I thought Shuler may have eventually won the title when Hagler and Leonard left the sport. Such a tragic ending for young Shuler. Thanks for another great mini-documentary Rich.
@@joeblow2069 Hearns knocked him out in the first round. So, what is your point? Did you watch the documentary? He may have been able to beat Hearns in a rematch if he lived. You think Hearns was unbeatable?
Wow it brings back memories.I was there that night.I had the pleasure of talking to him that night at the after party.All he talked about was getting back in the gym.We took a photo and I told him he'll be back.I'm scared of motorcycles till this day.
What a gift this channel is. All I ever knew bout James was the hearns fight. The man was so much more. When you think of what Duran achieved after hearns ko'd him ain't no reason to think this man wouldn't of became a champ
I don’t think he would’ve ever been ready for Tommy Hearns. He definitely didn’t learn to keep his hands up and didn’t have enough head movement to mollify that defect. Decent power but not enough to makeup for the other flaws.
Thanks so much for making this Rich. It's a real shame people don't know just how talented he was. He was right on the cusp of greatness when Hearns knocked him out. That fight was stunning, but credit Hearns at the pinnacle of his career, and one of the hardest single punches in boxing history. Had Schuler lived on, he likely would have been one of the top fighters to eventually replace Marvin Hagler.
Tough to keep dry eyes at the end of this one. Seemed like a thoroughly decent man. His boxing career was sadly overshadowed by the disastrous defeat to Hearns. However, he was a talented and hard-working middleweight. with a nice ability to switch stances. Very touching that Hearns wanted to have the belt buried with Schuler.
Shuler vs. Seales was a great fight. This was a great story, with a sad ending. It's tough to see a guy checkout so early when he has so much to live for. R.I.P. James ✝🥊 Thanks again, Rich.
You will always be one of Philly’s best. I am glad I got a chance to holla at you on Broad & Cecil B. Moore Ave. before you fought Tommy Hearns. When Philly lost you we lost a good brother. We lost a gem.
Another great documentary about a pal of mines Rich. James was like an elder brother, we train at the same gym (Champs's Gym, owned by Quinzell McCall, trainer of Bennie Brisco and Dwight Muhammad Qwai and brother of Pa. State Athletic Commissioner Howard McCall) and attended the same high school (Ben Franklin- Shuler class of 1980, me class of 1986). I was the 1st recipient of the James "Black Gold" Shuler good citizenship award when I graduated. You been bringing back some great memories, keep up the good work!
He really seemed like a great guy raised by some good parents .Evan in a tough drug infested nieborehood he rose above it all and was a champion ..That just showes having good parents produce good young men .God bless
God bless james shuler!! Great guy who always treated me with respect @joe fraziers gym.He would even stop by the gym at temple university and give me pointers and advice when i boxed at temple.There are 3 guys i wish i could have thanked for all their kindness in the philly warzone from back in those days.That would be james shuler..jerome artis and jimmy salerno.May they rest in peace!!
What a class act young janes was , his family too. And Hearns too , that’s a famous story in boxing - the hitman who had levelled their son 2,weeks before now emotional at his gravesite wanting to gift Hanes the belt. Fighters are emotionally complex people fir sure. What a sad tragedy 😞
I remember when the NABA and regional or Continent titles meant something. Thomas Hearns gesture to the family shows the class he has frequently shown and the Shuler family response show their class too. I do believe he would have won a world title had his career not been cut short. Rich as always you presented this as a great piece of history of a painful sport.
Another great upload, thanks so much for this one. I remember James Shuler well. His fights with Sugar Ray Seales and James Kinchen in particular. I was at Parris Island when he fought Tommy Hearns. Such a terrible loss.
Great work again. Going through some dark times right now, your videos help me keeping my head up and inspire not to go down without putting up a fight! Hard to put in words but it helps me a lot. God bless you. Much love.
Keep your chin up , look forwards , keep throwing punches and you WILL get there friend. Believe that strangers can help you’d be surprised, be open. You’re worth the fight , no matter how many rounds. 👍
@@serenityinside1 Thank you! being very much a loner, reading your words means a lot to me. ive been dealing with depression and addiction for a long time and im ashamed to admit, I was about to leave this world for good, But I refuse to go down like this and I will fight no matter how weak I feel. Thank you again, much love and respect.
@@bh1422 I don't agree - Hearns was uncharacteristically circumspect against Leonard. He fought on the move and behind a long jab all night, trying to make his height/reach advantage pay for a points win.
