Soliman Baffles Zuniga; Norris Fights Jirov to a Standstill in California Desert.
Despite working outdoors in temperatures hovering at 108 degrees Fahrenheit, middleweight Sam “The King” Soliman outfought a very tough Fernando Zuniga last night in Lemoore, California and the quick and awkward Australian moves one step closer to a long awaited world title opportunity. Zuniga landed some good shots on the lunging Soliman but was never able to put those punches together as slippery Sam dodged and ducked his way out of any potential trouble again and again. Looking much like a middleweight Naseem Hamed, Soliman launched punches from any and all angles, baffling Zuniga, now 23-8 (18), with his variety and clipping the taller man with bracing combinations.
Soliman, 31-7 (12) swept the judges’ cards in winning his nineteenth straight bout. As the IBF number one contender to newly minted world champion Jermain Taylor, the Aussie will simply await his rightful title opportunity. Under the IBF rules, Taylor has until October 1 to face Soliman or will risk losing the IBF title. That just may happen, as the American will reportedly face Bernard Hopkins in a rematch before the year’s end. Should Taylor be stripped look for Soliman to face number two contender Kingsley “Sharp Knuckle” Ikeke should the tall Nigerian boxer get past Colombian puncher Epifiano Mendoza in August.
Former IBF cruiserweight titlist Vassiliy Jirov was also on the bill, facing veteran and ex-WBA cruiserweight belt-holder Orlin Norris in a scheduled eight round heavyweight contest. The desert heat seemed to affect Jirov and the thirty-nine-year-old Norris more than the middleweight headliners as the two engaged in what looked to be a sparring session for the most part.
Jirov, 35-3-1 (30), was the busier of the two and found some success with his left while Norris, 57-9-1 (31), was more economical, preferring to go with the odd counter right hand. It wasn’t a stirring contest and Jirov’s once greatly feared body attack doesn’t carry the same authority in the heavyweight class. Despite not seeming to punch near enough to achieve it, Norris managed to pull out a majority draw with two judges scoring the action even and a third having the Russian ahead.
Jirov’s performance does not bode well for the former cruiserweight kingpin, even in today’s lackluster heavyweight division. Although Norris is a wily veteran who understands angles and is difficult to hit flush, a true force would have dominated every round against the reluctant Texan. As such, it is difficult to see a rosy picture in regards to Jirov’s future as a heavyweight.
Contact Curtis McCormick at thomaspointrd@aol.com