At welterweight, Jack Catterall takes on Shakhram Giyasov in a fight that depends on whether Giyasov can solve a difficult, controlling style. Giyasov has the activity and intent to force a fight, but he will need to clear distance and avoid being drawn into a low-output contest that favors Catterall over twelve rounds.
Catterall latches onto your rhythm and drains the life out of combat. It can be ugly to watch at times, and it will be interesting to see if Giyasov can solve it.
Giyasov still fights under the shadow of the promise he made to his late daughter to become a world champion. If he can’t find a way to cut the ring without getting caught in Catterall’s hold, this is going to be a long, frustrating night for the Uzbek. He needs to be more clinical than Arnold Barboza Jr. was, or he will be just another name added to Catterall’s collection of ugly victories.
The heavyweight fight between Frank Sanchez and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. is the largest axis on the map. Sanchez just moved to this card because his knee flared up, forcing him out of the March date with Torrez on the Fundora-Thurman bill.
If Sanchez’s movement is compromised even 10% by that surgically repaired knee, he’s a sitting duck. Agit Kabayel showed that if you stay in Sanchez’s chest and force him to work while backing up, he wilts. Torrez Jr. don’t know how to do anything but stay in your chest. If Sanchez can’t use his legs to reset the distance, Torrez might be able to steamroll him just before center.
The 6’7″ Bakhodir Jalolov repeatedly neutralized Torrez in the amateurs by controlling distance and punishing entries with authority. Replicating that approach at the professional level requires consistent strength and the ability to hold a position under pressure. Sanchez has the technical ability, but he lacks the size and the one-touch power to stop his opponents from getting into striking distance.
At super middleweight, Hamzah Sheeraz meets Alem Begic for a vacant world title in a meeting of undefeated fighters. The fight puts Sheeraz directly in title contention at 168 with no transition period, making it a test of readiness rather than positioning.
The card also features Mizuki Hiruta defending her titles against Mai Soliman, along with a series of supporting bouts that include regional prospects.
