Dmitry Pirog revitalizes boxing with knockout of Danny Jacobs
While both fighters were questionable picks to be fighting for a middleweight title, Dmitry Pirog proved his competence on the weekend with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Danny Jacobs at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. For his efforts he was awarded the WBO Middleweight title. The fight went a long way in helping the pay-pay-view card, featuring Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz in the main event, spark renewed interest in a sport recently prone to disappointment.
Pirog (17-0, 14 KOs) caught Jacobs while moving in with a lead right that hit square on the chin. Jacobs folded to the ground immediately, and was still flat on his back at the count of five, when referee Robert Byrd stopped the count and declared the fight over. Soon after Jacobs tried to get up, but Byrd insisted he stay down until doctors could examine him.
The fight remained faithful to a pattern of Pirog leading in the middle of the ring, while Jacobs danced and pivoted on the outside. As the aggressor, Pirog looked in charge from the opening bell and connected with better shots. Most of Jacobs’ attack was blocked or fazed out and devoid of power by the time it connected with Pirog.
The fact that Byrd physically kept Jacobs down even as he was trying to get to his feet has spawned some controversy. In replays Jacobs can visibly be seen saying something to Byrd suggestive of a plea to be allowed to get up and continue fighting. Finally after a moment of agony and ambiguity he put his head back on the canvas in resignation.
The KO came at 57 seconds of the fifth.
Jacobs had dedicated the fight to his grandmother, who died from cancer last Sunday. He wore her nickname “Lady Bird” on his trunks in tribute. After the fight Jacobs acknowledged the tragedy may have had an effect on his performance, but refused to make excuses.
"I'm not going to complain. I just hope everyone will forgive me and keep the faith. I know I can come back and become a champ. I got caught with a shot I didn't really see. I'll be all right."
HBO interviewed Jacobs after the fight, but did not opt to interview the new middleweight champion. This could be due to the fact that Pirog had before Saturday never fought in America, meaning that he was not well known in the country. Certainly though, the match secures him as a new prospect on the American stage.
Before the fight, Pirog commented on Jacobs, saying: “I have seen all the fights I could find of [Jacobs]. He is a quick, interesting opponent and I think it’s going to great, great fight because I am ready for him. I think it is going to be a very interesting fight to watch. I am fine with him. Me and my team have looked at the tapes. We have worked on him. There are always things to work on but we know we are ready for anything that he will bring.”
It turns out he was right.
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