Sucker Punch After Loss" \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/27/sports/boxing-boxer-barred-and-charged-for-sucker-punch-after-loss.html \|~~accessdate~~=May 28, 2020 \|newspaper=] \|publisher=] \|date=November 27, 2001}}</ref>		<ref name="nyt">{{cite news \|last=Wong \|first=Edward \|title="BOXING; Boxer Barred and Charged For Sucker Punch After Loss" \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/27/sports/boxing-boxer-barred-and-charged-for-sucker-punch-after-loss.html \|access-date=May 28, 2020 \|newspaper=] \|date=November 27, 2001}}</ref>
	<ref name="nydn">{{cite news\|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/sucker-no-longer-boxer-back-punch-led-jail-ban-article-1.630877\|title=A sucker no longer boxer back after punch led to jail, ban \|last=Smith \|first=Tim \|date=February 24, 2004 \|work=]\|publisher=]\|~~accessdate~~=March 8, 2017}}</ref>		<ref name="nydn">{{cite news\|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/sucker-no-longer-boxer-back-punch-led-jail-ban-article-1.630877\|title=A sucker no longer boxer back after punch led to jail, ban \|last=Smith \|first=Tim \|date=February 24, 2004 \|work=]\|publisher=]\|access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref>
	<ref name="espn_1">{{cite web \|url=~~http~~://~~sports~~.espn~~.go~~.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2386235 \|title=Boxer pleads guilty to death of sportswriter Kellerman \|date=March 27, 2006 \|work=] \|publisher=] \|~~accessdate~~=September 12, 2011}}</ref>		<ref name="espn_1">{{cite web \|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2386235 \|title=Boxer pleads guilty to death of sportswriter Kellerman \|date=March 27, 2006 \|work=] \|publisher=] \|access-date=September 12, 2011}}</ref>
	<ref name="espn_2">{{cite web \|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2398718 \|title=Boxer sentenced to nearly 30 years for killing \|date=April 5, 2006 \|work=] \|publisher=] \|~~accessdate~~=March 8, 2017}}</ref>		<ref name="espn_2">{{cite web \|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2398718 \|title=Boxer sentenced to nearly 30 years for killing \|date=April 5, 2006 \|work=] \|publisher=] \|access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref>
	}}		}}

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	{{DEFAULTSORT:Butler, James}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Butler, James}}
	]		]
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	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
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Latest revision as of 05:37, 22 November 2024

American boxer and convicted felon

James Butler Jr.
Born	(1972-12-18) December 18, 1972 (age 52) Harlem, New York, U.S.
Other names	Harlem Hammer
Statistics
Weight(s)	Super middleweight
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Stance	Orthodox

Boxing record
Total fights	25
Wins	20
Wins by KO	12
Losses	5

James Butler Jr. (born December 18, 1972) is an American convicted murderer and former professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2004. He challenged once for the IBF super middleweight title in 2000, but he is best known for his infamous bout on November 23, 2001 against Richard Grant where he was arrested after the fight for assault. In 2004, Butler was arrested for the murder of Sam Kellerman and was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison.

Biography

Butler started off his career by scoring 18 wins and only 1 loss in the super middleweight division. This led to a title fight against Sven Ottke who beat Butler by unanimous decision.

Butler's next bout earned him infamy. On November 23, 2001, Butler took on Richard Grant on a special edition of ESPN2's Friday Night Fights, which emanated from the Roseland Ballroom in New York City and was part of a charity event designed to raise money to help assist New York police and fire department personnel that survived the September 11 attacks. The two had met earlier in their careers, fighting in 1996 when they were first starting out as professionals, with Grant winning a four-round decision. The fight was scheduled for ten rounds and went the distances, with all three judges scoring the bout for Grant.

As the two men waited for the results, Butler asked for his gloves to be cut off. After Grant was announced the winner, Butler stood in his corner seeming unpleased by the decision. Grant then made his way over to Butler to congratulate him for his effort, but Butler sucker punched the unsuspecting Grant with a right hook that dropped him to the floor. Grant lay dazed on the ring mat and bleeding from the mouth while broadcasters Bob Papa and Teddy Atlas called out for Butler to be arrested on assault charges. Grant suffered a dislocated jaw and lacerated tongue from the unprotected bare knuckle punch, and Butler was eventually convicted of assaulting Grant and spent four months in Rikers Island.

After Butler's assault, he would not return to boxing for three years. Returning as a light heavyweight, he fought four times and lost twice. His last fight was on another ESPN card against former super middleweight contender Omar Sheika, which he lost by split decision on August 10, 2004.

Killing of Sam Kellerman

On October 12, 2004, writer Sam Kellerman (brother of sports analyst Max Kellerman) was killed at his apartment in Los Angeles. His body was not found until October 17. Butler was considered a suspect since he had been friends with Kellerman for over 10 years.

