Jamal ‘Shango’ James To Face Former World Champion Antonio DeMarco at the Armory

World-ranked Minneapolis boxer Jamal “Shango” James is set to take on former world lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco as he returns to action July 13 at the historic Minneapolis Armory.

The just-announced welterweight matchup, arguably the toughest professional test yet for James, pits the local fan favorite against a rugged, battle-tested veteran who won the World Boxing Council lightweight title in 2011.

Jamal “Shango” James   photo by Marilyn Indahl

A former super lightweight world title challenger, DeMarco has fought a host of world champions and title challengers, including Adrien Broner, Jessie Vargas, Jorge Linares and Rances Barthelemy.

DeMarco, (33-7-1), a native of Mexico, is coming off a decision loss to unbeaten Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev in his most recent fight. Prior to that, in October 2017, DeMarco knocked out previously unbeaten Eddie Ramirez in the first round

DeMarco, 33, has faced all comers in his distinguished ring career. His last six opponents have a combined record of 120 wins against only 7 losses and five draws.

James, who has won 25 of his 26 professional bouts, is on a five-fight winning streak. A win over DeMarco would put James a big step closer to his dream of fighting for a world championship – and bringing the belt home to Minneapolis.

Ranked No. 3 in the world at welterweight by the World Boxing Association, James said he has been training hard for the nationally televised card and that he’s ready to put on another good show.

“I feel confident no matter who I get in the ring with,” James said.

The July 13 bout will be James’ fourth at the Armory. His Armory resume includes wins over three tough opponents: Abel Ramos and Mahonri Montes in 2018, and Janer Gonzalez last February.

Unbeaten in his home state, James said he feeds off the energy of the crowd at the Armory, which has established itself as the go-to place for professional boxing in Minnesota and one of the top boxing venues in the nation.

James said he feels “ecstatic” when he fights at the Armory.

“When you know all these people are there for you, and they support you, it gives you extra motivation to fight harder. It gives you extra motivation to train harder. In my mind, I feel invincible in there. I’m not losing,” James said.

Tickets for the nationally televised July 13 event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale nowand can be purchased at the Armory athttp://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

More fights to round out the July 13 card will be announced at a later date. The fights will be televised nationally by Premier Boxing Champions, on multiple platforms with broadcast partners FS1 and FOX Deportes.