November 5, 2011 - The following Interview with Boxing Writer Rob Tierney appeared on BrickCityBoxing.com.

During the 1980’s, James “Bonecrusher” Smith was a roaming menace in the Heavyweight division for anyone looking to obtain or retain Championship status. He blasted Frank Bruno and Mike Weaver in devastating fashion before whipping Tim Witherspoon inside of one round for the WBA Title. He was one of only two men to make “Iron” Mike wait for the judges’ scorecards during Tyson’s initial championship reign and he emerged as an abrupt, game changing annoyance to Don King’s promotional plans for a Heavyweight unification process. Still, these are not the only things that the “Bonecrusher” will be remembered for when he is finished on this Earth.
In the new millennium, Reverend James “Bonecrusher” Smith is a humanitarian, role model and ordained minister. He gives back not only to his community and the kids that grow up in its streets; he is also a charitable resource and representative to many of Boxing’s elder, retired statesmen. I had a chance to catch up with James earlier this week to talk about boxing, charity and a number of Bonecrusher’s endeavors outside of the ring.

RT: Good Afternoon Champ! What is going on in Bonecrusher world?
JS: Well I have been spending most of my time lately putting together a Boxing Legends Hall of Fame weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina set for next Labor Day weekend.
RT: Why did you decide to put together a Hall of Fame in Myrtle Beach? There is already a Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY.
JS: Well I am busting my butt to put together a home for a number of boxing legends who I feel need to be remembered. Many of them aren’t being remembered by Canastota so I wanted to put something together to remember these legends. I think that Myrtle Beach is a great spot to do it because a lot of people visit there every year.
RT: I understand that you just had your first event in September. How did it work out?
JS: We had a lot of success. Gerry Cooney and Ray Mercer showed up. Earnie Shavers did as well. Next year I am hoping to bring Mike Tyson in so he can see what I have put together.
RT: In addition to the Boxing Legends Hall of Fame, I understand that you are involved in a number of programs geared towards helping children.
JS: I have a mentoring program for kids. I have a summer camp in June as well. My goal is to bring in kids from all over the place to see what I have done and allow them to meet and greet some of the great Boxing Legends of our time.
RT: You have been out of the ring for twelve years now. When you look back at your legacy inside the ring, do you have any regrets? Do you feel like there were any stones that were left unturned?
JS: I think I did a good job. I won the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the World on a week’s notice via first round knockout. More importantly, I am here talking to you and I can hear what you have to say and you can hear what I have to say. I am healthy. For that I thank God!
RT: You have beaten the likes of Frank Bruno, Jesse Ferguson and Mike Weaver throughout your career. However, I am assuming that since you captured the Title by whipping Witherspoon that the win over Tim was the crowning achievement of your career?
JS: Absolutely! I avenged an earlier loss with a first round knockout and I earned the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the World. It doesn’t get any better than that.
RT: After decking Witherspoon at the Garden, you faced Mike Tyson for the Unification bout in Las Vegas. Considering that so many Heavyweights succumbed to Tyson’s punching power at that time, do you feel honored knowing that only you and Tony Tucker were able to survive Tyson’s power and last the full twelve rounds during Mike’s initial Championship reign?
JS: I must say that it is bitter sweet. Looking back, I think I was caught up in the hype at the time. I feel like I could have won the fight if I was on the offensive a bit more. However, when considering that so many fighters were unable to stand Mike’s power, I feel a sense of honor knowing that I could.
RT: How do you feel about today’s Heavyweight division? When you were fighting, you had to go through fighters like Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon and Mike Tyson to get to the title. Do you think it would be easier today?
JS: I feel like if I was around today that I would go through anyone of those guys like a hot knife going through butter.
RT: Really? Even the Klitschko brothers?
JS: Like a hot knife going through butter.
RT: Then you must be proud considering that you were able to achieve Championship status during one of Boxing’s most difficult eras?
JS: Absolutely!
RT: Champ, you have fought the likes of Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Tim Witherspoon and Michael Moorer. Which fighter impressed you the most?
JS: I would have to say Larry Holmes.
RT: What about Holmes impressed you the most?
JS: Well, he beat me twice so I must say that he was pretty good.
RT: You are one of the few fighters with a college degree. You have done a number of fundraising events for charity like the “Do Right” initiative and you also have been a strong advocate of Breast Cancer Awareness. Now that we have talked about your accomplishments inside the ring, I must ask what you are most proud of outside of the ring.
JS: I am an ordained Minister. In fact, I plan on saving some souls before I die. We don’t live forever! I need to do right by Jesus now so that I am ready when I see him. I have to make sure that I am helping others get ready so that I am ready myself!
RT: That is Great Champ! Becoming an Ordained Minister is yet another accomplishment on an already impressive life resume of Bonecrusher Smith. Speaking of which, what other ways are you giving back?
JS: I want to help fighters. There are fighters out there, especially former fighters, who need help. I have some great ideas and I want to help fighters in a number of ways. I want to help fighters set up an annuity because I think they deserve it. I have the resources to help them do this. In fact, there is a documentary in the works regarding what I do and fighters can learn more about these opportunities by contacting www.championforkids.org.
RT: Well, thank you James. I am glad to hear that you are continuing to give back to the sport of Boxing because it is a great sport and you are an exemplary representative of the sport.
JS: Thank You!

Many fighters have failed to find a true passion outside of the ring once their careers inside the ring have been finalized. However, this was not the case for Bonecrusher Smith nor will it be the case for him in the future. When James won the Heavyweight Championship over Tim Witherspoon in 1986, he was recognized as the first Heavyweight Champion to hold a college degree. It wasn’t the last time that Smith would be noted for his well roundedness outside of the ring as well as inside of it.
The legacy of Bonecrusher Smith should stand as an example to all athletes who are looking to make their mark as a man as well as an athlete. There are many fighters who will be remembered for what they accomplished inside the ring but few who warrant the overall respect that can be only earned when an individual’s actions outside the ring match or exceed accomplishments earned inside it. The Rev. James Bonecrusher Smith is one of the few men who have achieved both.