James "Jazza" Dickens (36-5) reported that the WBA has promoted him from WBA interim junior lightweight champion to WBA junior lighweight champion. The upgrade was made possible by the WBA unfairly stripping Lamont Roach of the WBA junior lightweight championship. On Saturday, Roach fought Isaac Cruz at juniopr welterweight in a fight that was scored a draw. For the, the WBA stripped him, although in other cases, it has allowed boxers to retain their title while fighting at a higher weight. Dickens rote, "Today I became WBA world champion. The second longest ever wait (14 years, 319 days) after Archie Moore (17 years). No help from promoter, TV network, steroids, no mention from British media. Just a small team of good people, guided by god! Praise be to the king of kings Jesus Christ!" Dickens earned the WBA interim belt by knocking out the belt's prior holder, Albert Batyrgaziev, in July.

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

JULY 3, 2025:  In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.