Tag: Radzhab Butaev

Jamal James determined to take next step in career

Welterweight contender Jamal James is determined to take the next step in his career.

Welterweight contender Jamal James has recorded some important victories the past few years, including a decision over Thomas Dulorme that earned him a secondary WBA title in August of last year.

Now he wants to take the next step.

The Minneapolis fighter is scheduled to face Radzhab Butaev on Oct. 30 in Las Vegas (Showtime). He hopes to build on his momentum by turning in an impressive performance against his Russian opponent on national television.

“I’m looking to make a big statement in this fight,” James said. “This will be my first title defense and my first time fighting on Showtime and in Las Vegas. My whole mindset is to come out and show out, so that everyone knows I’m a major player in this division.

“I have to prove to everyone why I deserve the biggest fights.”

He might bet his wish sooner rather than later. The WBA has ordered its 147-pound champion, Yordenis Ugas, to defend against No. 1-ranked Eimantas Stanionis. The winners of the James-Butaev and Ugas-Stanionis fights would then face one another.

James (27-1, 12 KOs) in 2016 lost a decision to Ugas, who outpointed Manny Pacquiao in August. He has won seven consecutive fights since.

“I’d like the rematch with Ugas coming off his big win against Pacquiao,” James said. “He’s fought the top guys, and I’ve fought him before, but it was under less-than-ideal circumstances. I’d like to see what a fight between us would look like after both of us have had a full camp.

“I haven’t been able to get anyone like Errol Spence Jr., Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter yet, and those are the biggest fights in the division. I’d love to face one of those guys that are already considered the best at welterweight so that I can really prove myself.”

Of course, he must get past Butaev (13-0, 10 KOs) first. The Brooklyn-based fighter reportedly had 400 amateur fights, which gives him a solid technical foundation.

Butaev lost a unanimous decision to countryman Alexander Besputin in November 2019 but the result was later ruled a no-contest after Besputin tested positive for a banned substance.

James has known since Butaev stopped Terry Chatwood last December that he would probably face the Russian next.

“We’ve known that Butaev is the opponent for a while, so we’ve been training for a long time and I’ve been in great shape all camp,” James said. “We’re just working on our different tools and perfecting them for the fight ahead.

“We know that everyone is coming for us since I have the title now, so I’m just doing whatever I have to do so that I’m ready on October 30.”

Jamal James determined to take next step in career

Welterweight contender Jamal James is determined to take the next step in his career.

Welterweight contender Jamal James has recorded some important victories the past few years, including a decision over Thomas Dulorme that earned him a secondary WBA title in August of last year.

Now he wants to take the next step.

The Minneapolis fighter is scheduled to face Radzhab Butaev on Oct. 30 in Las Vegas (Showtime). He hopes to build on his momentum by turning in an impressive performance against his Russian opponent on national television.

“I’m looking to make a big statement in this fight,” James said. “This will be my first title defense and my first time fighting on Showtime and in Las Vegas. My whole mindset is to come out and show out, so that everyone knows I’m a major player in this division.

“I have to prove to everyone why I deserve the biggest fights.”

He might bet his wish sooner rather than later. The WBA has ordered its 147-pound champion, Yordenis Ugas, to defend against No. 1-ranked Eimantas Stanionis. The winners of the James-Butaev and Ugas-Stanionis fights would then face one another.

James (27-1, 12 KOs) in 2016 lost a decision to Ugas, who outpointed Manny Pacquiao in August. He has won seven consecutive fights since.

“I’d like the rematch with Ugas coming off his big win against Pacquiao,” James said. “He’s fought the top guys, and I’ve fought him before, but it was under less-than-ideal circumstances. I’d like to see what a fight between us would look like after both of us have had a full camp.

“I haven’t been able to get anyone like Errol Spence Jr., Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter yet, and those are the biggest fights in the division. I’d love to face one of those guys that are already considered the best at welterweight so that I can really prove myself.”

Of course, he must get past Butaev (13-0, 10 KOs) first. The Brooklyn-based fighter reportedly had 400 amateur fights, which gives him a solid technical foundation.

Butaev lost a unanimous decision to countryman Alexander Besputin in November 2019 but the result was later ruled a no-contest after Besputin tested positive for a banned substance.

James has known since Butaev stopped Terry Chatwood last December that he would probably face the Russian next.

“We’ve known that Butaev is the opponent for a while, so we’ve been training for a long time and I’ve been in great shape all camp,” James said. “We’re just working on our different tools and perfecting them for the fight ahead.

