James E. Smith ("Smitty") is a sports and media figure best known for his interviews with famous international boxing stars. Smith was a professional boxer for three years and has played football for University of Minnesota. He is the host of "In This Corner", America's only syndicated, half-hour long boxing show. James currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada and has three children.
Personal Life
editJames Smith was born on February 5, 1959 in Miami, Florida to Louise and James Smith Sr. He met boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, in 1970 when he was just 11 years old. Smitty would often go visit Ali at the 5th Street Gym on Miami Beach where he would frequently train. Smitty played football for Carol City High School and later, University of Minnesota, where he started as a wide receiver for two years. He was also a ball boy for the Miami Dolphins in 1970-1973.
Career
editIn 1980, Smitty decided to pursue a career in boxing, but that decision was short-lived. He quit boxing just three years later and soon started sports directing, talk hosting, and even commentating for various television stations for the next twenty-one years. On April 1, 2004, Smitty began hosting "In This Corner". He has not only had famous boxers on the show, but well-known actors also.