This was a tough fighter and seemed like a solid man. Much respect to him and his legacy. Much respect to the great Tommy Hearns who was willing to allow Mr. Shuler to be buried in the belt that Hearns won from him just a week before. No doubt that had this tragic accident not occurred, he would have came back fighting to gain back what he lost.
When the NABF Title meant something. Shuler was a brilliant little fighter I think. Unlucky to run in to a peak Hearns and get caught cold. Absolutely no shame in that and I believe he wpuld have rebounded from that loss. The Kinchen win shows his ability. A sad end for him ……. Keep em coming RTFH. Brilliant 🥊🥊🥊🥊💥💥💥🥊🥊🥊🥊
Another compelling piece of work. I didn't remember he had beaten Kinchen, who was a really tough out in 84-85. Kinchen's old manager always told me Hagler ducked him. Not sure I bought that. But I remember getting ready to go to high school and hearing about Shuler on Good Morning America and it was really hard news to take. It would have been interesting to see how he fit in that post-Hagler era. I could see him beating guys like Tate, Olajide, and Barkley, maybe not Kalambay and Nunn. Thanks, Rich!
@@RichtheFightHistorian Yeah, it's a shame for obvious reasons, but I felt the best, or at least the most lucrative, part of his career was yet to come.
Benny, Hagler's managers never ducked James Kinchen, sadly, Arum never considered James a draw. I say that as I recall the exact era, though Kinchen was #1 rated, he was not well regarded by promoters for some reason, nothing to do with his ability. When Shuler beat Kinchen, that gave more cred' to Arum's decision. Don't believe what former manager Wes Wambold told you.
@@bennyadler5882 Actually it was Bobby DePhilippis who said that to me on multiple occasions. He maintained that James was #1 in one of the organizations for like 2 years. And this was when Hagler was winding down his schedule, with Hearns, Mugabi, and Leonard more spread out over time. I agree with you. Kinchen was actually pretty dull, his whole vibe and style. But Bobby did have a case, not sure it was a good one and he was definitely biased. Good dude though.
@@bennyadler5882 Good stuff, Benny. That's true about Kinchen, he lost momentum with some pretty sleepy performances. Even past his best, I remember him giving Hearns a little sweat. Quality fighter, though. At his best, he was very very good.
Thanks for another great video Rich!! The way that you end them always has a lingering effect on me. Whether it be through my own personal recollections, or a deeper understanding of a fighter's life, I always spend some time deep in thought. I remember a couple of other fights on that rainy night of his fight with Hearn's were especially violent. The Hagler fight against Mugabi and Gabby Canizales against Richie Sandoval where Sandoval had to be rushed to the hospital for life-saving brain surgery. For a few tense moments after Shuler got knocked out by Hearn's, I feared for his life. I remembered that Hearn's had offered the belt that he won that night to the Shuler family, but didn't know that they didn't accept it. It's great to hear that his legacy continues to live on through the gym. Thanks again Rich!!
I remember Sandoval. He made his style more aggressive against Canizales, in order to be more entertaining, and it cost him his career. Arum did him a $5000 bonus, though.
He was a very very good fighter could switch up from both sides so sad what happened to him may God bless him with love forever and ever, and also a beautiful job again Rich!!
I enjoyed this documentary. Your documentary of Sugar Ray Seales however makes me wonder how well Seales could even see Shuler back then. I remember before the Hearns fight, Shuler threatened to pull out on fight day over a dispute about hand wraps. I also remember how frustrated Shuler's camp was after the Hearns fight, saying that inactivity was the reason for Shuler's defeat.
Remember Shuler well,didn’t know about the tragic way he passed away though, sad loss of life. Great boxer and I’m sure he may of picked up a belt at some point. Hearns is a class act and a wonderful person to offer Shulers family his belt. Thanks Rich🥊
Thanks again Rich. I only knew Shuler from his win over Kinchen & his poleaxing by Hearns. I never knew of his tragic demise. Appreciated. Bless up bro 👊
Damn these are great. How do more people not see these wow keep then up ty I remember Shuler but only from hearts 1 rd fight. Didn't realize what an amateur record he held.
Awesome vid as always mate. Steve Robinson would be a great candidate for one of you documentaries. British journeyman at the time when he got a call to fight for the world title on 2 days notice and won. I don't know much about him myself other than that, thought he did defend the belt numerous times, but i guess that is why we are blessed to have you to tell us these great mens stories lol Edit - if you've already done it, i apologise.
