BOXING: JAMES, TRUAX, RAMIREZ REPRESENT MN THIS FRIDAY

World-ranked Jamal “Shango” James and former World champion “Golden” Caleb Truax will return to the ring this Friday, August 24th as Premier Boxing Champions with broadcast partners FS1 and FOX Deportes present a nationally televised night of boxing at the historic Armory in Minneapolis, MN. Rounding out the Minnesotans on the show is up and comer Celso Ramirez of Minneapolis. The ten or so other bouts on Friday nights card features an internationally flavored lineup. Minnesota Fight News will be streaming Caleb Truax and Celso Ramirez’s fights live and you can check out Jamal James on FS1.

Jamal James, photo by Tyler Bloomquist/Amory.

James, of Minneapolis, boasts a 23-1 record and is ranked No. 3 in the welterweight division by the World Boxing Association. Riding a three-fight winning streak against world-class opponents, the 6’ 2” boxer-puncher hopes to continue his winning ways and earn a world title opportunity – a goal that’s
within his long and powerful reach. “Shango” James takes on Mexico’s Mahonry Montes in the main event.

“I trained hard for another thriller at home against a pressure fighter in Mahonry Montes,” said James. “I’m going to use my height, range, and skills to show that I’m hungry and keeping my eyes on the prize. Once I get past Montes, a big name is going to have to fight me. I’m right on the road to a world title challenge.”

The 28-year-old Montes (35-7-1, 24 KOs) has challenged everyone from world champions to top rising prospects throughout his pro career and enters this bout having scored knockout victories in consecutive fights. Representing Sinaloa, Mexico, Montes owns a victory over welterweight contender Francisco Santana in a fight last year that saw Montes drop his opponent on the way to a decision victory.

“I’m am so excited to have this opportunity against Jamal James,” said Montes. “My last loss was unfortunate because I thought I had my opponent hurt, but I’ve picked up a couple of wins since then and have been training very hard. I’m ready to show everyone that I belong with the best fighters in the world. I’m never in a bad fight and I’m going to show the fans in Minnesota how a real Mexican fights.”

Caleb Truax, photo by Tyler Bloomquist/Amory.

In his most recent fight on April 13, James put on an exciting show for thousands of cheering fans at the Armory. The atmosphere was electric. Much to the delight of the hometown crowd, he dug deep for a majority decision win over tough Abel Ramos of Arizona.

“My debut at the Armory was exhilarating. What a fabulous hometown venue. Best night ever in the ring. My last bout served as a national wake-up call to the boxing world – Jamal James is a contender, ready to fight the next man up,” James said.

Caleb Truax, of Osseo, returns to the squared circle for the first time since April 7, when he lost his IBF Super Middleweight title in a disputed decision to former champion James DeGale of England. Truax stunned the boxing world in December by taking the championship from DeGale in the British fighter’s hometown of London.

Truax, 29-4-2, became a local fan favorite on his rise to the top. This will be his first fight in Minnesota since August 2017 and his first in Minneapolis since January 2014, when he battled Ossie Duran to in the main event of a nationally televised card. Making his Armory debut, Truax will face the upset-minded Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena (15-10-1) of Brazil. A battle-tested veteran, Pena has been in the ring with world-class boxers such as Blake Caparello (27-3-1), Jose
Uzcategui (27-2), and Joe Smith Jr. (24-2). With a win, Truax would be right back in the conversation for another big fight – and a chance to become a two-time world champion.

Celso Ramirez, photo by Minnesota Fight News.

Undefeated welterweight Celso Ramirez (7-0), a native of Mexico who now makes his home in Minneapolis is set for the biggest fight of his career. The Minnesota will face slick prospect Willie Jones (5-1) of Florida. Ramirez wowed a packed house at the Armory on April 13 with an impressive knockout victory over veteran Brandon Baue. Minnesota Fight News interviewed Ramirez so look for that to come tomorrow.

The full card can be seen HERE.