Byron Mitchell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Byron Tarone Mitchell (born October 31, 1973, in Orlando, Florida) was an American boxer in the super middleweight division. Known as "Slama from Bama," Mitchell captured a world class title twice.

[edit] Amateur career

Mitchell was the 1996 National Golden Gloves Middleweight champion.

[edit] Pro career

He turned professional in 1996 for Don King and won the World Boxing Association Super Middleweight title in 1999 after defeating the southpaw Frankie Liles (32-1) by KO in the 11th round. Later that year, he drew with Bruno Girard and lost the title to Girard the next year.(?) He recaptured the belt the following year by beating Manny Siaca then made defenses against Siaca, in a rematch, and Julio César Green before losing a split decision in a unification bout to Sven Ottke in Germany, 2003. Later that year he lost to WBO title holder Joe Calzaghe by KO in 2. He became the first man to floor the Welshman but was then on the receiving end of 26 unanswered punches and was stopped. He retired after the fight, came back in 2007 but was KO'd by Richard Hall.

Preceded by Frankie Liles	WBA Super Middleweight Champion 12 June 1999 – 8 Apr 2000	Succeeded by Bruno Girard
Preceded by Bruno Girard (vacated)	WBA Super Middleweight Champion 3 Mar 2001 – 15 Mar 2003	Succeeded by Anthony Mundine Fills vacancy