Man that was one of the worst low blows I've ever seen in my life. Such a Heartbreaking story! with such a tragic end of a young man career, you can tell his family were really devastated from the lost of their Son life, sometimes parents never recover from such a horrible loss. I know my brother lost his son him and his wife have never gotten over the loss.
In 1988 another prominent Philadelphia Boxer Andre Prophet died in a motorcycle accident. Philly streets are plagued by out of control motorcycles and atv’s.
Dwight Triplet , who ran Mr. George Benton gym when he was away in training champ in order too train many of manager Lou Duva sign fighters. I saw Dwight Triplet training him as his protege to my understanding. R. I. P. Andre and may you be granted heavenly paradise 💯🥊✊🏿🖤✊🏿⚔️🥊
I remember watching him beat the great Tacoma fighter Suger Ray Seales on national TV. I watched the Hearns fight several times, actually watched it live on TV! It was definitely a shoot out. It's easy to look back and say that he should have waited for bit longer to fight Hearns? Or at least not go toe to toe with Thomas? I'm sure he would have rebounded nicely and maybe even won a world title? It's to bad that he wasn't a little more experienced of a rider! I'm sure he would have gotten really good at riding his motorcycle. RIP James✌❤🙏🏍
Another brilliant documentary Rich. I certainly felt those two low blows just watching them! I couldn't believe the ending but then again in boxing nothing is a given. Such a tragic ending and more so for what Shuler had achieved for his very young, yet successful years. Thanks for sharing!
Great video on the late James Shuler. We don't know in the "What If?" had Shuler lived. Shuler did the switch stance like his rival Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Had Shuler lived and challenged Hagler who KO Mugabi would be a little too much for Shuler to handle as Hagler would stop him in the late rounds. I believe Shuler would have won one of the alphabet middleweight titles and would beat guys like Frank Tate, Iran "The Blade" Barkley, John "The Beast" Mugabi, Michael Olajide, Mustafa Hamsho, Wilford Scypion, Juan Roldan, Robbie Sims (Hagler's half-brother) and guys who jump from the junior middleweight division like Ayub Kalule. He would have a 50/50 fight with Herol Graham, Reggie Johnson and the another legend in "The Hands of Stone" Roberto Duran. Shuler may lose to Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr., James "Lights Out" Toney, Michael "Second Too" Nunn, Sumbu Kalambay, Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and guys who jumped from the junior middleweight division like Mike "The Bodysnatcher" McCallum and maybe Julian" The Hawk" Jackson, whose devastating right hand would knock Shuler out cold if he caught him like Hearns did. Anyways, great video Rich.
I remember after Hearns lost to Hagler, he chose the unbeaten Shuler as his opponent. I could not believe that Hearns would choose Shuler. He beat Shuler in 1 round which was an incredible win for Hearns as Shuler was a VERY good boxer.
That Hearns' fight was a hurt piece. James had sold his title shot to John Mugabi for $500K (or at least that's what I heard. He died not too long after. I remember seeing Heans, from the back, entering the funeral (Broad and popular at a place that's currently the Met Theater).
I remember as a kid watching the whole great Showtime card he was on--with Gaby Canizales-Richie Sandoval, Tommy Hearns-James Shuler, and then Marvelous Marvin Hagler-John Mugabi. Unfortunately, it didn't go Shuler's way that night. But he was a great Philly fighter.
Thanks for a great documentary. The only time I saw Schuler fight was against Tommy Hearns and he got blown out in the first round. Before the fight people were saying how good he was but he never really got a chance to show what he could do and I thought what was so good about him? But now I see that he could fight and simply got caught cold by Hearns who could blast anyone out with his right hand if he caught them right.
Dam, these videos should be on TV really well put together. Introding boxers I never knew existed. What a fight he had with Seals. RIP 🙏Subbed 4 life 😎🥊🥊🥊
Another beauty, Rich. I’ve written you before about my experiences as an amateur boxer on Long Island in the 70’s and 80’s. I relocated to Philly 20 years ago (I’m 62), to the Frankford section ( a bullet away from Kensington where most of Rocky was filmed, lol ) and it seems that nothings changed here. Outside my back door is a very busy Kingdom Boxing. Down Torresdale Ave is 215 Boxing. Joe Hands Gym in Fishtown. There’s even Ministry Boxing to get guys clean and off the street and into fitness and perhaps leading a scripturally based austere lifestyle. I returned to Long Island several years ago to visit Westbury PBC, where I had trained intermittently (and had the honor of sparring with hulking Lenny LaPaglia)- only to be informed by a condescending school marm “there’s no more boxing here... now the children do finger painting.” Anyhow... All is well here in Philly ( don’t believe the popinjay press). People pay cash on the barrel-head here, and I’ve even seen old bums throw proper stiff jabs. P.S. great amateur footage of Schiller, too!
