The reigning WBA Regular champion Jamal James was ordered the face Butaev, who was at the time the #3 ranked WBA welterweight contender, in his first title defense. The fight was ordered on February 4, 2021, and the two were given a 30 days to negotiate before a purse bid would be called. The fight was once again ordered on September 26, 2021, and was later scheduled for October 30, 2021. Butaev achieved his career best win, as he stopped James by technical knockout at the 2:12 minute mark of the ninth round
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