Badou Jack Hopes Win ignites Big Stretch Run For T.M.T.
By Jake Donovan
Despite coming in as a considerable underdog, Badou Jack guaranteed victory in his fight versus Anthony Dirrell. The Las Vegas-based Swede did just that, boxing brilliantly down the stretch en route to a majority decision win Friday evening at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.
"I was in great shape and I believed in myself. All the talk from Dirrell and his camp never got to me," insisted Jack (19-1-1, 12KOs). "Nothing he did (in the fight) frustrated me. He's a good fighter, and I didn't fight a perfect fight, but I got the win."
Jack also picked up a super middleweight belt, handing Dirrell (27-1-1, 22KOs) his first loss in the process.
"We are extremely proud of Badou's performance," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Jack's promoter. "We would like to thank Anthony Dirrell, Al Haymon and the PBC team for the opportunity, and congratulate Badou on becoming the third world champion for Mayweather Promotions."
Jack promised during fight week to get things started for what is a big stretch for Mayweather Promotions.
His win comes eight days before the most anticipated fight of the 21st Century, as Floyd Mayweather faces Manny Pacquiao on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Fight week activities also include a show on April 30 featuring several of his promotional stablemates, including Ishe Smith and Ashley Theophane in an ESPN2-televised show.
"I did my part," Jack points out in passing off the baton. "Floyd will take care of Manny next week. We have the rest of the team (including Ishe Smith and Ashley Theophane in separate fights) fighting Thursday night. It's going to be a big week for us.”
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
