"THE HAMMER" SHOULD GET THE HAMMER"

 by Stephen S. Johnson

(INSIDE BOXING) Super middleweight contender James "The Harlem Hammer" Butler (18-3), with a national television audience in clear view, disgraced himself and the sport of boxing this past Friday night.

On a fight card that was arranged as a fund-raiser for the families of policemen and firefighters who were victims of the September 11th terrorist bombings, no one could have anticipated what would happen following the main event.

Journeyman Richard "The Alien" Grant (14-8) was picked to battle Butler in a match that was to present no threat in Butlers' progression towards a title shot in the 168 pound division. Promoting a worthwhile cause made the bout a "win-win" situation for all involved.

In a fight that many saw as good boxing with action from beginning to end, Butler never got untracked and Grant took advantage of the opportunity.

Apparently no one informed Grant of his status as a "sparring partner" as he won a unanimous decision by all three judges scoring the bout. David had slain Goliath. The fans were treated to a great night of boxing and a fantastic community gathering had benefited a very worthwhile cause.

Hearing the ring announcer read the scorecards, the jubilant celebration by Grant and his corner would end when Butler, for reasons only he can speak on, decided now was the time to land his best punch of the night.

There had been no verbal taunting. There had been no unkind words spoken between the two fighters. To make matters worse, it seemed the ecstatic Grant was actually in the process of giving Butler a hug.

The gloves had been removed from the hands of both fighters. There were only hand wraps on when Butler threw the overhand right that had the potential of being fatal.

Let us all hope that Richard "The Alien" Grant will be able to fully recover from the 1st degree aggravated assault suffered by him at the hands of James "The Harlem Hammer" Butler.

The crime was witnessed by a national television audience (ESPN 2), members of the New York Police Department and hundreds of fans who were in attendance for the fundraising event.

A "sucker punch" thrown because the decision in a match didn't go his way will have no credibility with either pro-boxing or anti-boxing advocates. The reason for the thrown punch will be that Butler…"just snapped".

The New York State Athletic Commission will have no problem with its decision regarding this case. The action will be swift and correct. There should be no appeal or adverse discussion.

James Butler will be banned for the rest of his life from the sport of boxing. Any purse due him will be donated to the fund of which a portion was designated anyway. Case closed.

Legally, the prosecution need only show the videotape to any jury and rest its case. The defense would do well to put itself at the "mercy of the court" and hope for any leniency the court can come up with. Case closed.

There is no excuse for what James Butler did to Richard Grant this past Friday night. Try as I have, I cannot come up with one reasonable excuse for what I saw with my own eyes. His act was truly disturbing and disgusting.

There is no excuse for what James Butler did to the sport of boxing this past Friday night. The repercussions of his act will no doubt put the sport of boxing back on the front burner of those wishing to see the art of pugilism eradicated.

The actions of James Butler cannot be condoned in any way. To allow him to compete as a professional boxer, ever again in these United States, would be at the expense of the sport itself. That cannot…and will not happen.

11/25/01