If 1,000 die-hard fans were asked which sport requires the most physical and mental toughness, a healthy percentage would say boxing.
Legendary trainer Cus D’amato once said, “The hero and the coward both feel the same thing. But the hero uses his fear, projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs. It’s the same thing, fear, but it’s what you do with it that matters.”
Roanoke boxer James “Juggernaut” Willis had a nationally televised ESPN match on June 21 against 15-1 Norman Neely at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Leading up to the highly anticipated contest, Willis’ training regimen included weekly strength and conditioning, among other things.
While the heavyweight battle on the Vito Mielnicki-Kamil Gardzielik undercard only lasted one round, many are requesting a rematch.
A left-hand jab from Neely followed by a right-hand punch put Willis into the ropes. It was referee Eric Dali who then determined that Willis was too injured to continue at that point.
This marked the first time in nine professional fights that the Star City southpaw lost by knockout. Known as “The Juggernaut,” Willis’ first eight fights resulted in six wins, one loss and one draw.
“I don’t understand! Why did the ref stop that? That was a fixed fight. James is still a winner in my book though,” Savannah Burnette said.
“This was straight up nonsense. Not only did they not give him a chance to connect on a decent hit, but it feels like the outcome was predetermined,” Dominique Henderson said. “Could Juggernaut have had a better start to the match? Sure, but at the same time, it’s only so much you can do when the odds are stacked against you.”
Wrote Tasha Henderson on social media, “Hold your head up, champ! Anyone who is mocking you today will have no choice but to eat crow in the future because you are going to come back even better and stronger. This bad taste in your mouth is going to fuel you in the future.”
Also on the card was Kaine Tomlinson Jr., another Roanoke fighter who was making his second pro boxing fight of his career against Arjan Iseni.
Individuals who work extremely hard and have the utmost confidence in themselves often exceed their own expectations. It’s safe to say that Willis isn’t going to let this setback define his career.
