Radzhab Butaev was crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion with a ninth round technical knockout win over Jamal James this Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas. Nevada.

It was an important victory for Butaev, who won the first WBA fight of the Box off and now waits for the winner of the fight between Yordenis Ugas and Eimantas Stanionis to define the only WBA welterweight division champion.

The Russian did not have an easy challenge against James because, as the fourth ranked fighter, he was facing the belt owner, but his work and strategy helped him get a great victory for his career.

Although he was outmatched in height and reach by the lanky James, Butaev was patient to break the distance and improved as the rounds went on. He used his straight punches well and was constantly changing his guard so as not to be a fixed target for his opponent’s jab, and in turn, managed to weaken him with his combinations. 

The 27-year-old Russian went from strength to strength and in the third round began to tilt the actions in his favor. His volume of punches was growing and James’ physique was showing a lot of wear and tear. 

In the ninth round, the punishment was evident and the referee decided to stop the actions due to Butaev’s wide dominance and the amount of punches he was connecting. 

The Russian remains undefeated with 14 wins and 11 knockouts, while James now has 27 wins, 2 losses and 12 knockouts.