WBA ‘regular’ welterweight titleholder Jamal ‘Shango’ James 27-1 (12) wants to avenge his loss to full WBA champion Yordenis Ugas 27-4 (12).
But first he will have to get past undefeated contender Radzhab ‘The Python’ Buteav 13-0 (10) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.
The 33-year-old James from Minneapolis dropped a 10-round points decision to Ugas – who is coming off an upset win over Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in August – by scores of 92-98, 94-96 and 91-99 five years ago.
“We’re at the top level here. Everyone on this stage is a top-level fighter. We’re all going to bring our very best Saturday night,” James said.
“At this level, everyone hits hard. We’re not fighting cupcakes. Every opponent you get in there with, can hurt you. I’ve been in there with guys who hit extremely hard, and I beat them. It’s nothing new to me.
“We’re here in Las Vegas headlining on Showtime and it’s time for me to let people know that I’ve been at this top level. I want to get those opportunities against the top fighters. The welterweight division is stacked. We have a bunch of great talent and it’s time for some new guys to get their names up there.
“I’m not overlooking Butaev. I have to get past this fight first. But I want to run that back against Yordenis Ugas. He’s a great fighter. I didn’t have a full camp when I fought against him. I don’t like to make excuses – because he was the better man that night. But I think if we both have full camps, it could definitely be a different story.
“I’m not ducking anybody. I want to win Ugas’ title and make there one WBA champion. I definitely would be ready to take on [Jaron] Ennis or whoever it is after that.
“I’m just happy to have this opportunity to get back in the ring. I’m going to listen to my corner and follow through with their instructions. I trust them with my life. If they tell me to be offensive or if they tell me to box, I trust them.
“Representing my city of Minneapolis gives me extreme motivation. When you look at the history of boxing, it’s a sport that brings people together during hard times. It gives people the chance to take their minds off serious trouble they’re dealing with. My city has shown me a lot of love and that gives me extra motivation.”
Russian Butaev, 27, is taking a big step up in class but insists he is ready.
“I’ve had a lot of experience in the amateurs and pros,” Butaev said. “I believe in myself and I believe in my experience. We had a great camp and everything went as planned. On Saturday, I’m here to prove that I’m the next world champion in this division.
“I believe that everything I’ve been through will be the difference in this fight. Fighters have different advantages against different opponents, but the most important advantage is the will for victory. I believe that my will is at the highest level.
“I had a long amateur career, but now that I’m working with Joel Diaz as my trainer, we’re working more on the professional style. I’m working on sitting down on my punches and loading up a little bit more.
“We’re going to bring the action to the ring. That’s what the fans love. I’m bringing that Mexican style. Fans love brawls and that’s what we’re working on. I’m ready to bring the war to the ring.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the ring, but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. I don’t know exactly what he’s going to do, but I’ll be prepared for it.”
