James Butler Jr. (born December 18, 1972 in Harlem, New York) is an American former light heavyweight boxer, former USBA super middleweight champion. In early 2001 he had a career record of 20-5-0, with 12 wins coming by way of knockout, and was nicknamed "The Harlem Hammer". On November 23, 2001, Butler sucker punched a fellow boxer, Richard "The Alien" Grant, after losing a fight, for which he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Butler was later convicted and served four months at Riker's Island detention facility. In 2004, Butler was arrested for the murder of Sam Kellerman and the arson of his home, and in 2006 was sentenced to 29 years and four months in prison.
Butler started off his career by scoring 18 wins and only 1 loss in the super middleweight division. This led to a title fight against Sven Ottke who beat Butler by unanimous decision.
Butler's next bout earned him infamy on November 23, 2001 at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, New York. The bout was a charity event to benefit surviving New York firemen and police officers of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and was televised live on ESPN2. After losing by unanimous decision to Richard "The Alien" Grant, Butler had his gloves removed before the announcement of the winner, Grant then went to Butler's side of the ring for an expected exchange of maybe showing great sportsmanship and a congratulations. Instead, Butler sucker punched Grant, nailing a bare handed right hook to his jaw. Grant suffered a temporarily dislocated jaw and a lacerated tongue that required 26 stitches. Butler was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Butler was later convicted and served four months at Riker's Island detention facility.
James Butler may refer to:
James Butler (1651–1696) was an English politician. He was Member of Parliament for Arundel from 1679 to 1685 and 1690. Butler was a member of the wealthy Butler family who were influential figures in the county of Sussex. Butler himself was from Amberley, West Sussex.
James Butler (1680–17 May 1741), was a British politician. He was a Member of Parliament for Arundel (9 May 1705 – 4 May 1708) and Sussex (17 Feb 1715 - 5 Apr 1722).
James Butler was the son of James Butler of Amberley Castle. He may have been educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He bought the estate of Warminghurst in 1702, from William Penn. A Whig supporter, he entered parliament for Arundel (as his father had done before him). His son John was also an MP.