Radzhab Butaev defeats Jamal James after controversial 9th ​​round TKO

Radzhab Butaev defeated Jamal James in a major title match, but the ending was interrupted by the referee, which ruined a great match.

Radzhab Butaev had a great night at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on October 30. He came in as a weight class Boxing candidate and walked away with the “regular” WBA title.

Jamal James (27-2, 12 KOs) lost the inner belt Show time main event, and he never looked like he was in a fight. James fought for for the first time in over a year, and extended layoffs didn’t help.

Butaev (14-0, 11 KOs) hasn’t been more active this past year, but he’s the sharper boxer. He confused James by appearing as a male employee. He further confused James by switching positions throughout the fight and won for James.

Butaev did an excellent job of closing the gap, he kept rushing forward like a tank. James tried to keep Butaev away, but his punch bounced off Butaev’s arm. Butaev was a thicker, stronger fighter, and he used his strength to repel James all night.

Let’s go 🔥🔥🔥#JamesButaev @JamalShango @ButaevR pic.twitter.com/9S12dPnRwY

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) October 31, 2021

James tries to fight inside, but that’s Butaev’s game. It was a tactical mistake by James, but he lacked the mobility to escape Butaev. It might have to do with all the punches to the body he gets.

Radzhab Butaev took control of the fight against Jamal James and got some WBA hardware to his efforts

A dangerous moment for Butaev came in the fifth round when referee Celestino Ruiz deducted Butaev one point for hitting James after he turned his back. It’s an overstatement, but Ruiz’s decision-making has eroded as the rounds go on.

Ruiz several times soon parted with Butaev and James. At one point, Butaev hit James to the side of the head, and Ruiz pushed them away even though they weren’t gripping. The punch was near the back of James’ head, but James turned his head. A separation is not guaranteed, as the fighters do not touch each other.

Then the inexplicable happened in the 9th round.

James has lost the match but continues to show his heart and is letting go. Butaev entered the field and hit James several times, but nothing alarming. Ruiz jumped in and waved away from the fight, although James showed no sign of danger. He took Butaev’s punches well, but Ruiz decided it was time to quit.

It was an unpopular decision, causing the war to end in disappointment. James was a gentleman after the competition and did not criticize Ruiz’s performance as the match referee, despite criticism.

Butaev continued and was a player in the 147 pound weight division.