BOXING: IN THE NEWS, TRUAX, JAMES, BRANT, STARKS

TRUAX AND JAMES FEATURED IN MN SUPER SHOW ON APRIL 7?
IBF World super middleweight champion “Golden” Caleb Truax (29-3-2, 18 KO’s) of Osseo, MN could have his first title defense on April 7th and there is a good shot that it takes place right here in Minnesota. Truax was met with huge support after returning home from England as champion by Minnesota fans and local media. Though Truax had thoroughly out classed England’s gold medalist and former champion James DeGale over 12 rounds, it was still believed that a rematch would happen back in England. Hefty pay days are usually available overseas when European fighters of DeGale’s caliber are involved. However, Showtime is reportedly interested in broadcasting the rematch and it’s looking like a US title defense for Truax would make sense financially. Sources say that the title fight is almost a lock to take place in the United States now, with Minnesota currently leading the way as host.

“I hope to defend my title on my home turf, in the city I love” said Truax. “The atmosphere is going to be CRAZY!”

Jamal James at KMOJ’s studio.

The good news doesn’t stop there. If Truax ends up defending his title on the 7th of April in Minnesota, word is that Minneapolis welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (22-1,10 KO’s) could also be featured. Both Minnesotan’s are represented by manager Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions. James was a guest yesterday afternoon on KMOJ radio and said he is training to prepare for whatever might come up. The Minnesota welterweight champion James defeated world rated Diego Chaves a week after Truax beat DeGale and is now rated 5th in the world by the WBA. Stay tuned for developments.

BRANT RETURNS TO HINCKLEY ON MARCH 9TH
Robert “Bravo” Brant (22-1, 15 KO’s) will be featured at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Mn for the 11th time on March 9th, 2018. Brant will be heading back to the middleweight division where he is one of boxing’s top up and comers. The Saint Paul, MN native moved up to the super middleweight division last October to compete in the World Series of Boxing tournament. Brant held his own and gained valuable experience against world class boxer Juergen Braehmer (49-3, 35 KO’s) in Germany, losing a 12 round unanimous decision. His move back to middleweight in March is said to be preparation for a possible title shot later this year if things go as planned. VeShawn Owens and Ramiro Hernandez will have big step up bouts on the show as well.

JAVONTAE STARKS COMEBACK IN THE WORKS
Minneapolis welterweight prospect Javontae Starks (13-2, 7 KO’s) has not boxed since late 2016 but confirmed that he will be returning on February 10th in Witchita, Kansas. Starks says that he has no opponent finalized but that the offer is for a fight that would be shown on CBS Sports. Starks was on a roll in early 2015 after picking up wins over Jeremiah Wiggins and Carlos Galvan. A loss to Sam Figueroa followed and another most recently to Darwin Price in September of 2016 halted that momentum. Starks says that he is ready to get back on track in 2018.