On October 20, Butler, accompanied by a lawyer, sought treatment for his alleged bipolar disorder.

Butler was arrested for the Kellerman murder on October 27. Two days later, he pleaded not guilty to murder and arson. He was held on $1.25 million bail. Prosecutors claimed that Butler, the only suspect in the case, repeatedly struck Kellerman in the head with a hammer, then torched Kellerman's Hollywood, California apartment in an attempted cover-up.

On July 8, 2005, a Los Angeles judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for Butler to stand trial on charges of murder and arson.

On March 27, 2006, Butler pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and arson in the 2004 death of Kellerman. On April 5, Butler was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison by Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, according to Deputy Public Defender Jack Keenan.

Prosecutors speculated Butler was having relationship issues with his girlfriend while also struggling to revive his boxing career when Kellerman asked Butler to move out. A disagreement ensued on how long Butler could stay when he picked up a hammer and killed Kellerman, then torched his house.

Professional boxing record

25 fights	20 wins	5 losses
By knockout	12	0
By decision	8	5

25	Loss	20–5	Omar Sheika	SD	10	August 10, 2004	Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
24	Win	20–4	Dan Sheehan	UD	6	June 4, 2004	PromoWest Pavilion, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
23	Win	19–4	Reggie Strickland	UD	6	May 7, 2004	Farm Bureau Building, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
22	Loss	18–4	Thomas Reid	UD	8	February 27, 2004	Key Skating Center, Bronx, New York, U.S.
21	Loss	18–3	Richard Grant	UD	10	November 23, 2001	Roseland Ballroom, New York, New York, U.S.
20	Loss	18–2	Sven Ottke	UD	12	September 1, 2001	Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, Germany	For IBF super-middleweight title
19	Win	18–1	Jerry Williams	UD	8	March 24, 2001	Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, Germany
18	Win	17–1	Jose Spearman	TKO	6 (12), 0:59	September 29, 2000	Station Casino, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.	Retained USBA super middleweight title
17	Win	16–1	Arthur Allen	TKO	2 (12), 2:03	March 24, 2000	The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.	Retained USBA super middleweight title
16	Win	15–1	Bryant Brannon	KO	7 (12), 0:55	October 29, 1999	Farm Bureau Building, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.	For USBA super middleweight title
15	Win	14–1	Merqui Sosa	TKO	2 (10), 1:02	July 16, 1999	Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, U.S.
14	Win	13–1	Thomas James	TKO	2 (6)	June 24, 1999	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
13	Win	12–1	Jose Hiram Torres	TKO	7 (10)	May 15, 1999	Leominster, Massachusetts, U.S.
12	Win	11–1	Calvin Moody	KO	1 (10)	April 22, 1999	Virginia, U.S.
11	Win	10–1	Rufat Baku	UD	10	October 9, 1998	Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, U.S.
10	Win	9–1	Hector Rosario	TKO	6 (8)	September 11, 1998	Yonkers Raceway, Yonkers, New York, U.S.
9	Win	8–1	Tim Dendy	UD	6	March 24, 1998	Grand Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.
8	Win	7–1	Knowledge Bey	KO	3 (4)	January 24, 1998	Elks Lodge, Queens, New York, U.S.
7	Win	6–1	Malcolm Brooks	PTS	6	October 10, 1997	Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, U.S.
6	Win	5–1	Louis March	PTS	4	September 19, 1997	Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, U.S.
5	Win	4–1	Robert Muhammad	KO	6 (6)	June 18, 1997	Yonkers Raceway, Yonkers, New York, U.S.
4	Win	3–1	Gerald Holmes	KO	1 (4)	April 11, 1997	Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, U.S.
3	Loss	2–1	Richard Grant	PTS	4	January 31, 1997	Yonkers Raceway, Yonkers, New York, U.S.
2	Win	2–0	Derrick Whitley	PTS	4	November 2, 1996	Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
1	Win	1–0	Eddie Johnson	TKO	1 (4)	October 18, 1996	Bronx, New York, U.S.	Professional debut

References

^ Wong, Edward (November 27, 2001). ""BOXING; Boxer Barred and Charged For Sucker Punch After Loss"". The New York Times. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
Smith, Tim (February 24, 2004). "A sucker no longer boxer back after punch led to jail, ban". New York Daily News. Daily News L.P. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
"Boxer pleads guilty to death of sportswriter Kellerman". ESPN.com. ESPN Inc. March 27, 2006. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
"Boxer sentenced to nearly 30 years for killing". ESPN.com. ESPN Inc. April 5, 2006. Retrieved March 8, 2017.

External links

Boxing record for James Butler from BoxRec (registration required)
James Butler Deserves Ban From Boxing
Video of James Butler's sucker punch against Richard Grant

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