Former WBA Heavyweight Champion remembers Ali

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — Former WBA Heavyweight Champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith says his friend Muhammad Ali will be missed.

Smith beat Tim Witherspoon to win the WBA title in 1986, but never fought Ali. He was born in Duplin County and now lives in Mrytle Beach, S.C. Though Ali retired before Smith was well into his pro career, Smith said Ali visited North Carolina often and he got to know the boxing legend well.

“We would always get together and he was at several of my fights,” Smith said.

Smith said no one else fought like Ali and he paved a path for future boxers.

“He’s going to be sorely missed,” Smith said. “I miss him already and he just died last night.”

Catch “Bonecrusher’s” interview Sunday on WWAY at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.