Shuler, Recent Loser to Hearns, Is Killed in Motorcycle Accident

PHILADELPHIA — Middleweight boxer James Shuler, having lost his first professional fight only last week when he was knocked out by Thomas Hearns, was killed Thursday evening when he drove his motorcycle into a tractor-trailer at a residential intersection of North Philadelphia.

Shuler, 26, who had recently bought the motorcycle and had the temporary registration in his pocket, died at the scene of multiple injuries. No charges were filed against the truck driver, Paul Wilson of Philadelphia.

Shuler lost his North American Boxing Federation title March 10 when he was KO’d by Hearns in the first round at Las Vegas. Shuler went into the fight with 22 professional victories and 16 KOs.

Shuler got his start in boxing at age 9 when he walked past Joe Frazier’s gym and saw the heavyweight champion through a window. Frazier gave him an autographed picture and told him to return if he wanted to learn to box.

Shuler did, and compiled a 178-6 amateur record. He won the 1980 Olympic trials at 156 pounds but could not go to the Moscow Games because of the boycott.