Dick Landis reporting – Saturday evening (7-26) in Charlotte, NC, a local boxing card was staged in a middle school gym promoted by Red Leather Sports. The card featured mostly local fighters and a goodly number of young aspiring men making their professional debut. The surprising element to the otherwise local show was the appearance of former heavyweight prospect Timor Ibragimov, scheduled for the featured bout vs. journeyman Andrew Greeley..
Apparently, through the reported good graces of Don King, Timor needed work after more than a year layoff. So here was one of the originally touted heavyweights, ( with cousin Sultan Ibragimov), in a kick-start fight.
Timor looked trim and fit (223). Scheduled for six rounds, it ultimately went the distance before a somewhat disappointed gathering. It was partly because Greeley played the role of the sparring partner. Shorter with excess weight (232) around the middle, Greeley is a survivor at 14-22-2. Winning just four out of his last 12 fights, he can point to losses to recognizable names like Audley Harrison, Eddie Chambers, and Malik Scott.
As Saturday’s featured bout unfolded, Timor bounced and jabbed and threw counter combos every time the stocky Greeley Jumped in to throw one punch. That’s how the rounds continued with Greeley staying outside, while occasionally lunging at Ibragimov. Timor’s corner quietly guided his punch sequence. Greeley’s only chance at scoring was to fight inside, yet he was content to play the outside sparring partner.
Ibragimov showed no sting to his punches. Fairly accurate but no sting. He methodically followed his corner’s instructions to time and catch Greeley’s lunging effort. Following a dull six rounds the three judges scored it the expected 60-54 for the big fellow.
Ibragimov, now 23-2-1, must wonder about his ring future. In a relatively questionable division is there still a place for him? One physical note about Ibragimov’s physique is the lack of muscularity in the shoulders. He’s tall (6’3) and he appears well conditioned but he lacks the physical look of power. And, speed of movement has never been an attribute.
There were a few losses – his only two losses – that raised eyebrows and to a degree, hope. The first loss in 2006 was a UD12 to the then world ranked heavyweight Calvin Brock for the IBA Continental title. Then came a 10 round decision loss to Tony Thompson in 2007. Since then there’s been decision wins over Timo Hoffmann (2007) and now a six-rounder over Greeley.
Ibragimov’s ring future at 33 seems to be in retrograde. At least, last Saturday evening in Charlotte, the fans were delighted with his appearance. Let’s give the big fellow a fighting chance before we assign him to the land of journeymen.
The co-feature Saturday evening revealed what some are calling a welterweight prospect. Although making his pro debut with a devastating first round knockout victory, the name to keep tucked away for further notice is – Dominic DeSanto of Spencer, NC.
The 18 year old has had 11 years of over 100 amateur fights and is surprisingly mature for a young fighter beginning his pro career. At 5’10, 145, he has exceptional speed, reach, and power. Take notice, you’ll hear more about his ring exploits in the future.