Another great one. I always felt bad for Shuler. Everything Ive read said how great a guy he was. Most of your docs unfortunately end in death. But usually because a fighter turned back to the streets or drugs. But to die so young like that. If I am not mistaken, the crash occurred a week or two after the Hearns fight. On a sidenote. Its pretty ridiculous how well Seales fought considering he was legally blind by this point in his career. I mean I can see and still cant weave under some of the punches Sugar did!
I remember when Shuler decided against fighting Hagler.....That was a smart mover, no way he was going to beat Hagler. Of course, it didn't work out any better against Hearns. For some reason, he just never seemed the same after he took that almost-year lay-off.....It seemed like he lost something. Anyway, really liked this one Rich...as always......I love when I see a new one posted, its the first thing I watch every time!
Imagine thinking that Hearns would be an easier fight. That's one trainer I'd ditch in a heartbeat! Sad story, though. The kid had real talent, and i hate seeing decent people go out early like that. Thanks again, Rich.
#PHILLY 🥊🥊 #PhillyFighters 💪🏿👊🥊
James Shuler Memorial gym Fixture in West Philadelphia today.
I thought Shuler may have eventually won the title when Hagler and Leonard left the sport. Such a tragic ending for young Shuler. Thanks for another great mini-documentary Rich.
My pleasure, RE
"Won the title"?
So you are unaware of the Hearns fight?
@@joeblow2069 Hearns knocked him out in the first round. So, what is your point? Did you watch the documentary? He may have been able to beat Hearns in a rematch if he lived. You think Hearns was unbeatable?
@@RELopez-mk4ic So why do you think he would have won the title?
The Philly street fighters were legendary
The shoutout to all the other Philly legends who inspired him is chilling. The respect to the people who paved the road before is almost lost. 🙏
Thanks Rich. Masterful documentary and narration of the James Shuler story. May he rest in peace.
Thank you, David
Wow it brings back memories.I was there that night.I had the pleasure of talking to him that night at the after party.All he talked about was getting back in the gym.We took a photo and I told him he'll be back.I'm scared of motorcycles till this day.
Thanks for the share, Derrick.
Me too. That bike was wickedly fast.
🥊R.I. Power James Shuler, and may our creator grant you heavenly paradise.🥊💯✊🏿🖤✊🏿⚔️
What a gift this channel is. All I ever knew bout James was the hearns fight. The man was so much more. When you think of what Duran achieved after hearns ko'd him ain't no reason to think this man wouldn't of became a champ
Another great post ! We all remember James...Thank you so much, Rich !
Sure thing, grahamdoe
Thanks Rich. If it wasn't for your videos a lot of really good fighters from back in the day would be all but forgotten. Thanks again
Always a pleasure, Cedric
might have been a true great; wasn't ready for Hearns. He was rushed.
I don’t think he would’ve ever been ready for Tommy Hearns. He definitely didn’t learn to keep his hands up and didn’t have enough head movement to mollify that defect. Decent power but not enough to makeup for the other flaws.
@@MaximusWolfe you may be right.
Excellent documentary.
I loved playing ball with James @ the Salvation Army! Cool dude
I remember watching James he was strong never gave up. Rest in peace champ
Awesome Rich, James Shuler was and still is well respected in Philly. Thank you!
My pleasure, Eric
Thanks so much for making this Rich. It's a real shame people don't know just how talented he was. He was right on the cusp of greatness when Hearns knocked him out. That fight was stunning, but credit Hearns at the pinnacle of his career, and one of the hardest single punches in boxing history. Had Schuler lived on, he likely would have been one of the top fighters to eventually replace Marvin Hagler.
Another great Philly fighter under the radar.
Great job again
Amateur boxing was huge in 70’s and early 80’s ….
So many that never turned Pro
Thanks, Johnny
Tough to keep dry eyes at the end of this one. Seemed like a thoroughly decent man. His boxing career was sadly overshadowed by the disastrous defeat to Hearns. However, he was a talented and hard-working middleweight. with a nice ability to switch stances. Very touching that Hearns wanted to have the belt buried with Schuler.
Shuler vs. Seales was a great fight.
This was a great story, with a sad ending.
It's tough to see a guy checkout so early when he has so much to live for.
R.I.P. James ✝🥊
Thanks again, Rich.
