Jamal James is well-prepared to defend his WBA (regular) welterweight championship Saturday night. And while James is not overlooking Russian opponent Radzhab Butaev, the champion hopes to receive much more than a victory with his performance.
Jamal James has one loss in his 28 professional fights. The loss happened five years ago against current WBA (super) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas. James finds himself in a position to earn a rematch with Ugas with a victory against Butaev.
The seven-fight win streak enjoyed by James includes two knockouts. His last fight was a unanimous decision victory against Thomas Dulorme. The victory earned James his welterweight title.
Jamal James Has Something to Prove
A lot is at stake for James when he steps into the ring with Butaev. James will be making his first title defense. It is the first fight for James in Las Vegas as well as the first appearance for the newly crowned champion on Showtime.
“I’m looking to make a big statement in this fight,” James explains. James says he wants to “show up and show out.” He goes on to explain, “I have to prove to everyone why I deserve the biggest fights.”
Radzhab Butaev comes into his fight against James with a 13-0 record. The amateur standout turned professional in 2016. Butaev scored a third-round knockout over Terry Chatwood in December 2020 to set up his fight with James.
Jamal James knows that Radzhab Butaev is a tough opponent. “He’ll come in there strong and try to test me,” James explains. “He will try to get inside.” The champion says his job is to “outbox him and beat him.”
Yordenis Ugas took control of the WBA (super) welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory in August. The WBA mandated a title defense for Ugas against Eimantas Stanionis of Lithuania. The WBA plans for the James Butaev winner to fight against the Ugas-Sanionis winner in March 2022.