THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 9, 1994 TAG: 9409080193
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
When Jimmy James was 11, he loved to watch boxing on television.
Still does.
The only difference is that he now uses the viewing time to pick up tips he can use in the ring.
``I saw Rocky,'' James said. ``I told my dad that I could do that. I told him I liked the idea of having a crowd yelling for me like that.''
James, a 23-year-old graduate of Kempsville High, will need everything he's got Saturday night when he enters the ring for the biggest fight of his life. James will take on Jason Waller of Fredericksburg in a 12-round battle for the IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight title at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds.
A victory would put James into the IBF Top 10 rankings, according to Virginia Athletic Commission commissioner Doug Beavers, and in line for even bigger things.
``This is the first time two guys in this weight class (190) from Virginia have ever fought each other for a major title,'' Beavers said. ``We've been told that the winner will get a shot at the IBF world title very soon.''
Despite having only 15 amateur fights and eight as a pro, James feels like he is more than ready for such a rapid leap to the top.
The former Chiefs football player won several state Junior Olympic and Golden Gloves titles in his limited amateur career and is 8-0 with seven knockouts as a pro.
``I've watched a lot of them and I don't think there is a cruiserweight that can beat me,'' the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder said. ``Without a doubt, I am ready for all of this. My skills, my natural skills, and my punching power make me very confident.
``Most of the guys in this weight class can only throw one or two punches with any effectiveness. I can hurt you with everything - my jab, my straight right, a left hook, uppercuts with both hands. I can do it all and I've got power with them all.''
James trains seven days a week at the Portsmouth Athletic Club under the guidance of Chris Beavers - Doug Beavers' son.
His only job is the fight game.
He regularly spars against locals Anthony Pope and Carlton West.
And he is well aware that he will be in hostile territory, fighting in Waller's back yard. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Jimmy James will take on Jason Waller of Fredericksburg on Saturday
night.
by CNB