“We know that everyone is coming for us since I have the title now, so I’m just doing whatever I have to do so that I’m ready on October 30.”

Jaron Ennis: ‘I’m going to be on top for a very long time’

Young welterweight contender Jaron Ennis said, “I’m going to be on top for a very long time.”

Welterweight contender Jaron Ennis comes across as soft spoken and humble, a man of few words. Then the opening bell rings.

“That’s how I am in real life,” the gifted 24-year-old from Philadelphia told Boxing Junkie on Wednesday. “I’m just chill, laid back. I don’t say too much. Once I get in the ring, though, I’m dangerous.”

To say the least.

Ennis (27-0, 25 KOs) is one of the most skillful young boxers in the world, on par with the likes of Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson. On top of that, he’s a 147-pound version of Deontay Wilder in terms of his ability to turn anyone’s lights out: He’s riding a streak of 17 consecutive knockouts at the moment.

That combination of ability and power might be unrivaled in the sport. The only thing left to do? Prove it on the highest level.

Ennis has recorded some significant victories, including a brutal sixth-round knockout of highly regarded Sergey Lipinets in April. And he’ll face another test on the Jamal James-Radzhab Butaev Showtime card on Oct. 30, when he’ll tangle with veteran Thomas Dulorme.

However, “Boots” has set his sights much higher than that. He envisions himself as a world titleholder next year and ultimately as an undisputed champion in multiple divisions.

All he needs is a chance.

“I’m just sitting here, getting better and better,” he said. “Then, when my time comes, I’ll be on point. I’ll be ready to rock and roll. Once I get my foot in the door I’ll have one of those belts and everyone’s attention.

“… I know once I get my opportunity, it’s over. I’m going to be on top for a very long time.”

Ennis said he isn’t looking past Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs), a former title challenger who was competitive in a loss to hot prospect Eimantas Stanionis in his most recent fight. He simply believes he’s a level above the 31-year-old Puerto Rican and “locked in, super hungry,” he said.

If things go well in the fight, he hopes his opportunity to fight for a major title will come next.

On one hand, that makes sense. He’s ranked in the Top 6 by all four major sanctioning bodies. He can smell a title shot. On the other hand, the beltholders probably view him as a big risk with too little to gain given his relative lack of star power.

Thus, he might have to patiently continue to win, move up the rankings toward mandatory status and build his name to a point where the Errol Spences and Terence Crawfords and Yordenis Ugases have no choice but to fight him.

Ennis was asked whether the waiting process is difficult for him and said it wasn’t, although he does seem antsy. Imagine having rare ability but not the platform to show it to the world.

Another young star, Teofimo Lopez, was fortunate. He received the opportunity to fight former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko at 23 years old and beat him to become undisputed lightweight champion. A star was born that night.

That’s OK with Ennis. He knows that type of opportunity will come.

“I feel like everybody has a different route to winning a world championship,” he said. “Mine might take longer because I’m going to be on top forever.”

[lawrence-related id=19369,19336,19311]

Jaron Ennis: ‘I’m going to be on top for a very long time’

Young welterweight contender Jaron Ennis said, “I’m going to be on top for a very long time.”

Welterweight contender Jaron Ennis comes across as soft spoken and humble, a man of few words. Then the opening bell rings.

“That’s how I am in real life,” the gifted 24-year-old from Philadelphia told Boxing Junkie on Wednesday. “I’m just chill, laid back. I don’t say too much. Once I get in the ring, though, I’m dangerous.”

To say the least.

Ennis (27-0, 25 KOs) is one of the most skillful young boxers in the world, on par with the likes of Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson. On top of that, he’s a 147-pound version of Deontay Wilder in terms of his ability to turn anyone’s lights out: He’s riding a streak of 17 consecutive knockouts at the moment.

That combination of ability and power might be unrivaled in the sport. The only thing left to do? Prove it on the highest level.

Ennis has recorded some significant victories, including a brutal sixth-round knockout of highly regarded Sergey Lipinets in April. And he’ll face another test on the Jamal James-Radzhab Butaev Showtime card on Oct. 30, when he’ll tangle with veteran Thomas Dulorme.

However, “Boots” has set his sights much higher than that. He envisions himself as a world titleholder next year and ultimately as an undisputed champion in multiple divisions.

All he needs is a chance.

“I’m just sitting here, getting better and better,” he said. “Then, when my time comes, I’ll be on point. I’ll be ready to rock and roll. Once I get my foot in the door I’ll have one of those belts and everyone’s attention.

“… I know once I get my opportunity, it’s over. I’m going to be on top for a very long time.”

