Location: Thompson Community Center, 1189 Dennison Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

As I arrived at the first annual James “Buster” Douglas invitational boxing show, I was surprised that I was able to get a parking space.  Earlier in the week, 24 bouts were expected.  There were 19 actual bouts. The boxing room was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Interview with James “Buster” Douglas

How does it feel to host your first boxing show?

I’m excited! I fought here as a kid.  Now to come back here working as a boxing instructor is awesome. We have a nice turn out as far as participants. I look forward to having a great night of boxing.

It looks like one of your sons is going to compete tonight. Your thoughts?

It’s great!  He has an interest in boxing.  And for him to be able to fulfill a dream of participating in the sport and to fight in a legendary gym like Thompson Recreation Center, after his father fought here years ago, is special.  It’s a great beautiful overall day. A good day for fights.

What is your weight class?

165 lbs.

Where are you from?

Toledo, Ohio

What caused you to start boxing?

I started boxing to lose weight. I was obese as a kid. Since then I fell in love with the sport.

You look young to me.

I’m 18. When I was 11 and 12 years old, I weighed 200 pounds. I was about 5 ft 1 inches tall.  I was very unhealthy.

Anything else?

I’m a world champion already and I’m looking to reclaim my spot.

You said this is your first fight, where are you from?

Akron, Ohio

What weight class?

123

What made you want to start boxing?

I was bored this summer.

Anything else you want me to know about this whole boxing thing?

It’s not easy.

Mentally, what are you thinking about?

I’m just ready to fight.

Have you always been local?

Yes, I have always been local. I just took a temporary leave of absence going to different teams and playing ball. I was out of the country for a couple of years in Spain.

What advice can you offer the next generation?

Stay focused and find your dream. If its boxing, basketball, football, whatever it is, “stay focused.”  

Anything you want to say to anybody?

I was in a movie with Buster Douglas that we just completed. I love what he is doing now with this event. When he told me about the awards and belts they are going to get today, I had to come and support our youth that are coming up in today’s athletics.

Do you want to give a shout out about the movie?

Definitely. It’s called, “The Crossover that won the game.”  It premiers on Thanksgiving Day here in Columbus.

I need to know what high school you attended?

Columbus East. State champs in ’79.

I’m going to add that, but I still say, “ain’t no pride like Puncher pride.” (Mifflin High school reference).

I remember going up against Hank Cornley (Center who played for Mifflin High School).

Yes, sir. And I was at those games as a youth. My dad took us to all those games.

There was a lot of talent that came out of the central Ohio area.

I remember all those games at the Coliseum.

I didn’t get that experience. We played the state championship at St. John’s Arena. I take that back, the prelims (should that word be spelled out) were at the Coliseum. It went so quick. Back then, we ran folks off the court. That was easy money.

Why boxing?

I got into boxing because I participated in team sports in high school. I didn’t do any in college. I was bored. They had a gym in the town I was living in.  I signed up and I found out I was pretty good at it; so, I started training for it. I had my first fight, and I loved it.

What is your record?

7 and 5.

What weight class?

I typically fight at 152. Today I fight at 160.

Anything else?

I wish I would have started a lot younger. If there are any kids out there reading this blog, get them in the gym quick.  Start them early.

1972 Olympic Gold Medalist.

Tell me what you want me to know.

I’m in this world. I’m still alive. I boxed 19 years. 430 fights, I lost 19. I’m an Olympic Gold Medalist (1972) and I’m also the North American Middle weight USBA champion.

Any advice to the youth?

Focus on what you are doing and listen to how to get it done.

Are you coaching anyone today?

No, I came down here because of Buster Douglas.

Tell me when you fought, what you fought as and what you did.

My weight class was 125. I fought at Barack Recreation Center in Columbus, Ohio. Lee Williams was my coach. He was a teacher at East High school. God Bless him. I love him like a daddy. My record was 97 and 12, with 67 knock outs. I have been to 3 National golden gloves. I won 25 golden glove titles, several awards. I have been on a lot of national teams. I have represented Columbus well.

Sounds like it. What advice would you give to young people?

Stay your butts in school. Learn what you can. Stay away from the drugs and the bad people. If you gonna fight, you got to get in that gym and stay there.

What weight class did you just fight as?

150

How long have you been training?

I had my first fight 4 years ago. Then, I decided to stop and train, and be the best and then come back and try to knock out everybody.

Anything advice for young people?

Whatever you want to do, just keep your head up, and try to do it. There is nothing that is impossible. Everything is possible.

What is your weight class?

132

How many fights?

2 fights so far.

Win, lose or draw?

2 and 0.

Knock anybody out?

Not yet.

Any advice?

Don’t be intimidated by the guys and don’t let them be intimidated by you.

What weight.

130

How long have you been fighting?

9 years.

What is your record?

2 wins and 2 loses.

Any advice to a female who wants to do what you are doing or any advice you want to add on the blog.

If you like fighting,then get into boxing.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the boxing invitational: