Jamal James, Ve Shawn Owens Return to Battle at MNPLS Armory Feb. 25

Former world champion Jamal “Shango” James and Circle of Discipline teammate Ve Shawn Owens both of Minneapolis, MN will make their long-awaited ring return Saturday, Feb. 25 during a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Armory, the first pro card of the year in Minneapolis. 

James (27-2, 12 KOs), a huge draw at The Armory, will face battle-tested veteran Alberto Palmetta (18-1, 13 KOs) of Argentina in a co-feature on the SHOWTIME-televised card. SHOWTIME is back for its fourth event in Minneapolis after televising three shows from The Armory in 2022.

Owens (13-3, 12 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN is back in an exciting supporting bout against Kudratillo “The Punisher” Abdukakhorov (18-1, 10 KO’s) of Uzbekistan.

Top super lightweight contenders will square off in the main event as popular knockout artist Subriel Matias meets undefeated Argentine Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship to decide one of the kingpins of the red-hot super lightweight division.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

James (27-2, 12 KOs) steps into the ring for the first time since a 2021 slug-fest against then unbeaten Radzhab Butaev that saw James’ seven-fight winning streak snapped. The 34-year-old returns to fight at The Armory for the fifth time in his career, having won four straight bouts there between April 2018 and July 2019.

Last time out, Owens lost a gritty points decision to prospect Alberto Puello (now 21-0) at the Armory on December 18, 2021. Owens competed at jr. welterweight for his last few bouts but will return to the welterweight division for this fight which he says is a more comfortable weight. Owens expects a busy year in 2023.

JAMAL JAMES

“It’s go time. I’ve been itching for this and I’m extremely happy to be fighting back at home. The most important thing for me is just ending this layoff and being in the ring period.

“I know that a lot of eyes will be on me coming off my last fight, but I love the pressure and I deal with it great. It makes me a better fighter. Instead of talking too much about it, I’m just going to show you on February 25.

“The gym is my home and we’ve been home. We’re training in the mornings and training in the evenings. Outside of just doing it for my boxing career, it keeps my body clean, my mind healthy and my spirit up.

“We’ve got an amazing facility here, so there’s no excuses for me not being at the very best of my capabilities when I step into the ring.

“My team keeps me focused during setbacks. We know that we just have to stay focused and eventually the opportunities are gonna come. If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”

Ve Shawn Owens

“I’ve been in the gym since my last fight, waiting for the next. There were a lot of cancelled fights last year” said Owens.

“I know who I’m fighting. I’ve watched him and am fully aware of what he is capable of. That’s why I chose him. This fight will be at 147 which is a comfortable weight class. 140 pounds was a struggle for me to make.”

“It will be busy this year, have some things planned out but first things first, February 25th. I am focused on one thing and that’s winning.”

Alberto Palmetta

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, James’ opponent Palmetta (18-1, 13 KOs) represented his home country at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in November 2016. The 32-year-old has won his last 12 fights, with 11 coming by stoppage dating back to 2017. In addition to an impressive run that saw him knock out the previously unbeaten Erik Ortiz and veteran contenders Tre’Sean Wiggins and Saul Corral, Palmetta also defeated Yeis Solano by decision in October 2021 and most recently blasted out Thomas Mendez in three rounds last November.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m training hard in Las Vegas to take full advantage of everything that’s in front of me,” said Palmetta.

“I’ve represented my country in the ring for years, including in the Olympics, and I’m going in there on February 25 to make everyone in Argentina proud. I know I’m going into James’ hometown, but that’s just going to motivate me even harder to have my hand raised.”