Ennis said he isn’t looking past Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs), a former title challenger who was competitive in a loss to hot prospect Eimantas Stanionis in his most recent fight. He simply believes he’s a level above the 31-year-old Puerto Rican and “locked in, super hungry,” he said.

If things go well in the fight, he hopes his opportunity to fight for a major title will come next.

On one hand, that makes sense. He’s ranked in the Top 6 by all four major sanctioning bodies. He can smell a title shot. On the other hand, the beltholders probably view him as a big risk with too little to gain given his relative lack of star power.

Thus, he might have to patiently continue to win, move up the rankings toward mandatory status and build his name to a point where the Errol Spences and Terence Crawfords and Yordenis Ugases have no choice but to fight him.

Ennis was asked whether the waiting process is difficult for him and said it wasn’t, although he does seem antsy. Imagine having rare ability but not the platform to show it to the world.

Another young star, Teofimo Lopez, was fortunate. He received the opportunity to fight former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko at 23 years old and beat him to become undisputed lightweight champion. A star was born that night.

That’s OK with Ennis. He knows that type of opportunity will come.

“I feel like everybody has a different route to winning a world championship,” he said. “Mine might take longer because I’m going to be on top forever.”

[lawrence-related id=19369,19336,19311]

Alexander Besputin tests positive for a banned substance: report

Welterweight contender Alexander Besputin tested positive for a banned substance after his victory over Radzhad Butaev on Nov. 30.

Welterweight contender Alexander Besputin tested positive for a banned substance after his victory over Radzhad Butaev on Nov. 30 in Monte Carlo, according to The Athletic.

Ligandrol, which has been shown to increase lean muscle mass, was found in Besputin’s “A” urine sample, according to a Monaco Boxing Federation test report obtained by The Athletic.

Besputin, Russian who fights out of Oxnard, California, defeated Butaev by a wide decision to win what the WBA calls its “regular” title at the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin.

Besputin (14-0, 9 KOs) was ordered by the sanctioning body to defend the title against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas, who fights Mike Dallas on Feb. 1. Meanwhile, Besputin said he expected to make his first defense in the spring.

It’s not clear yet what impact the positive test will have on his plans.

Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize the WBA’s “regular” title.

 

Alexander Besputin outpoints Radzhab Butaev in heated 12-rounder

Add Alexander Besputin to the short list of opponents for Terence Crawford. The southpaw Russian outpointed hard-hitting countryman Radzhab Butaev over 12 hard-fought rounds at the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monte Carlo. All three judges scored it …

Add Alexander Besputin to the short list of opponents for Terence Crawford.

The southpaw Russian outpointed hard-hitting countryman Radzhab Butaev over 12 hard-fought rounds at the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monte Carlo. 

All three judges scored it 116-112 for Besputin, who is aligned with Top Rank, the promoter of Crawford. Eddie Hearn promoted Butaev-Besputin, as he turned in a winning purse bid for the chance to stage the fight. Hearn acknowledged beforehand that he was rooting for Butaev, a Lou DiBella-promoted fighter. 

It was a closely contested fight, as evidenced by Besputin’s ruby-red face when it was over. Besputin controlled the fight with a busy jab and overcame a few vulnerable moments.

“Yes, I was very confident that I was winning the fight,” Besputin said afterward. “I was getting tired at the end. I couldn’t punch hard, but I was trying to take aim at my target.

“It was a very difficult fight. We have a big history going back to the amateurs. I did everything, and I showed that I am ready for the big (fights).”

It was a fight of two styles, with Besputin continually moving around the ring while throwing more shots than his opponent. Butaev was more economical, as he tried to hunt down the fluttering Besputin with powerful hooks. After a slow start, Butaev found his stride in Round 3, landing hard counter rights to the body. In Round 9, Butaev had his best round of the fight, hounding Besputin on the ropes with winging hooks before the bell rang. 

Just when it looked like Besputin might be slipping, he came back in the final rounds to separate himself from Butaev, boxing on the outside and preventing Butaev from setting up his power shots.

Afterward, Besputin said he wants to fight the winner of the Terence Crawford-Egidijus Kavaliauskas welterweight title fight on December 14 at Madison Square Garden.

 

 

Hughie Fury off Alexander Besputin-Radzhab Butaev card because of illness

Hughie Fury, hoping to bounce back from a loss to Alexander Povetkin, pulled out of Saturday’s fight against Pavel Sour because of illness.