Sure thing, Christopher
You will always be one of Philly’s best. I am glad I got a chance to holla at you on Broad & Cecil B. Moore Ave. before you fought Tommy Hearns. When Philly lost you we lost a good brother. We lost a gem.
Another great documentary about a pal of mines Rich.
James was like an elder brother, we train at the same gym (Champs's Gym, owned by Quinzell McCall, trainer of Bennie Brisco and Dwight Muhammad Qwai and brother of Pa. State Athletic Commissioner Howard McCall) and attended the same high school (Ben Franklin- Shuler class of 1980, me class of 1986). I was the 1st recipient of the James "Black Gold" Shuler good citizenship award when I graduated.
You been bringing back some great memories, keep up the good work!
Thanks, BAM. Awesome that you received that award and that you were his friend.
Another awesome video Rich 😉💯🦾
Thank you, Anthony
He really seemed like a great guy raised by some good parents .Evan in a tough drug infested nieborehood he rose above it all and was a champion ..That just showes having good parents produce good young men .God bless
Thank you Rich for this documentary on James Shuler. I felt he would have won a world title had he lived
Sure thing, Samuel. I agree, he would have been in the title picture post-Hagler.
God bless james shuler!! Great guy who always treated me with respect @joe fraziers gym.He would even stop by the gym at temple university and give me pointers and advice when i boxed at temple.There are 3 guys i wish i could have thanked for all their kindness in the philly warzone from back in those days.That would be james shuler..jerome artis and jimmy salerno.May they rest in peace!!
What a shame too young. Great video once again, keep em coming.
Another tragic story beautifully told, thank you sir. ❤
My pleasure, John.
Had tears at the end.
What a class act young janes was , his family too. And Hearns too , that’s a famous story in boxing - the hitman who had levelled their son 2,weeks before now emotional at his gravesite wanting to gift Hanes the belt.
Fighters are emotionally complex people fir sure.
What a sad tragedy 😞
I was a stable mate of James Schuler, Marty and Chauncey. Willie Folk was our trainer. A great all around guy.
Tragic story, a young fighter with so much potential.
I remember when the NABA and regional or Continent titles meant something. Thomas Hearns gesture to the family shows the class he has frequently shown and the Shuler family response show their class too. I do believe he would have won a world title had his career not been cut short.
Rich as always you presented this as a great piece of history of a painful sport.
Glad you included the gesture from Hearns (something I remember from years ago). Both Schuler and Hearns were classy guys. RIP James.
Thank you again Sir.
I'm so glad for people like you who keep these great fighters in our minds with your channel.
RIP black gold 🙏
My pleasure, Mr T
Another great upload, thanks so much for this one. I remember James Shuler well. His fights with Sugar Ray Seales and James Kinchen in particular. I was at Parris Island when he fought Tommy Hearns. Such a terrible loss.
My pleasure, Sean
Thanks Rich. Wonderful story.
James "Big Daddy" Schuler was a fan favorite.
Another excellent documentary class
Great work again. Going through some dark times right now, your videos help me keeping my head up and inspire not to go down without putting up a fight! Hard to put in words but it helps me a lot. God bless you. Much love.
Keep your chin up , look forwards , keep throwing punches and you WILL get there friend. Believe that strangers can help you’d be surprised, be open. You’re worth the fight , no matter how many rounds. 👍
@@serenityinside1 Thank you! being very much a loner, reading your words means a lot to me. ive been dealing with depression and addiction for a long time and im ashamed to admit, I was about to leave this world for good, But I refuse to go down like this and I will fight no matter how weak I feel. Thank you again, much love and respect.
Hang in there buddy!
Hang in there, k_jr
Knocked down 10 times, got up 11. You can too!
Love these Videos and listening to the boxing commentators back in the day-- great stuff..
Keep it coming I like your channel your old school now that New era Boxing casual fans UP Town Philly 96 Olympics Boxing 🥊🥊💯
Thanks Rich! We aim to keep his legacy alive!
Awesome. I hope your gym continues to thrive.
Hearns' KO of Shuler was one of his greatest performances. That was vintage Hearns that was reminiscent of his first fight against Sugar Ray Leonard.
You mean the one where he got knocked out?
@@itsinthetreesitscoming7431 The intensity Hearns displayed against Leonard in the first fight is what he showed against Shuler.
@@bh1422 I don't agree - Hearns was uncharacteristically circumspect against Leonard. He fought on the move and behind a long jab all night, trying to make his height/reach advantage pay for a points win.
What a good guy & a shame he didn't reach his potential. Nice gesture by Tommy Hearns. Great vid 👌
Great representation of Shuler’s life.
