Red Burman

For the judge who shares the same birth-name, see Clarence H. Burns.

James Clarence 'Red' Burman (born James Clarence Burman March 18, 1915 – January 25, 1996) was an American boxer in the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. During the 1940s, he was a top rated contender who challenged Joe Louis for the world Heavyweight title.

Clarence Burman was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He lived there his entire life. He changed his ring name to Red Burman in 1936.

Red Burman fought under the names "K.O. Burns" or "Kayo Burns" and under his real name of James Burman until sometime in 1936. Entering that year, Burman had engaged in 44 professional bouts, sporting a record of 32 wins, 11 losses and 1 draw (tie), 7 wins by knockout. Burman was a protégé of former world Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey. On April 28, 1930, he made his professional boxing debut, losing to Mickey Nielson by a 4 round decision at the 104th regiment Armory, Baltimore.

Burman had his first victory on May 9, 1930, when he beat Young Nelson by a decision in four at the Arena, Salisbury, Maryland. On January 2, 1934, he faced Ken Overlin, who outpointed him over 8 rounds at Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia.

After losing to Bob Turner by a third round knockout on October 29, 1934 in Newport News, Virginia, Burman tallied off 12 wins in a row, including avenging the loss to Turner by an eighth round knockout on February 4, 1935, at Carlin's Park in Baltimore. Burman fought at Oriole Park, Yankee Stadium and Comiskey Park during this period. He beat Billy Ketchel, brother of Stanley Ketchel, and Steve Dudas, among others, during that streak.

Burman lost to Dudas in a rematch, then followed up with 14 more victories in a row. Included among his victims were Ketchel two more times, the dangerous Buddy Knox (29-2 coming into their fight) and Dutch Weimer. On October 2, 1936, he faced fellow Louis title challenger John Henry Lewis, losing to the future world Light Heavyweight Champion by a 2nd round knockout at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois.

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