By Peter Lim: In a showdown between young, undefeated prospects, Bahodir Mamajanov, 8-0 (5 KOs), will face Maurice Hooker, 2-0-1 (2 KOs), at the Houston Athletic Fencing Center this Saturday, Feb. 11. It will be Mamajanov’s ninth fight in as many months as a pro. The card will be staged by Savarese Boxing Promotions.
A decorated amateur with over 170 bouts, Mamajanov of Uzbekistan was moved onto the fast track of the prizefighting ranks under Houston-based manager and trainer Ken Richardson since turning pro last May. He is co-trained by 1984 Olympic gold medalist Frank Tate.
In addition to his frenetic fight schedule, Mamajanov, 24, has faced a higher level of opposition than most fighters at this early stage of their careers. In his second fight, he was matched against former amateur standout Jesus Mendez, 3-1 (2 KOs), and stopped him in the second round. Last November, Mamajanov defeated Archie Ray Marquez, 12-2 (8 KOs), via a shutout six-round decision in Marquez’ backyard of El Paso.
Hooker, 22, represents the first undefeated fighter Mamajanov will face. The only blemish on Hooker’s otherwise-perfect record was a controversial draw in his pro debut against Tyrone Chapman, 8-1 (6 KOs), in Chapman’s hometown of St. Louis, MO.
"First I want all the belts at 135 (pounds)," Mamajanov told The Houston Chronicle in a Jan. 26 article. "After that, I’ll start thinking about moving up to 140."
Mamajanov’s modus operandi is reminiscent of the free-swinging, unpolished Manny Pacquiao of the mid ’2000s. Like Pacman, Mamajanov is right handed but fights as a southpaw and hurls a haymaker left from unexpected angles with decapitating effect.
"He’s got one of the fastest right hooks that I’ve seen in boxing," Richardson said. "His overhand left is the knockout shot, but his most effective punch that sets everything up is the right hook."
Richardson said he would have no qualms about matching Mamajanov against any top 20 contender once he reaches the 15-0 mark. Should he get past Hooker and continue to average a fight every month, Mamajanov will reach that juncture before the end of the year.
Photo caption: Uzbek lightweight Bahodir Mamajanov with trainer/manager Ken Richardson.
February 9, 2012
