James Sherrer
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| James Sherrer | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | 1925 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | August 3, 2004 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 70 |
| Wins | 48 |
| Losses | 19 |
| Draws | 3 |
James "Jimmy" Sherrer (1925 – August 3, 2004) was an American professional boxer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who competed primarily in the welterweight division during the 1940s and early 1950s. He was notable for his boxing skill and his inspiring recovery from severe childhood disability.
Early life
Sherrer suffered from tuberculosis of the spine as a child, leaving him wheelchair-bound with doctors predicting he would never walk again. After numerous surgeries at Milwaukee Children's Hospital, his condition improved following his introduction to boxing at the Urban League gym on North 11th and West Vine Streets. The gym was run by Joe Gans, a former lightweight champion and respected trainer who encouraged Sherrer to exercise and train his body.
Sherrer won the state Diamond Belt amateur boxing title at 118 pounds in 1941 and credited Gans for his recovery and success.
Amateur career
While attending Lincoln High School, Sherrer won several amateur boxing titles before turning professional.
Professional career
Sherrer made his professional debut on May 5, 1944, defeating Steve Paul by first-round knockout.[1] Over his career, he fought approximately 70 bouts, compiling a record of 48 wins, 19 losses, and 3 draws.[2]
He became popular in Milwaukee and Chicago for his boxing ability, punching power, and charismatic personality. On August 1, 1945, Sherrer headlined a main event at Milwaukee's Borchert Field, defeating Billy Parsons.[3]
He developed a rivalry with Tommy Lemmon, whom he defeated by first-round knockout on July 29, 1946. His manager, Lew Sangor, arranged training sessions with Sugar Ray Robinson in 1945, widely regarded as one of boxing's greatest pound-for-pound fighters. Reports indicated Sherrer kept pace well during these workouts.
Sherrer was on the verge of a title elimination bout with contender Tommy Bell when he fought Jerome Frazier in Chicago. Despite knocking Frazier down three times in the first round, Sherrer lost by late-round technical knockout after suffering a torn lip. This fight marked a turning point in his career.[4]
He continued fighting for several years but retired in 1951 without securing a world title.
Later life and legacy
In his later years, declining health caused Sherrer to return to using a wheelchair, but he remained physically active with light exercise near the Marian Franciscan Center in Milwaukee.[5]
LeRoy Allen Jr., a former Milwaukee resident and boxer, called Sherrer "my personal hero and the inspiration of so many," praising his character and legacy.
Sherrer is remembered for his perseverance and integrity in boxing, as well as his inspiring comeback from childhood illness.
References
- ↑ "Jimmy Sherrer". BoxRec. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ↑ "Jimmy Sherrer Record". BoxerList. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ↑ "Jimmy Sherrer". BoxRec Wiki. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ↑ "LeRoy Allen Obit". OnMilwaukee. 16 June 2018. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ↑ "Jimmys". OnMilwaukee. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
External links
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