Former Indiana professional boxer “Slammin” Sammy Nesmith died recently of a heart attack in his current hometown of Bridgeton, N.J., at age 62.
Nesmith lived in Indianapolis during the 1970s and ‘80s, where he built a stellar boxing career. His notoriety began in 1971 when he won the National Golden Gloves Light middleweight championship.
He brought home to Indianapolis the North American Boxing Federation middleweight belt in May, 1980 after scoring a 10th round knockout victory over Ronnie Harris of Canton, Ohio. Smith had an impressive professional record of 38 wins and seven loses, with 34 of his wins by knockout.
Smith, known for his contagious sense of humor and enjoyment of country music, was loved by everyone he met. His love for boxing was freely shared with the youth at the Riverside Family Center where he served as the boxing coach. He was married to Tondra “Fifi” Johnson for eight years. He later worked for Coca-Cola in Indianapolis.
Smith later settled in Bridgeton, N.J., where he was married to Delores (Green) Nesmith. Other survivors include his mother Anna Nesmith and five children and a host of family members and friends. He was laid to rest this week in his native hometown, Kingtree, S.C.