This was a tough fighter and seemed like a solid man. Much respect to him and his legacy. Much respect to the great Tommy Hearns who was willing to allow Mr. Shuler to be buried in the belt that Hearns won from him just a week before. No doubt that had this tragic accident not occurred, he would have came back fighting to gain back what he lost.
Class act! Fly high King.🕊
Beautiful story and tribute to a great great fighter ! Thank you .
When the NABF Title meant something. Shuler was a brilliant little fighter I think. Unlucky to run in to a peak Hearns and get caught cold. Absolutely no shame in that and I believe he wpuld have rebounded from that loss. The Kinchen win shows his ability. A sad end for him …….
Keep em coming RTFH. Brilliant 🥊🥊🥊🥊💥💥💥🥊🥊🥊🥊
Thanks, CTO
Another compelling piece of work. I didn't remember he had beaten Kinchen, who was a really tough out in 84-85. Kinchen's old manager always told me Hagler ducked him. Not sure I bought that. But I remember getting ready to go to high school and hearing about Shuler on Good Morning America and it was really hard news to take. It would have been interesting to see how he fit in that post-Hagler era. I could see him beating guys like Tate, Olajide, and Barkley, maybe not Kalambay and Nunn. Thanks, Rich!
Sure thing, Benny. I think Shuler would have been nip and tuck with all of those fighters in the post-Hagler era.
@@RichtheFightHistorian Yeah, it's a shame for obvious reasons, but I felt the best, or at least the most lucrative, part of his career was yet to come.
Benny, Hagler's managers never ducked James Kinchen, sadly, Arum never considered James a draw. I say that as I recall the exact era, though Kinchen was #1 rated, he was not well regarded by promoters for some reason, nothing to do with his ability. When Shuler beat Kinchen, that gave more cred' to Arum's decision. Don't believe what former manager Wes Wambold told you.
@@bennyadler5882 Actually it was Bobby DePhilippis who said that to me on multiple occasions. He maintained that James was #1 in one of the organizations for like 2 years. And this was when Hagler was winding down his schedule, with Hearns, Mugabi, and Leonard more spread out over time. I agree with you. Kinchen was actually pretty dull, his whole vibe and style. But Bobby did have a case, not sure it was a good one and he was definitely biased. Good dude though.
@@bennyadler5882 Good stuff, Benny. That's true about Kinchen, he lost momentum with some pretty sleepy performances. Even past his best, I remember him giving Hearns a little sweat. Quality fighter, though. At his best, he was very very good.
RIP James Schuler Keith Davis UP Town Philly 96 Olympics Boxing 🥊🥊💯
Thanks for another great video Rich!! The way that you end them always has a lingering effect on me. Whether it be through my own personal recollections, or a deeper understanding of a fighter's life, I always spend some time deep in thought.
I remember a couple of other fights on that rainy night of his fight with Hearn's were especially violent. The Hagler fight against Mugabi and Gabby Canizales against Richie Sandoval where Sandoval had to be rushed to the hospital for life-saving brain surgery. For a few tense moments after Shuler got knocked out by Hearn's, I feared for his life. I remembered that Hearn's had offered the belt that he won that night to the Shuler family, but didn't know that they didn't accept it. It's great to hear that his legacy continues to live on through the gym. Thanks again Rich!!
Thanks, BullyWebz. That was definitely a great fight card.
@@RichtheFightHistorian Sure was.
I remember Sandoval. He made his style more aggressive against Canizales, in order to be more entertaining, and it cost him his career. Arum did him a $5000 bonus, though.
@@richiethecee2491 I'm pretty sure that Bob Arum also gave him a job.
@@BullyWebz That's right. He game a job as a publicist or something similar.
Excellent epilogue, Rich. Highly uplifting. Perhaps Mr Hand (jr) will weigh in down the line on here.
Thanks, Benny
He was a very very good fighter could switch up from both sides so sad what happened to him may God bless him with love forever and ever, and also a beautiful job again Rich!!
Thanks, Melvin.
@@RichtheFightHistorian keep up the great work brother!!
I enjoyed this documentary. Your documentary of Sugar Ray Seales however makes me wonder how well Seales could even see Shuler back then. I remember before the Hearns fight, Shuler threatened to pull out on fight day over a dispute about hand wraps. I also remember how frustrated Shuler's camp was after the Hearns fight, saying that inactivity was the reason for Shuler's defeat.
