It is week three in Las Vegas and the work load is increasing week by week. My team truly do work hard.
My friend Ishe Smith is already the first and only Las Vegas born fighter to win a world championship. On May 2nd he aims to win his second world title. I believe he will!
I’ve come a long way. From York Hall in Bethnal Green to the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Who says dreams don’t come true? I’ve fought on the biggest stage in the world of boxing.
I push myself day in day out to get the best out of my body. I’m a fighter, a spartan, a barbarian in the ring. That’s my job. To fight, to give my best and to win. But to reach for the stars and be one myself. It would not be possible without guidance from three great men. I’m able to be here because of a great team around me. Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe and Rene Carayol.
Rene Carayol walked into my life three years ago. A chance meeting at Andy’s barber shop in Paddington, West London. Rene came to my British title challenge to the dominate British champion Lenny Daws to support me and see if I was as good as my barber, Andy believed I was. I crushed Lenny, dropping him twice in a unanimous decision that ripped the British crown from him and bestowed the crown on my head. I was now the King of the 140lb division in Great Britain. Only Amir Khan has achieved more than me in the British 140lb division, in recent years. I believe we will fight one day. It’s just a matter of when.
Rene saw the talent and charisma I had. He believed I had all the attributes to become a star. He backed me and gave me the resources to set up shop in Las Vegas. I met the number one boxer and highest paid sportsman in the world, Floyd Mayweather and CEO of Mayweather promotions, Leonard Ellerbe, they also believed I had the attributes to become something special. They respected my attitude and the hard working person I am. They have also backed me.
I have three men who have achieved so much in the world of business and sport. I am in safe hands. With a team with so much experience. I can not fail.
I’m closing in on my 35th win. I’m just a couple wins away from a landmark battle with Lamont Peterson or a rematch with the number one 140lb fighter in the world, Danny Garcia. We thought four years ago. Many boxing fans believe I won. The only people who really matter are the three judges sitting around the ring. Two of the three judges believed he won by one round. It was that close. Nothing in it. We will battle again. This time the world will be watching.
A success attitude…? A mindset, a lifestyle, a journey..but NEVER a destination
Too many people see one or two goals as capable of completing their lives. Well, no, in my opinion – as when you factor in the twists and turns of what can be a long hard life road then ALL you can have is the right mentality to see you through – Brian James
