Akhror Muralimov versus Bryan Jennings Preview: Uzbek Heavyweight Who Falls Short
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Reno, Nevada (January 27th, 2018)– Turning pro in 2014, Uzbek heavyweight Akhror Muralimov won his first 16 bouts in four years, but has not won a fight in four years. His last three outings came up short. His fourth and probably final do or die comeback attempt against Bryan Jennings in a few weeks will in all likelihood, be his swan song.
Muralimov, 16-3 with 11 knockouts, from Houston, Texas by way of Ukbekistan, stands a short 5’11 ½” which is hard to overcome in a division of tall giant heavyweights. This reporter was present at his 10 round decision loss to Derric Rossy in 2015. A third-round stoppage loss to unbeaten top ten heavyweight Jarrell Miller followed. Nearly two years later, Muralimov attempted a comeback in 2017 and lost an eight round decision to unbeaten heavyweight Jermaine Franklin.
On February 16, 2018, Muralimov will face Bryan Jennings in an eight rouat Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Grand Theatre in Reno, Nevada. Jennings, 21-2 with 12 knockouts, Philadelphia, Pennnsylvania, a former number one heavyweight contender, is coming off two stoppage wins, the most recent of which is a second round stoppage last month of Don Haynesworth in Madison Square Garden Theatre, so he is active and sharp.
Jennings has gone eight rounds or longer six times. His two losses were two Wladimir Klitschko and Luis Ortiz (who is fighting Deontay Wilder for the title soon) in world title bouts. Muralimov has won only two of four bouts at eight rounds or longer, none in the past five years. Jennings has the critical experience, ring generalship and momentum to win tis bout, and is predicted to win by either eight round decision, or sixth or seventh round stoppage.
Muralimov has enthusiasm, but he has not won a bout in a long time. Jennings is not an ‘opponent, but a legitimate top 10 contender who could get a shot at either Anthony Joshua, or the winner of Deontay Wilder versus Luis Ortiz. Muralimov’s career, like his height, came up short. Muralimov is a ‘B’ fighter at best, and his handlers are cashing out without building his record and promoting him properly, at this point in his career.
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