what happened to james butler the boxer

James Butler, the boxer known as “The Harlem Hammer,” had a promising start but his career and life derailed after violent incidents outside the ring. He was suspended after sucker-punching Richard Grant in 2001, and later was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and arson in the killing of sportswriter Sam Kellerman.

What happened

• In 2001, Butler was arrested and suspended after punching Richard Grant after a bout, an incident that badly damaged his boxing reputation.

• In 2004, he was involved in the death of Sam Kellerman, the brother of boxing commentator Max Kellerman.

• In 2006, he was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison.

Quick scoop

He went from being a rising contender to becoming infamous for violent off- ring behavior, and that ultimately ended his boxing career. If you want, I can also give you a very short timeline of his career and legal troubles.