The welterweight division is regarded as one of the most loaded weight classes in all of boxing. It's led by unified champion Errol Spence Jr., WBO titlist Terence Crawford, WBA (super) champion Yordenis Ugas with Shawn Porter, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Keith Thurman, and Danny Garcia lurking not too far behind.
In that second tier is Jamal James, who defends his WBA (regular) welterweight title on the line against Radzhab Butaev from the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
James steamrolled his way into going undefeated in his first 20. Then in his first major test, he came up short when he took on Ugas in August 2016. Since then, James' reeled off seven consecutive victories and notched his most significant win to date in his last time out, a unanimous decision victory over Thomas Dulorme in August 2020.
"I’m excited to finally get back in the ring and defend my title," James said in a press release. "This will be the fight where I show everyone why I'm elite in this profession and should be recognized as one of the best."
Butaev is unbeaten in 14 contests but has faced no one of value up to this point. He turned pro after approximately 400 amateur bouts. Butaev returned to the ring in December, stopping previously unbeaten Terry Chatwood in the third round.
Here is everything you need to know about Jamal James vs. Radzhab Butaev.
What time is Jamal James vs. Radzhab Butaev?
Date: Saturday, Oct. 30
Time: 10 p.m. ET (main card)
Main event: 12:30 a.m. ET (approximate)
The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET. James and Butaev are expected to make their ring walks about 12:30 a.m. ET, although the exact time depends on the length of the earlier bouts.
How to watch James vs. Butaev
- Showtime, Sho.com
James vs. Butaev is available on Showtime in the United States and can be streamed on Sho.com.
How much does James vs. Butaev cost?
The Jamal James vs. Radzhab Butaev fight is not on pay-per-view and is available only on Showtime.
Where is the James vs. Butaev fight?
James will fight Butaev at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will mark the first time James and Butaev compete at the venue.
Jamal Jones record and bio
Name: Jamal James
Nationality: American
Born: July 27, 1988
Height: 6-2
Reach: 70 inches
Total fights: 28
Record: 27-1 with 12 knockouts
Radzhab Butaev record and bio
Name: Radzhab Butaev
Nationality: Russian
Born: December 15, 1993
Height: 5-10
Reach: 72 inches
Total fights: 14
Record: 14-0 with 12 knockouts and one no-contest
Jamal James vs. Radzhab Butaev fight card
Main card
- Jamal James vs. Radzhab Butaev for James’ WBA “regular” Welterweight title
- Jaron Ennis vs. Thomas Dulorme; Welterweight
- Michel Rivera vs. Matias Romero; Lightweight