James Broad

For other people named James Broad, see James Broad (disambiguation).

James Broad
Statistics
Real name	James W. Broad
Nickname(s)	Broad Axe
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Nationality	American
Born	(1958-01-27)January 27, 1958
Died	November 20, 2001(2001-11-20) (aged 43)
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	33
Wins	23
Wins by KO	15
Losses	10
Draws	0

James Broad (January 27, 1958 – November 20, 2001) was an American heavyweight boxer who was an amateur star and, prior to the boycott, set to represent America in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. As a pro he won the NABF heavyweight title and was a regular sparring partner of a peak Mike Tyson.

Amateur

Broad took up boxing when he joined the army in 1976. He beat Chris McDonald in the 1980 Olympic Trials finals, where he qualified for the 1980 US Olympic Boxing team which ultimately did not compete due to political reasons. He also beat top amateur Chris McDonald and lost a decision to Tony Tubbs.

Professional

Nicknamed "Broad-Axe", Broad turned pro in 1981 and put together 12 wins, including a 4th round knockout of future Heavyweight Champ James "Bonecrusher" Smith. His weight was already a problem at this early stage of his career, but Broad worked down to 228 for his first big fight, against fellow undefeated prospect Marvis Frazier. Broad rocked Frazier with his signature uppercuts but was unable to replicate his knockout victory in the amateurs, and he was outworked over 10 rounds.

Broad bounced back to outpoint Larry Alexander over 12 rounds in 1983 then knockout contender Eddie Gregg in 8 rounds to win the NABF title in 1984. For his first title defense Broad scaled a whopping 260 lbs and was knocked out in 2 rounds by once and future world champion Tim Witherspoon in 1985.

Downward Spiral

Broad was unable to get back into serious shape for the remainder of his career, and his results suffered. He lost a 12 round decision to top contender and future world champion Tony Tucker for the USBA title in 1986, and in 1987 was twice outpointed over 10 rounds, by Francesco Damiani in Italy and then by ex-world champ Greg Page, in a fight where both men were down.

Broad outpointed future cruiserweight world title-challenger Patrick Lumumba but went to South Africa and was poleaxed in 4 rounds by Johnny DuPlooy. In his next fight he was stopped on his feet, in questionable circumstances, by rising contender Donovan "Razor" Ruddock. During all this time Broad was a sparring partner for a peak Mike Tyson and took many punches in the gym.

Death

In 1992 Boxing Illustrated reported that Broad intended to make a comeback and wanted to be world champion, despite the fact he was banned in Nevada and California both for failing a neurological exam and testing positive for Hepatitis. He somehow managed to get 4 more fights, losing 3 of them. By 2000 Broad was said to be homeless in Las Vegas and badly brain damaged, but when he died in 2001, aged only 43, he was back in his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Professional boxing record