Charles Shufford

Charles Lamont Shufford, Jr. (born February 3, 1973) is an American former professional boxer. He challenged once for the WBO world heavyweight title in 2001.

Charles Shufford, a nephew of former welterweight contender Horace Shufford, was considered a star of Las Vegas amateur boxing, frequently fighting at Golden Gloves tournaments and Olympic trials.^[1][2] Shufford had 35 (?) amateur fights at super heavyweight (no exact record given), which included fights against Michael Grant (most notably in 1993)^[3] and Lance Whitaker, famously beating Whitaker at 1996 Olympic trials, before turning professional in 1996.^[4]

Shufford made his professional debut at November 11, 1996, defeating Kirk Holyfield by first-round TKO.^[5] Within five years, Shufford compiled 17–1 record that included back-to-back wins over Jimmy Thunder by seventh-round TKO^[6] and rising star Lamon Brewster via unanimous decision.^[7]

These wins lined him up for a shot at the WBO world heavyweight title against Wladimir Klitschko. For the bout Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., dropping 17 pounds compared to his last bout.^[5] Shufford, having played George Foreman opposite Will Smith in the movie Ali, entered the ring with Smith by his side.^[8] Shufford was knocked down three times, once in round two, once in round three (both times with a straight right hand) and in round six with a left hook, with referee stopping the bout after the third knockdown. According to punch stats, Klitschko landed 58 of 262 punches (22%) and Shufford connected on 16 of 190 (8%).^[9]

After that, Shufford was not able to stay in the heavyweight title scene. He remained inactive for over a year before returning to the ring against Marcellus Brown, winning by unanimous decision. He then beat Elieser Castillo but lost to Lawrence Clay-Bey and Jameel McCline.^[5] After losing to a rising star Samuel Peter by one-sided unanimous decision, Shufford was inactive for two years, and fought only sporadically since.^[5] He went 0–2–1 in his last three fights with a draw against Kelvin Davis and losses to Malik Scott and Jason Estrada.^[5]

Perhaps Shufford's most notable accomplishment has been outside of the ring, playing the role of George Foreman in the 2001 film Ali.