Charles Shufford

Charles Lamont Shufford, Jr. (born February 3, 1973) is an American former professional boxer. He challenged once for the WBO world heavyweight title in 2001.

Charles Shufford
Statistics
Real nameCharles Lamont Shufford, Jr.
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Reach80 in (203 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1973-02-03) February 3, 1973
Martinsville, VA U.S.
Stanceorthodox
Boxing record
Total fights29
Wins20
Wins by KO9
Losses8
Draws1
No contests0

Amateur career

Charles Shufford, a nephew of former welterweight contender Horace Shufford, was considered a star of Las Vegas amateur boxing, frequently fighting at Golden Gloves tournaments and Olympic trials.[1][2] Shufford had 35 (?) amateur fights at super heavyweight (no exact record given), which included fights against Michael Grant (most notably in 1993)[3] and Lance Whitaker, famously beating Whitaker at 1996 Olympic trials, before turning professional in 1996.[4]

Professional career

Shufford made his professional debut at November 11, 1996, defeating Kirk Holyfield by first-round TKO.[5] Within five years, Shufford compiled 17–1 record that included back-to-back wins over Jimmy Thunder by seventh-round TKO[6] and rising star Lamon Brewster via unanimous decision.[7]

These wins lined him up for a shot at the WBO world heavyweight title against Wladimir Klitschko. For the bout Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., dropping 17 pounds compared to his last bout.[5] Shufford, having played George Foreman opposite Will Smith in the movie Ali, entered the ring with Smith by his side.[8] Shufford was knocked down three times, once in round two, once in round three (both times with a straight right hand) and in round six with a left hook, with referee stopping the bout after the third knockdown. According to punch stats, Klitschko landed 58 of 262 punches (22%) and Shufford connected on 16 of 190 (8%).[9]

After that, Shufford was not able to stay in the heavyweight title scene. He remained inactive for over a year before returning to the ring against Marcellus Brown, winning by unanimous decision. He then beat Elieser Castillo but lost to Lawrence Clay-Bey and Jameel McCline.[5] After losing to a rising star Samuel Peter by one-sided unanimous decision, Shufford was inactive for two years, and fought only sporadically since.[5] He went 0–2–1 in his last three fights with a draw against Kelvin Davis and losses to Malik Scott and Jason Estrada.[5]

Other

Perhaps Shufford's most notable accomplishment has been outside of the ring, playing the role of George Foreman in the 2001 film Ali.

References
  1. "Boxing Wise Joe Mesi interview". Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  2. "Shufford steps up to main event". Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  3. "1993 amateur boxing Shufford vs Grant". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-19. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  4. "Going for Green, Not Gold". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  5. "Professional boxing record: Charles Shufford". Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  6. "Charles Shufford vs Jimmy Thunder". boxrec.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  7. "Charles Shufford vs Lamon Brewster". boxrec.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  8. "Photo: Will Smith in the ring cheering on Charles Shufford. The German boxer Wladimir Klitschko won the fight against Shufford. (Photo by Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images)". Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  9. "Wladimir Klitschko vs. Charles Shufford". Retrieved 11 March 2020.
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