James, Alf

James was a lightweight and welterweight in South Africa in the 1940s, winning both National titles.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. July 10, 1919

Career Highlights:
A South African, James turned professional in 1937 and won his first 18 fights. Inactive from 1941-1944 because of World War II, he returned in October 1945 and fought for the South African welterweight title against champ Laurie Stevens; the fight ended in a 12-round no decision. Alf then won the South African lightweight title in his next fight (February 2, 1946) by defeating Willie Miller in a 12-round decision. He defeated Miller 18 days later in a rematch for the title, on a ninth-round technical knockout. James relinquished the title in November 1946, and moved up to the welterweight division.

In January 1948, James challenged George Angelo for the South African welterweight championship, but lost the fight in a 12-round decision. The next month, though, James defeated Angelo in a rematch to capture the title. He held the title for nine months until losing to Don Carr in a 12-round decision in November 1948. James fought twice more, losing both fights, before retiring in 1949 with 42 wins in 57 decisions.

Origin:
Pretoria, South Africa

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 42 (10 by knockout)
Losses: 11
Draws: 4

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