Report Of Boxer's Hearing Corrected

Published: Oct 12, 2007

TAMPA - The Tampa Tribune erroneously reported Thursday that the former girlfriend of boxing champion Nate Campbell testified during his bail hearing the day before.

The testimony the newspaper attributed to the woman, Kanesha James, actually was given the same day by another woman during a hearing unrelated to Campbell.

The Tribune reported Thursday that in her testimony, James contradicted a statement she gave investigators earlier alleging that Campbell punched her. A sheriff's spokeswoman said he choked her, pulled a gun and pushed her down, slamming her head to the floor.

James did not contradict her statement. She did not testify during Campbell's hearing.

In addition, contrary to the Tribune report, it was not James but another woman who said in court that she is pregnant and left the courtroom in tears.

The Tribune learned of the error in a phone call Thursday morning from Campbell's attorney. The newspaper met with James in person and apologized.

The Tribune is reviewing the matter to ensure that no such mistake occurs again, Deputy Managing Editor Lawrence Fletcher said.

Campbell, 35, of Riverview, is the top-ranked lightweight competitor for the International Boxing Federation. Hillsborough County deputies arrested him Sept. 27 on charges of armed burglary, false imprisonment, witness tampering and domestic battery.

Deputies reported that James received a bruise to an eye, an abrasion to an elbow and welts and bruises to her neck.

After Campbell's bail hearing, Circuit Judge Walter Heinrich ordered him released on his own recognizance from Falkenburg Road Jail and directed him not to have any contact with James.