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HomeNewsArchivesV.I. Fighters Go 2-1 in Argentina, Bring Home a World Title

V.I. Fighters Go 2-1 in Argentina, Bring Home a World Title

Virgin Islands professional boxers John and Julius Jackson picked up wins Saturday night in Argentina, and they and fellow boxer Samuel Rogers will return home Monday with a World Boxing Association belt.

Rogers lost his bout on a split decision.

The trio had been billed for the past couple months as the main attractions on a five-bout fight card set for the historic Chateau Carreras Olympic Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina. The event also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the town’s legendary soccer club, and had Julius Jackson, along with Rogers, fighting for vacant WBA Fedebol titles in their respective weight classes.

Speaking from Argentina late Saturday, Julius Jackson (17-0, 13 KOs) excitedly spoke about his ninth-round TKO over the previously undefeated Nicolas Dario Lopez (10-1, 4 KOs) – which earned him the vacant WBA Fedebol Super Middleweight title.

"The fight was tough – my opponent definitely had some good skills," Julius said. "But my skills and power were too much for him. My speed and movement were my biggest advantages, I think, and I was finally able to break him down in the ninth round."

Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs,) lost his fight to Argentina’s Carlos Adan Jerez (38-16-3, 18 KOs.) The bout went the full 10 rounds and ended in a split decision.

"One judge had me winning the fight, but the other two didn’t," said Rogers, currently the WBC’s Fecabox Junior Middleweight champion. "It was a tough fight, and I made mistakes that ultimately cost me. I had him hurt twice during the fight, but I got overanxious. It is disappointing, but I’m staying positive and getting my mind ready for the next fight."

Rounding out the night, John Jackson’s (18-1, 15 KOs) bout against Argentina’s Jorge Daniel Miranda (51-16, 20 KOs) also ended in victory, with the V.I’s super welterweight puncher taking down his opponent after eight rounds.

"The fight was great," John Jackson said Sunday. "My opponent was tough, aggressive and durable – but my experience kicked in. I didn’t just go for the knock out, I just kept boxing and eventually broke him down, with the stoppage coming in the eighth round."

The boxers are scheduled to arrive at Cyril E. King Airport at 10:30 p.m. Monday, and invited community members and fans to come out and welcome them home.

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