Heavyweight Hughie Fury is off the Alexander Besputin-Radzhab Butaev card Saturday in Moncao because of illness, Matchroom Boxing has announced.

Fury, coming off a unanimous-decision loss to Alexander Povetkin in August, was scheduled to fight Pavel Sour on DAZN.

“Due to a virus Hughie Fury has unfortunately had to pull out of his fight tonight in Monaco,” Matchroom said in a prepared statement.

Fury (23-3, 13 knockouts) is 3-3 in his last six fights, with losses against Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev and Povetkin.

Besputin (13-0, 9 KOs) and Butaev (12-0, 9 KOs) meet in a 12-round battle of welterweight contenders.

Also on the card, Cecilia Braekhus (35-0, 9 KOs) defends her welterweight titles against Victoria Bustos (19-5, 0 KOs).

Usyk vs. Chisora discussions underway for February

Promoter Eddie Hearn said on Friday that he is trying to finalize an Oleksandr Usyk vs. Dereck Chisora matchup for February.

Oleksandr Usyk’s next test at heavyweight could be Dereck Chisora.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that negotiations were underway for that matchup today after the weigh-in for the Radzhab Butaev vs. Alexander Besputin card that will take place this Saturday in Monte Carlo.

Hearn said he is trying to pin Usyk-Chisora for February.

“I was just backstage talking to Usyk trying to get the Chisora fight over the line for February,” Hearn said. “That’s a big fight. That’s a big heavyweight fight. Usyk’s now established as a big star in the weight division.”

After some delay due to a biceps injury, Usyk, the former unified cruiserweight world champion, made his heavyweight debut in October with a seventh round stoppage of Chazz Witherspoon at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Hearn said Usyk appears to have bulked up since the fight.

“Will that slow that down, will that increase his power? What we saw against Witherspoon was that the size was an issue,” Hearn said. “He got a couple (punches) on the arm, a mouse under the eye, where all of a sudden he’s thinking, this is a different game. When you get hit by (Deontay) Wilder or (Anthony Joshua) AJ or any of those guys… but does he have the skill or speed to counter that?

Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) is coming off a stoppage win over David Price in October. He is riding a three-fight win streak since getting knocked out by Dillian Whyte in 2018.

“Against Chisora I think it’s such as an interesting fight,” Hearn said. “We know that Usyk is going to pick off Chisora but he’s a right handful. He’s a big lump and he can punch. And you’re gonna get a lot of answers in that fight, in my opinion.”

Radzhab Butaev vs. Alexander Besputin: Who will take next step?

Russians Radzhab Butaev and Alexander Besputin will face each other this Saturday at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monte Carlo.

Two highly regarded welterweight prospects will try to take the next toward title contention this Saturday.

Russians Radzhab Butaev and Alexander Besputin will face each other at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monte Carlo. The match will stream live on DAZN and is promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Promotions, even though Hearn does not have promotional rights to either main event fighter. Butaev is promoted by Lou DiBella and Besputin by Top Rank. Matchroom put in the winning purse bid for the fight in September with an offer of $505,555. That beat out bids submitted by Top Rank ($315,000) and Patriot Promotions ($415,000).

The fighters gathered for the final press conference on Wednesday.

“It’s a privilege to be on this show in the casino, especially as the main event,” said Butaev (12-0, 9 knockouts). “I’ll do my best to make a beautiful show, and come Saturday night you won’t regret watching. I hope it is going to be a war. I hope he is going to stay and not quit.”

Both Butaev and Besputin were standout amateurs, with 700 fights between them in the unpaid ranks.

“It’s a really good fight between to great fighters with brilliant amateur careers,” said Besputin (13-0, 9 KOs). “We both have a little bit of history. We were both in the Russian team, but we never met in the ring. I think it’s going to be a very interesting fight for the Russian fans, and many people in Russia will be watching this fight. On November 30th it’s going to be a great night.”

The undercard will feature unified welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus (35-0, 9 KOs) against Victoria Bustos (19-5, 0 KOs). This is Braekhus’ first fight under the Matchroom banner.

Undefeated Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang (20-0, 16 KOs) will take on late replacement Andriy Rudenko (32-6, 20 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Rudenko is subbing in for Sergey Kuzmin, who bowed out with an injury sustained during training. Zhang is coming off a knockout win over Don Haynesworth last year.

Heavyweight Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs), hoping to rebound from his loss to Alexander Povetkin, faces Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Rounding out the card, junior lightweights Joe Cordina (10-0, 7 KOs) and Enrique Tinoco (18-5-4, 13 KOs) will face each other in a 12-rounder.