Mykal Fox is getting cozy with the idea of fighting Jamal James
When last in the squared-circle, welterweight Mykal “The Professor” Fox (22-3, 5 KO’s) took on Gabriel Maestre (4-0, 3 KO’s). Fox was sliding in as a late replacement for Cody Crowley, Maestre’s original opponent. While stepping in so last minute is never a great scenario, The Professor saw a wonderful opportunity to shine on a big stage. The bout would air live on FOX and his adversary was a top flight amateur and former Olympian. Once in the ring, everything was going splendidly.
The Maryland native was boxing masterfully and appeared to be easily out-pointing Maestre. Fox even scored a knockdown in the second round. Nevertheless, when the scorecards were read, the Venezuelan was mysteriously and incredibly announced as the winner. When the final verdict was read, both fighters looked dumbstruck and the crowd erupted in a large rolling wave of angry boos.
FROM SHIT TO SUGAR??
This is somewhat of a bitter-sweet situation for Fox. Obviously, on the one hand, he has been saddled with an unjust decision loss on his record. On the flipside, he is receiving a ton of support and publicity as a result. Several fans have even expressed the sentiment that he defeated Maestre so decisively that there really is no purpose in staging a rematch. Continuing down those lines, it’s even been suggested that The Professor take on Regular WBA welterweight champion Jamal “Shango” James (27-1, 12 KO’s). Clearly this is an idea that Fox can get behind.
Yet, while this sounds like a great idea, it is not likely to happen. At the moment, the Professor is ranked #12 (WBA) and probably too far out of range to force a bout with James. Now, had he been credited for defeating the #1 (WBA) welterweight Maestre as he did, then he would have a solid case for chasing a showdown with Shango. In the end though, we will all just have to wait to see how this rather messy situation plays itself out in the coming weeks and months.
By: Bakari Simpson
