He was then drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent the duration of World War II, playing on military teams, often against other drafted pros.
Star of Brooklyn, featuring Hall of Fame pitcher Candy Cummings, won 6 of 13 against pros.
"Like matching their best amateurs against ranking American pros - top 20 caliber fighters," said King.
He won the European Amateur at 15, he won the Catalonian Open against pros at 17 and the British Amateur at 18.
Afterwards, Jones, who spent 11 years with the Buffalo Bills, said the difference between playing against replacements and playing against real pros was significant.
It seems to be directed against pros, no casualties except in the bombings.
Instead of playing, though, they will be satisfied with working against pros they have only watched from a distance.
Grimsley did well sparring against several aging pros, and he was on his way.
Will we be against real pros?
Justin Gimelstob already competes against pros, has been for years.