2020 Olympic super heavyweight champion Bakhodir Jalolov (9-0, 9 KOs) knocked out 201lb Julio Cesar “El Gigante” Calimeno (4-2, 4 KOs) with his first punch on Saturday night at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. A straight left to the chin put Calimeno down for the count 46 seconds into the bout. Afterward, Jalolov proclaimed that he’s ready to fight for the world heavyweight title right now.
39-year-old four-weight world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (43-1-6, 23 KOs) and Norberto “Meneito” Jimenez (30-9-6, 16 KOs) battled to a ten round draw in a WBO super flyweight eliminator. Scores were 96-94 Jimenez, 96-94 Nietes, 95-95. The bout was originally scheduled for twelve rounds, but was changed to ten rounds. Jimenez thought it was still a 12-rounder.
Former world title challenger Jono Carroll (21-2-1, 6 KOs) outclassed Aelio Mesquita (20-6-1, 18 KOs) in a second round KO. Mesquita down multiple times. Time 2:27.
Unbeaten lightweight Anthony de Bruijn (11-0-1, 6 KOs) won a six round majority decision over Diego Valtierra (6-5, 2 KOs). Scores were 57-57, 58-56, 59-55.
I’ve never seen a referee get the type of reception Jojo Torres did. He had the first two fights and he was by far more popular than the four fighters combined and one of them was Jono Carroll.
Nietes should hang it up for good. He’s a great fighter but he’s getting too old. He has a lot of mileage too. Its not like he’s a “young” 39. He was very fortunate that his fights with Ioka and Palicte weren’t losses.
This comeback is going to end in a loss.
If that fight actually did go the extra two rounds, I think Jimenez would have won. If the rematch comes up, I’m taking Jimenez.