Redemption or Repeat? Hopkins and Hamby Collide for Middleweight Gold at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9

One of the most anticipated rematches in SLUGFEST history will headline Tennessee SLUGFEST 9 when James Hopkins meets Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby for the inaugural amateur SLUGFEST Middleweight Championship.

The championship showdown takes place Saturday, August 29, at the National Guard Armory in Sparta, Tennessee. This main event championship bout is proudly sponsored by ENDO Athletics.

The first time Hopkins and Hamby shared the cage, the fight ended almost as quickly as it began. Hamby lived up to the “Heavy Hands” nickname, knocking Hopkins out in under 30 seconds and leaving no doubt about the power he carries.

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But that fight was only the beginning of this story.

Since suffering that loss, Hopkins has completely rebuilt himself. The Jamestown, Tennessee, fighter has won three consecutive fights and enters the rematch with an impressive 3-1 record. With every victory, Hopkins has shown more confidence, composure and determination—earning his opportunity to settle the score on the biggest stage of his SLUGFEST career.

Hopkins now has the chance to avenge the only loss on his record while becoming the first amateur SLUGFEST Middleweight Champion.

Standing in his way is the man who handed him that defeat.

Hamby enters the main event with a 4-2 record and plenty of momentum of his own. The Cookeville, Tennessee, knockout artist has continued to tear through the competition with the aggressive style and dangerous power that made him one of the most exciting fighters on the SLUGFEST roster.

“Heavy Hands” has already proven that he can stop Hopkins. On August 29, he will attempt to do it again—this time with championship gold waiting at the finish line.
For Hopkins, this fight is about redemption.

For Hamby, it is an opportunity to prove that the first result was no accident.
The timing could not be better. Both fighters have improved, both are riding momentum and both believe they are ready to become champion. Now they will meet again in the main event with more at stake than ever before.

Will history repeat itself, or will James Hopkins complete his comeback and avenge the only defeat of his career?

There will be nowhere to hide when the cage door closes in Sparta.

Don’t miss Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby versus James Hopkins II for the inaugural amateur SLUGFEST Middleweight Championship—live in the main event of Tennessee SLUGFEST 9 on August 29!


About SLUGFEST:
SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring toughman-style boxing, tournament brackets, local rivalries and action-packed fight nights across the region. Built to give everyday athletes and rising fighters a platform to compete, SLUGFEST combines grassroots combat sports with high-energy production, live fan experiences and pay-per-view broadcasts through CombatSportsNow.com.