James Columbus ROSETTE

Jimmy Rosette won the 1961 New York Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions. He was a gunner’s mate in the US Navy, serving for 10 years and winning the All-Service title as a middleweight. As an amateur in the military, Rosette fought Bob Foster, a future light-heavyweight world pro champion, five times, winning twice. Rosette lost his first bout in Tokyo by a close 3-2 decision, after receiving a bye in round one. He turned professional after the Olympics and won his first pro bout in June 1965 against Carl Moore. Still in the Navy, which did not want active duty soldiers to fight professionally, he started out fighting as Jimmy James. He fought as a southpaw through July 1972, losing by knockout in his final bout again Lonnie Bennett. Rosette had a career pro record of 19 wins and 11 loses, but never fought for a major title.