James Page made the news again, only this time it is for being the hometown hero of Pittsburg, California.
Page, the former WBA middleweight champion, has had a full life at 52-years of age. He made three successful defenses of his title before being stripped of his crown. Page always wanted to fight Puerto Rican great Felix Trinidad, but the opportunity never presented itself.
Page suffered two major career setbacks; both were unarmed bank robberies.
In the early 2000s, Page was said to have been involved in several unarmed bank robberies in Georgia, which led to a sentence of 11 years in federal prison.
Upon his release, Page restarted his career and his 2012 comeback fight saw unassuming journeyman Rahman Mustafa Yusubov knock him out in the second round.
A second arrest for bank robbery followed, and Page was given the moniker of the ‘Button Down Bandit’ for wearing button-up shirts to conceal his tattoos. That conviction led to seven years in prison.
But since getting out, Page has found a new home at an upstart gym in Pittsburg, California, called The Lion’s Den Boxing Gym, which was founded by the family of middleweight prospect Amari Jones.
Jones is working with several fighters, including Steve Johnson Jr., and Gabriel Garcia, and Page is there nearly every day, often holding 42 rounds of mitts.
It appears Page’s latest act might be most impactful as he is working hands-on to help others.
A local group in the Pittsburg, California area entitled The Village have presented Page with the award.
Page smiled like he won a world title as hoisted his trophy in joy.
