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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.
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 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.
Burman then faced Eduardo Primo, beating him by a knockout in 3 rounds. On April 21, 1937, Burman upset until then undefeated Gus Dorazio by a ten-round decision at the Naval Armory in Detroit, Michigan. He then defeated 17-2 Eddie Blunt but lost to 14-1 Alberto Santiago Lovell at Gilmore Stadium in Los Angeles.
On February 2, 1938, Burman ascended to the Heavyweight top ten rankings by defeating Johnny Risko, another top contender of the era. In 1939, he split two fights with Welshman Tommy Farr, winning the first in New York and losing the second one in London (Burman had previously fought internationally, in Mexico). Both fights were decision wins for the victor.
A third fight with Steve Dudas took place on August 26, 1940 and Burman won by ten rounds decision at Baltimore. Then, on October 21, also at Baltimore, Burman faced Tony Musto. The winner would receive a title shot at Joe Louis. In what the Associated Press called "a savage 10-round scrap" Burman came out victorious by decision, in a bout in which both contestants bled.
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