He is a former American boxer who was briefly WBA heavyweight champion in the late 1980s. He is the first heavyweight champion with a college degree.Smith became an ordained minister in 1996 and dedicated his life to helping young people stay clear of crime and drugs. Three years later, he retired from boxing. In 2002 Smith started the non-profit organization Champion For Kids Inc. to provide scholarships to high school students. Smith began working as a recruiter and the Director of Intramural Athletics for Sandhills Community College in June 2005.