Popular local pro boxer Jimmy Lange will be back in his home ring next Saturday night, Nov. 6 when he goes up against Richmond’s Joe Wyatt for the North American Boxing Association’s (NABA) vacant 154-pound U.S. title in the main event fight at George Mason University’s Patriot Center.
Lange, who is from Great Falls, enters the fight with a professional record of 33-4-2, with 23 knockouts. Wyatt, a cagey veteran, comes in at 23-1, with 15 knockouts.
Lange, who became a national heartthrob a few years ago when he was part of The Contender television series, said he approaches every fight focused on the fundamentals of his sport.
“The keys for this fight along with 99 percent of other boxing matches are the jab, working angles by moving side by side and getting off the first [effective] punch,” said Lange. “You hear that since you were a little kid about getting the first punch in. Then [a rattled opponent] is chasing [to get back in the match].
“I know [Wyatt] is very strong and has got a lot of experience,” said Lange. “He comes to fight and is a tough veteran.”
Lange, under trainer Jimmy Glenn, said he prepares all-out for all of his fights and this one is no exception. His sparring partner in preparation for Nov. 6 has been Jonathan Reed, a veteran fighter and former Lange opponent who also showcased his skills on The Contender.
Lange, with the Wyatt fight drawing closer, is becoming more and more focused on the task at hand. As a result, the hugely popular local figure, who often makes himself available to his fans through area appearances, is setting himself apart during the days and week leading up to fight night.
“I’m a pro and I know what I’m doing with everything that will cross the table when it comes to fans and getting ready for a fight,” said Lange, of prepping. “For the most part, the fans are considerate and will [give me space] until after a fight. I’ve been fortunate and lucky to gain a fan base in Virginia. [The recent growth of the sport in Virginia] is a tribute to the fans.”
Lange said he always has a healthy, nervous tension in the days leading up to a fight. He is always confident stepping into the ring because he knows his solid work ethic has put him in position to succeed. That and his natural talent as a boxer have taken him a long way.
“You’re going to do in the ring what you’ve practiced over and over – both physically and emotionally,” he said. “There are definitely big time nerves [going into a fight]. But it’s a good thing because you’re ready to fight. You’re excited and ready to let it go.”
<b>AN ALL-STAR UNDERCARD</b> on Nov. 6 will include top regional competitors such as Fairfax welterweight Todd `White Lightning’ Wilson (8-0, 2 KOs); the `Bolivian Queen,’ Jennifer Salinas (11-2, 4 KOs), of Manassas; Chantilly middleweight Zain `Tiger’ Shah (3-0, 2 KOs); and a middleweight matchup between Brandon Quarles (2-0) of Alexandria and Lawrence Jones (3-2-2, 1 KO) of Chantilly.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the first fight set for 7. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com, or calling phone charge at 703-573-SEAT. For more information, visit www.jimmylangeboxing.com.