Badou Jack Puts KO Loss In Past As He Braces For Dirrell
Apr 23, 2015 • 2:04 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
Badou Jack was preparing to move into this position a year ago. Then an unbeaten super middleweight contender, he needed merely to come out unscathed in a showcase opportunity on Showtime before preparing for a final eliminator to earn the right to fight for a title.
Only, he didn't escape unscathed from the Showtime showcase. Jack landed on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in 2014 after suffering a shocking 1st round knockout loss at the hands of Derek Edwards last February. The setback vanquished a bid to face James 'Chunky' DeGale for the chance to fight for a title.
Refusing to allow the defeat to shatter his confidence, Jack remained optimistic that things would turn around. Two wins later, he's fighting for the very same title for which he was previously in the running. His upcoming title challenger versus Anthony Dirrell (27-0-1, 22KOs) takes place this Friday at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill,, with Spike TV to televise as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series.
"I was here before, so I'm ready for the opportunity," insists Jack (18-1-1, 12KOs). "The loss was no big deal. I got caught with a good shot. It happens in boxing. I've learned from my mistakes and now I'm better than when I was first preparing to fight for the title."
The bout is paired up with a scheduled 12-round middleweight scrap between Daniel Jacobs and Caleb Truax.
While the 31-year old Swedish transplant never stressed out over the loss, a phone call from a friend and mentor further restored his confidence that he would be back in contention in no time.
"Floyd (Mayweather) reached out to me right away," said Jack, who fights under the Mayweather Promotions banner. "He just told me to shake it off. Floyd is always there for his fighters and has always been good to me. He gave me some great advice. I absorbed it and moved on with my career. Now here I am again."
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.
