To the untrained eye, boxer Tyrone “The Jackpot” James won his fight in twelve rounds.
But to those who know him, they know that his most recent triumph in the boxing ring wasn’t just the product of twelve rounds- but instead, the journey of victories, setbacks, and injuries that has fueled an eventful career.
Starting out at age 10, the Elmont native boxed his entire life. In the amateur ranks, James racked up accolades, becoming a five-time Junior Olympic and Nebraska Gold Glove champion.
“When he was younger, the first time I saw him fight, I was so amazed,” said Aureliano Sosa, James’ Brooklyn-based boxing coach. “I knew he was going to be great.”
James’ athletic success comes in part from his upbringing in a family of champions. His father, Darryl, was a standout football player for the now-defunct United States Football League Oklahoma Outlaws, while his uncle, Jerry, boxed and was a U.S. Olympic Alternate for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. With athletes in his family, dedication runs in his blood.
“He’s incredibly dedicated to his craft,” said John William, James’ strength and conditioning coach. “I have never met an athlete so energetic and enthusiastic about his work, together with the dedication he puts in- especially coming back from his injury.”
Despite having ten knockouts and an undefeated record to his name, James has gone through heartbreak — most recently suffering a bicep injury that sidelined him for three years.
“I’ve gone through a few injuries, at first tearing my UCL (ulnar collateral ligament),” James said. “Most recently, at work, I realized that I ended up tearing my bicep — and so the recovery process went from there.”
In late-November, James took on Braulio Matias Ferreira of Uruguay in his first match back from injury. Not only did he face a daunting task in overcoming his first match in three years, but this had added stakes — the chance to win the National Boxing Association middleweight title.
It took a full 8 rounds of boxing for a judge’s decision to determine the winner. In a unanimous decision, James won, clinching his second championship in as many weight classes.
“It felt great to be able to showcase my talents again after all these years,” James said.
“A lot of the times when you take a hiatus, especially that of three years, it becomes very hard for you to get back into rhythm,” William added. “It just makes (James’) victory that much more impressive.”
Clutching the coveted NBA middleweight title in his hands was a signature moment for James, who idolized boxing great and former national boxing title holder Roy Jones Jr.
“(Jones) is my idol, he was a legend to me,” said James. “The way that he could move around the ring at will _ when the opportunity came available to hoist the same belt that he did, I knew it was something I had to grab.”
James has also worked with other boxing greats like Terence Crawford, featuring as a sparring partner with the 18-time world champion.
“(Crawford) messaged me before my fight, wishing me good luck, making sure that I’ll win,” James said.
Although he might not currently have recognition like Crawford, those around James believe that his unmatchable work ethic - paired together with his undefeated record in professional matches this far - will launch him into the spotlight soon.
“He’s a hidden gem that most people haven’t seen yet in the boxing world,” Sosa said. “Hopefully he gets the chance to show the world how great of a boxer he really is, before he retires.”
While James’ next opponent is currently unknown, he’s currently signed with boxing promoter and New York Boxing Hall of Famer Joe DeGuardia — setting him up for a bright future.
No matter the moment, whether it be the setback of an injury or the clutch of a championship belt, James had a message for his younger self.
“I’d tell myself to keep going, don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can’t do,” said James. “Your hard work will pay off, and I’ll see you at the top.”
