Hard-hitting Izmailov makes 2023 debut against Argentina’s Basconcel
Undefeated rising light heavyweight Ali Izmailov will step into the ring looking to kick off a big 2023 as he takes on Argentina’s Ariel Armando Basconcel in an eight-round bout this Saturday, March 11 from the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Mass.
Fighting out of the Salita Promotions stable, Izmailov (9-0, 6 KOs) has begun a steady climb up the light heavyweight rankings ever since making his U.S. debut in October 2021. The 29-year-old hopes to make a leap to contender status sooner than later, and knows he must impress against Basconcel (13-4-1, 12 KOs).
“I had a really good camp and I’m feeling prepared going into the ring,” said Izmailov, who trains in Miami with renowned coach John David Jackson. “I’m looking forward to this fight and a big year. I’m definitely not overlooking my opponent, and I’m planning on giving a really sharp performance. My goal is to be a world champion and fight the best in the division. That means I have to do everything possible to be at my best each time I step into the ring.”
Now residing in Detroit when not training in Florida, Izmailov scored three victories in 2022, including wins over two previously unbeaten foes in his last two matchups. Those two triumphs saw Izmailov stop Abraham Tebes in three rounds in April before winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Eric Murguia in August.
“Ali is not yet known to the public at large, but in the near future will be a dominant force in the light heavyweight division,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “I believe he has all the tools to become one of the prominent fighters in the sport of boxing.”
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