Jamal James survives a grueling fight with Antonio Demarco!
3kingboxing.com wrote a feature article involving the once highly touted prospect Jamal “Shango” James.
The main subject involved the Minnesota native being heavily overlooked as a contender in the welterweight division. His bout with former lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco showed why he should get more attention.
EARLY ACTION
James dictated the pace early by using the longer reach, working the jab and using his footwork to spin out underneath the right hand jab of the southpaw fighter.
As the second round came, it looked like this was going to be an easy night!
However, the former world champion showed his Mexican pride. He rushed forward behind combinations, trapping the younger fighter against the ropes.
While there, he landed a hard overhand right to the temple that stunned the hometown fighter.
James would withstand the assault and started countering with hooks to the body following up with uppercuts.
The crowd stayed on their feet throughout due to the intense action!
MIDDLE ROUNDS
The hometown fighter would recover and went back to the initial game plan. He used his footwork, provided angles and maintained distance while counting with the straight right.
This would ultimately keep the former champion off balance. Switching from offense to defense while staying off the ropes, he was slowly regaining control of the fight.
CLOSING ROUNDS
The veteran southpaw would continue to stalk the bigger man, looking to get to the body. However, staying on the centerline made himself and easy target for the long jab of the favorite.
Using his superior hand-speed the hometown fighter would double up on the left hooks using feints then tag his opponent with right uppercuts.
Even while being stalked, he continued to double up on right hooks to the head an body.
As the fight would go on, the Mexican fighter although coming forward, wasn’t cutting off the ring or moving his head.
This would be a critical mistake as the younger opponent was landing double and triple punches. He would step to the side and create space while landing more hooks and avoiding any return punches.
By the tenth round, both men were looking to close the show the same way the fight started. DeMarco was coming forward still on the centerline, but managed to land a good straight left hand.
James showed he was ready to go the full ten as he continued to box using angles and landing combination punches.
As the final bell sounded, the crowd would cheer with full satisfaction while waiting to hear the final results.
All three judges scored it 98-92 for the hometown fighter. This seemed to be a bit wide as 3kingsboxing.com scored the fight 96-94 for James.
This victory was crucial to maintaining a presence in an already deep welterweight division. Many feel he should look to avenge his sole defeat suffered against Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas in 2016.
Whatever the next opportunity brings, James showed he is indeed ready to take on the challenge!
By: Garrisson Bland
