James Salerno, the boy they thought would be king

[Controversial]

James Salerno, a tall skinny white kid from Orlando, Florida was touted as being the next champion of the world by Muhammad Ali in 1975. Salerno was just 15 when he turned pro in 1977

At 15 he was sparring with Mike Quarry and Irish Gene Wells plus had trained at Ali's gym in Deer Lake and Fraziers gym in Philly.

"Earnie Shavers saw me fight and couldn't believe how young I was"

"Angelo Dundee said I would be champion one day if I don't get arrested first"

Salerno was 81-15 as an amateur and won the Florida Golden Gloves junior middleweight tournament whilst underage by lying about his age. "I got around the age thing" said James laughing. "Its about who you know"

Salerno went 22-0 (14 KOs) as a pro but started to lose. He fought some good fighters like Charles Williams and Qawi and finished with a record of -

41 wins (26 KOs)
11 losses (1 by stoppage)
1 draw

He was murdered aged 38.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=526&cat=boxer

[Expug]

I wish I would’ve seen this a decade ago. I fought on the undercard of one of his fights in Chicago. He was the co main event I believe. He beat downtown Freddie Brown. James Tillis was the main event. I started an inquiry thread about James years ago. It’s because I was impressed with his ability. Seemed like a good guy for sure too.

[Controversial]

I wish I would’ve seen this a decade ago. I fought on the undercard of one of his fights in Chicago. He was the co main event I believe. He beat downtown Freddie Brown. James Tillis was the main event. I started an inquiry thread about James years ago. It’s because I was impressed with his ability. Seemed like a good guy for sure too.

Just looked you up, what happened with your career?

[Expug]

I wish I would’ve seen this a decade ago. I fought on the undercard of one of his fights in Chicago. He was the co main event I believe. He beat downtown Freddie Brown. James Tillis was the main event. I started an inquiry thread about James years ago. It’s because I was impressed with his ability. Seemed like a good guy for sure too.

Just looked you up, what happened with your career?

Wasn’t going anywhere. Moved on to different endeavors.

[Dart340]

There is a great book on Salerno on Amazon that was has a lot of the material based on the diary he kept of his personal life and boxing career in his prime. It's a great read and goes into much of his struggle with addictions and trying to manage the difficulties of the boxing business.

I recently watched his fight against Prince Charles Williams on YouTube that he lost by disputed decision that pretty much deep sixed his career and he clearly won it and got robbed.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

How come I don’t remember this name.

I do remember the Quarry brothers though, of course. And I also remember hearing somewhere that they used to sparr each other and that such violence had never been seen before.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

I used to sparr my brother too. One time we were fighting without mouth guard and I hit his tooth through his lip.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

After that he said he’s done with boxing.

[Controversial]

I used to sparr my brother too. One time we were fighting without mouth guard and I hit his tooth through his lip.

After that he said he’s done with boxing.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

Ha ha, wasn't trying to show off

[Sweet Dick Willie]

But yeah, like I always say, brotherly love is a ruthless game...

[Controversial]

Ha ha, wasn't trying to show off

Only messing mate :-)