Minnesota native's latest victory—a third-round stoppage of former interim champion Diego Chaves—sent a notice to the stacked 147-pound division that "Shango" is a serious threat.
Jamal “Shango” James took less than three rounds to end Argentina’s Diego Chaves’ stoppage streak.
December 15 marked a definitive performance of his career. James did what former world champions Brandon Rios and Tim Bradley could not—stop Chaves. A left hook to the liver secured James a third-round knockout and handed Chaves his worst career loss.
After a loss to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Yordenis Ugas, James rebounded with two consecutive wins. His accomplishments also include decision wins over Jo Jo Dan, Wale Omotoso, Juan Carlos Abreu, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina.
“That loss was a lesson that we need to be fully prepared,” James said. “We had time to properly train for Chaves, giving us another level of confidence to get into that focused comfort zone.”
James’ win was six days after fellow Minnesotan Caleb Truax traveled to London’s Copper Box Arena and upset 168-pound champion James Degale, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist.
“Caleb’s my guy. That was a Cinderella story letting the boxing world know the talent that we have in Minnesota,” said James, who lives in Minneapolis. “I’ve worked with Caleb in the gym a couple of times. He’s provided support for me and I’ve done the same for him.”
James expressed interest in joining the 147-pound championship conversation that includes titleholders Thurman and Errol Spence and former champions Jessie Vargas, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, Lamont Peterson, Andre Berto and Devon Alexander.
“If they present a title shot next fight, we’re going to go for it,” James said. “I’m feeling very confident, ready to show the champions, the contenders and the world that Shango nation is a force to be reckoned with.”
To learn more about Jamal James, check out his fighter page.
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