I remember him. Gone too soon. RIP
Remember Shuler well,didn’t know about the tragic way he passed away though, sad loss of life. Great boxer and I’m sure he may of picked up a belt at some point. Hearns is a class act and a wonderful person to offer Shulers family his belt. Thanks Rich🥊
My pleasure, Brett
Thanks again Rich. I only knew Shuler from his win over Kinchen & his poleaxing by Hearns. I never knew of his tragic demise. Appreciated. Bless up bro 👊
Always a pleasure, Nick
That was beautiful! Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Bkk_Savateur
@@RichtheFightHistorian It's a real pleasure!
Great Sad video coverage Rich his Camp should have advised him against getting the motorcycle... Damn!
Great story. Really sad ending.RIP James.
Tragic end to such a promising fighter
My hero from my part of town.... north Philly in the building
"So damn tough" 🎼👍
Thomas Hearns was P4P one of the hardest punchers in history of the sport. No shame in getting whacked out by him..
I didn't know how fluid James was at switching from Orthodox to left. He did it several times during this documentary.
Beautiful documentary
Many thanks!
Rest in Peace James 🥊
Great documentary, thanks Rich. His career/life reminded me of Davey Moore. They died way too young.
Thanks, whitehurstcomic.
Another great video. Thank you.
My pleasure, nyquil
Damn these are great. How do more people not see these wow keep then up ty I remember Shuler but only from hearts 1 rd fight. Didn't realize what an amateur record he held.
Awesome vid as always mate.
Steve Robinson would be a great candidate for one of you documentaries. British journeyman at the time when he got a call to fight for the world title on 2 days notice and won. I don't know much about him myself other than that, thought he did defend the belt numerous times, but i guess that is why we are blessed to have you to tell us these great mens stories lol
Edit - if you've already done it, i apologise.
Thanks, Mariann. I haven't gotten to Robinson yet...Been a bit lax in doing some of the UK fighters and will get to some soon.
Man that was one of the worst low blows I've ever seen in my life. Such a Heartbreaking story! with such a tragic end of a young man career, you can tell his family were really devastated from the lost of their Son life, sometimes parents never recover from such a horrible loss. I know my brother lost his son him and his wife have never gotten over the loss.
Good old days when respect was number one. Love the fact Hearn wanted to give away his belts says a lot
Thanks for the amazing video Rich
Sure thing, John.
Love his combinations
Died in his prime " was on his way to becoming an all time great.
Looks like Chris Ubanks senior long lost brother. R.I.P Mr Shuler Sir.
Well done!
In 1988 another prominent Philadelphia Boxer Andre Prophet died in a motorcycle accident. Philly streets are plagued by out of control motorcycles and atv’s.
Yeah, I remember Prophet. He was up and coming.
Dwight Triplet , who ran Mr. George Benton gym when he was away in training champ in order too train many of manager Lou Duva sign fighters. I saw Dwight Triplet training him as his protege to my understanding. R. I. P. Andre and may you be granted heavenly paradise 💯🥊✊🏿🖤✊🏿⚔️🥊
Philadelphia is hell on earth in all ways including the traffic problems
Another excellent story
Another interesting video - thanks Rich!
Sure thing, Andrew
one of Norf Philly finest
I always look forward to a new video. Thanks for your dedication Rich. 🙏🏻
Thanks for your support
I remember watching him beat the great Tacoma fighter Suger Ray Seales on national TV. I watched the Hearns fight several times, actually watched it live on TV! It was definitely a shoot out. It's easy to look back and say that he should have waited for bit longer to fight Hearns? Or at least not go toe to toe with Thomas? I'm sure he would have rebounded nicely and maybe even won a world title? It's to bad that he wasn't a little more experienced of a rider! I'm sure he would have gotten really good at riding his motorcycle. RIP James✌❤🙏🏍
Agree hear s fight was too early , but then hearns a that night ? Jeez who could have lived with that - top of his chilling game 😳
Great documentary about a fine man, thank you
Sure thing, John
What a story!
Awesome video thanks! 🥊🥊
Sure thing, Vinny
Another brilliant documentary Rich. I certainly felt those two low blows just watching them! I couldn't believe the ending but then again in boxing nothing is a given. Such a tragic ending and more so for what Shuler had achieved for his very young, yet successful years. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure oncall21, thanks.
