Back in the mix...Jirov !!

[killersheep]

Jirov is gonna have a rough go of it.

[TigerFan]

I was a big Jirov fan back in his heyday. It will be good to see Jirov live on tv..it feels like ages since I've seen him fight live. The two year layoff probably refreshed Jirov and did him a world of good. At 35 he'll have to move fast but I think if he can get back to 80% of what he used to be he can be a player in the division. Not sure if he could beat Guillermo Jones or Tomasz Adamek at this point in his career but I'd give him a decent shot at beating the other belt holders.

Last fight against Kenny Craven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayezw73F1LI

Here he is back in the day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn-g8DbAxGE

[Kirkland Laing]

Hate to be a downer here but is it just me who thinks he's coming back because he needs the money? Come on, what's he going to have left at 35 after two years out?

[Spicoli]

Hate to be a downer here but is it just me who thinks he's coming back because he needs the money? Come on, what's he going to have left at 35 after two years out?

Thats probally a factor no doubt.I do also think its just that itch that nearly all fighters get after leaving what they've done forever,and Jirov strikes me as one with a big competitive streak.Have to agree with the consensus in that it will be a long road back....but not an impossible one by any means.

Two years out can go either way.How's the time spent,been training or sitting on his couch downing twinkies and kool aid?I have the feeling that its been in the works for a while and should be good to see what comes of.I think Jirov can reclaim a strap at 190 if he's close to past form.I honestly don't put to much guess work on the age,as the heavier weights tend to have longer shelve life and this division in particular has some of the top guys pushing mid thirties....shite,Guillermo Jones is what 37,38 and has looong layoffs as well.Keep itching for a showdown with Cunningham...IF,IF....Jirov gets back on track.Can only imagine what that body work will do to slow him down.Adamek vs Jirov would be an R rated scrap.Getting ahead here lol.....lets see him vs. TBA first

[TigerFan]

Former cruiserweight champion and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov (37-3-1, 31 KOs) will face Dominique Alexander (18-7-1, 9 KOs) when he returns to the ring for the first time in two years on October 17 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. “We are committed to keeping top-level shows like this one coming to Arizona, where the fans are enthusiastic supporters of world-class action,” said Jirov’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev. “Vassiliy is the perfect fighter to help us bring boxing back to the area. He moved to Phoenix after the 1996 Olympics and has lived here ever since. He trains in downtown Phoenix at Central Gym and Joe Diaz’s Gym.” Ironically, Jirov’s last Phoenix appearance was his sold-out 12-round IBF cruiserweight title defense against Jorge Castro in 2002 at the very same Celebrity Theatre.

Jirov opponent named | Fightnews - Boxing News Updated 24/7

[Spicoli]

Well at least its not some hot dog vendor brought out of the stands at the very last minute.Looks like this one has a habit of falling over recently but never take em for granted.A couple of rounds work would be good after long lay off.