Caleb Truax returned in his home state of Minneapolis, Minnesota and laboured past the 41-year-old unheralded Ugandan, David Basajjamivule, taking a majority points win.
Truax, (31-4-2, 19 KOs) a former IBF Super Middleweight champion, who dethroned James DeGale at the back end of 2017, before being defeated in the rematch months later, was last seen in April last year, withdrawing after two rounds against Peter Quillin due to a nasty clash of heads, with the bout ruled a no decision.
The rematch, scheduled for August last year, was shelved when Truax suffered an Achilles injury.
In his comeback here, Truax landed the more eye catching punches early on, with the visitor grabbing Truax at every opportunity when he would land a punch.
Basajjamivule (16-5-1, 11 KOs) was then deducted a point in the fourth for hitting on the back of the head. The second half of the fight was pedestrian, with very little action or exchanges.
Majority decision. Thanks to all the fans who came out #TeamTruax pic.twitter.com/vqKXetCQjI
— caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) January 26, 2020
The African was deducted another point in the final frame for the same rabbit punching offence and this would then cost him a draw. The two did let their hands go in the final minute, in a bid for victory.
The judges saw the fight 97-91 and 95-93 for Truax, with the third tallying a 94-94 draw.
Truax now moves on to a swift follow up assignment, as he fights again in three weeks on the undercard of Caleb Plant’s World title defence against Vincent Feigenbutz against Ernest Amzau.
He was understandably disappointed with his night’s work against Basajjamivule.
“I fought like crap and I don’t know why” said Truax post fight.
“Perhaps it was ring rust. I only fought two rounds last year. I honestly don’t feel like a winner tonight.
“I’m going to get back to the gym on Monday and get sharper”.
At 36-years-old time isn’t on Truax’s side if he wants to make another assault on the world scene at Super Middleweight, although he remains #4 ranked for Plant’s IBF strap.