Great video on the late James Shuler. We don't know in the "What If?" had Shuler lived. Shuler did the switch stance like his rival Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Had Shuler lived and challenged Hagler who KO Mugabi would be a little too much for Shuler to handle as Hagler would stop him in the late rounds. I believe Shuler would have won one of the alphabet middleweight titles and would beat guys like Frank Tate, Iran "The Blade" Barkley, John "The Beast" Mugabi, Michael Olajide, Mustafa Hamsho, Wilford Scypion, Juan Roldan, Robbie Sims (Hagler's half-brother) and guys who jump from the junior middleweight division like Ayub Kalule. He would have a 50/50 fight with Herol Graham, Reggie Johnson and the another legend in "The Hands of Stone" Roberto Duran. Shuler may lose to Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr., James "Lights Out" Toney, Michael "Second Too" Nunn, Sumbu Kalambay, Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and guys who jumped from the junior middleweight division like Mike "The Bodysnatcher" McCallum and maybe Julian" The Hawk" Jackson, whose devastating right hand would knock Shuler out cold if he caught him like Hearns did. Anyways, great video Rich.
I remember after Hearns lost to Hagler, he chose the unbeaten Shuler as his opponent. I could not believe that Hearns would choose Shuler. He beat Shuler in 1 round which was an incredible win for Hearns as Shuler was a VERY good boxer.
That Hearns' fight was a hurt piece.
James had sold his title shot to John Mugabi for $500K (or at least that's what I heard.
He died not too long after.
I remember seeing Heans, from the back, entering the funeral (Broad and popular at a place that's currently the Met Theater).
I remember as a kid watching the whole great Showtime card he was on--with Gaby Canizales-Richie Sandoval, Tommy Hearns-James Shuler, and then Marvelous Marvin Hagler-John Mugabi. Unfortunately, it didn't go Shuler's way that night. But he was a great Philly fighter.
Thanks for a great documentary. The only time I saw Schuler fight was against Tommy Hearns and he got blown out in the first round. Before the fight people were saying how good he was but he never really got a chance to show what he could do and I thought what was so good about him? But now I see that he could fight and simply got caught cold by Hearns who could blast anyone out with his right hand if he caught them right.
Thanks, Tyrone. He was a swarmer. Had a lot of tricks up his sleeve and I think he could have gone far post-Hagler.
Dam, these videos should be on TV really well put together. Introding boxers I never knew existed. What a fight he had with Seals. RIP 🙏Subbed 4 life 😎🥊🥊🥊
Hey thanks, Gerry
Another beauty, Rich. I’ve written you before about my experiences as an amateur boxer on Long Island in the 70’s and 80’s. I relocated to Philly 20 years ago (I’m 62), to the Frankford section ( a bullet away from Kensington where most of Rocky was filmed, lol ) and it seems that nothings changed here.
Outside my back door is a very busy Kingdom Boxing. Down Torresdale Ave is 215 Boxing. Joe Hands Gym in Fishtown. There’s even Ministry Boxing to get guys clean and off the street and into fitness and perhaps leading a scripturally based austere lifestyle.
I returned to Long Island several years ago to visit Westbury PBC, where I had trained intermittently (and had the honor of sparring with hulking Lenny LaPaglia)- only to be informed by a condescending school marm “there’s no more boxing here... now the children do finger painting.”
Anyhow...
All is well here in Philly ( don’t believe the popinjay press). People pay cash on the barrel-head here, and I’ve even seen old bums throw proper stiff jabs.
P.S. great amateur footage of Schiller, too!
*Shuler
Thanks for the share, Stonehands.
Another great one. I always felt bad for Shuler. Everything Ive read said how great a guy he was. Most of your docs unfortunately end in death. But usually because a fighter turned back to the streets or drugs. But to die so young like that. If I am not mistaken, the crash occurred a week or two after the Hearns fight. On a sidenote. Its pretty ridiculous how well Seales fought considering he was legally blind by this point in his career. I mean I can see and still cant weave under some of the punches Sugar did!
Seales was a really good , fearless fighter he just had awful management who would throw him in with anyone .
@@triplejunction7073 yes he was. I am just amazed at how good he is when it is now known he was legally blind by this bout
I remember when Shuler decided against fighting Hagler.....That was a smart mover, no way he was going to beat Hagler. Of course, it didn't work out any better against Hearns. For some reason, he just never seemed the same after he took that almost-year lay-off.....It seemed like he lost something. Anyway, really liked this one Rich...as always......I love when I see a new one posted, its the first thing I watch every time!
I appreciate that, Dale. Thanks.
Imagine thinking that Hearns would be an easier fight. That's one trainer I'd ditch in a heartbeat!
Sad story, though. The kid had real talent, and i hate seeing decent people go out early like that.
Thanks again, Rich.
James Schuler after Hearns would have been Bhop of the 80s
Daddy!!❤