Jamal James To Face Antonio DeMarco On FS1 Card In July
PBC is returning to The Armory in Minneapolis for an FS1 card.
The company announced a card taking place at The Armory on July 13 that will be headlined by a welterweight bout between contenders Jamal James and Antonio DeMarco.
James started his pro career by winning 20 straight fights but suffered his first career defeat at the hands of eventual title challenger Yordenis Ugas back in 2016. Since then, James has gone on to win five straight fights, including a stoppage win over Janer Gonzalez in February in his most recent fight. The 30-year-old James is ranked in the top 15 of the WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight rankings, with his highest position being No. 5 by the WBA.
DeMarco held the WBC lightweight world title from 2011 to 2012, losing the belt to Adrien Broner. DeMarco would go on to face a number of top fighters over the years, including Jessie Vargas, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Rances Barthelemy. The 33-year-old Mexican is coming off a loss to Maxim Dadashev back in October 2018.
Also announced for the FS1 card is a heavyweight bout between Robert Helenius and Gerald Washington. Helenius has won his last three fights after losing a 12-round decision to Dillian Whyte back in November 2017. Washington has faced a number of heavyweights in the last few years, including WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in 2017. Since fighting Wilder, Washington has won just once in his last three outings, facing the likes of Jarrell Miller and Adam Kownacki.
The opening fight of the card will have rising, unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas take on Joshuah Hernandez in an eight-round lightweight bout. Balderas has won his two fights in 2019, both from inside the distance and is coming to the fight with an 8-0 pro record. Hernandez sports a 9-2 record as a pro and is coming off a six-round decision win over Desmond Lyons on May 18.
