Minneapolis native Jamal “Shango” James is the WBA interim Welterweight Champion and the belt fits him just fine. James defeated Thomas Dulorme in a unanimous decision August 2020.
Although the fight isn’t set in stone just yet, the likely title defense for James will be against Russian fighter Radzhab Butaev. The fight is expected to be a part of the undercard for the Manny Pacquiao-Errol Spence Jr. matchup in Las Vegas on August 21st. The title defense will be James’ biggest payday of his professional career.
“It’s definitely huge! That’s a big undercard to be on. When they usually put you on those types of undercards that means they’re starting to look at you as a contender with the headliners. So hopefully that’s what they’re hoping to set up,” James told KSTP.
James was joined at Thursday’s press conference at the Armory by David Morrell Jr. of Cuba. He been training in the Twin Cities for a while. Morrell Jr. won his last fight vs. Mario Cazares with a 1st round knockout on June 27th.
“I love training here in Minneapolis. If I can spend time with Jamal James and take that experience and apply it to what I’m trying to do I’ll be a better fighter,” Morrell Jr said.
Morrell Jr.’s next fight is to be determined. But that early knockout last month on national television captured the attention of many.