Nathaniel James

Nathaniel "Nate" James (b.September 1, 1981) is a professional heavyweight boxer from Malden, Massachusetts. James is best known for winning the 2007 National Golden Gloves tournament at super heavyweight.
Professional career
The 6'5" heavyweight prospect is currently 7-2 (3KO). James turned professional in March 2008, signing an exclusive promotional agreement with Joe DeGuardia's StarBoxing. Frustrated after two years with only two professional bouts, James decided to secure his release from StarBoxing and is currently a promotional free agent.
In June 2008, hall-of-fame trainer Emmanuel Steward invited the talented southpaw to join IBF/WBO World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko to help prepare Wladimir for a mandatory title defense against Tony "The Tiger" Thompson in Germany. James' athleticism, combined with his exceptional hand and foot speed impressed Steward so much that he not only made him Wladimir's chief sparring partner, but also offered James the opportunity to debut on the undercard. James made the most of his shot, winning a shut out decision over 4 rounds against Timo Schwarm on July 12, 2008.
James answered Klitschko's call a second time in February 2009, joining former IBF Heavyweight Champion Chris Byrd and Tony Thompson in training camp, this time to prepare WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko as he geared up to face Cuban amateur standout and former Cruiserweight champion Juan Carlos Gomez in Stuttgart, Germany. Again, James was offered a spot on the undercard. The fistic education paid off on March 21, 2009, as James blitzed Taras Varva in less than one round. Nate has since worked with then WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye in preparation for his high profile bout with Audley Harrison and Wladimir Klitschko for his rematch with Tony Thompson.
Amateur career
Nate James compiled an impressive record of 83-11 during his amateur career, winning several US State Championships and the National Golden Gloves tournament in 2007, his last year as an amateur. James was nationally ranked in the top 10 at Heavyweight for his entire amateur career (2001-2007), retiring from the amateur circuit the number 2 ranked Heavyweight in the United States.
After winning four New England Golden Gloves championships, Nate moved to Marquette, Michigan, on a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University. The decorated amateur showed constant improvement while training at the US Olympic Education Center, winning the Bronze medal at the 2005 National Golden Gloves and a silver medal at the 2006 National Golden Gloves.
Determined to win the National Golden Gloves tournament before turning professional, James enlisted the services of notable trainer Al Mitchell and trimmed his weight down from 350 lbs to 240 lbs. The hard work paid off, as James first won the Wisconsin Golden Gloves and later the National Golden Gloves tournament against favorite Tyler Turner of Washington, D.C. James perfectly executed the game plan for the bout: after patiently stalking Turner in round one, a right jab followed by a massive straight left knocked Turner out cold only 20 seconds into round two. The victory served as the perfect ending to a successful amateur career as it put the heavyweight division on notice that the talented New Englander could rise to the occasion on the biggest of stages.
Amateur Accomplishments
*2008 Olympic Team Trials, semi-finalist
*2007 World Golden Gloves Silver Medalist
*2007 National Golden Gloves Champion
*2007 World Ringside Champion
*2007 Wisconsin Golden Gloves Champion
*2006 National Golden Gloves Silver medalist
*2006 New England Golden Gloves Champion
*2005 National Golden Gloves Bronze medalist
*2005 New England Golden Gloves Champion
*2004 New England Golden Gloves Champion
*2002 New England Golden Gloves Champion

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