World-Rated Russian Light Heavyweight Ali Izmailov Returns Saturday for Showdown Against Detroit’s James Ballard in Dearborn, MI
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 13 Oct 2021
This Saturday, October 16, IBF #11, WBC #14 and WBO #15 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (5-0, 3 KOs) returns to action against capable hometown veteran James Ballard (10-3, 3 KOs) in the eight-round main event of promoters Kenny D Moore and Vi Tran’s of Second 2 None Promotions’ “Best of Tomorrow 12” event at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
The 28-year-old Izmailov, from Malgobek, Russia, is a former amateur standout who won multiple elite international tournaments. Already world-rated as a professional at just 5-0, 3 KOs, Izmailov recently started working with world-famous Florida-based trainer John David Jackson at his Action Jackson Boxing Academy in Fort Lauderdale.
Jackson, who has spent the last three weeks sizing up his new protegee, says Izmailov is a diamond in the rough waiting for polish.
“The sky is the limit for him with his punching power,” said Jackson of Izmailov. “He’s a tremendous puncher, but he’s also got natural boxing skills. As a fighter, I don’t think he realizes his potential. I’m getting him to move his head more and throw more combinations, instead of one power punch at a time. Nothing against his old trainers, but once he learns to throw three or four shots to set them up and camouflage the hard ones, he will be unstoppable.”
Jackson says the 32-year-old Ballard will be a good test for Izmailov and his newfound skills, but shouldn’t be able to derail any of their plans.
“Ballard is good, but Ali just has to pressure him and go to the body to break him down. Once his opponents feel his power, they all have a change of heart. Once Ali hits him with some good shots, it’ll be a matter of time.”
“Ali has amazing potential to be a star and John David is the perfect trainer to bring that out of him,” said Izmailov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “I think you’ll see the improvements immediately under his expert tutelage. Ali was already the best prospect in the light heavyweight division.”
Tickets for “Best of Tomorrow 12” are priced at $25 – $1,000 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.com. On fight night, the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, MI. The event is sponsored by One Punch Knockout Gym, Topbreed Management, Pharaoh Website Hosting & Restaurant Online Ordering Service, MJ Diamonds, Family Tied Entertainment.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Pacquiao and Barrios Make Weight: Final Hurdle Cleared for Blockbuster Saturday Night
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk Registers Career-Heaviest Weight as Dubois Looks Ready for Undisputed Rematch at Wembley
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Rodriguez vs. Cafu Unification Clash Set for Frisco, Texas; All Fighters Make Weight
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025LOPEZ VS. VARGAS WEIGHTS FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Sat, 19 Jul 2025“Bambol” Tolentino in Las Vegas: Supporting Filipino Athletes and Pacquiao
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Unstoppable: Team Philippines Storms Into Davis Cup Finals After Qatar Sweep
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Blu Girls Stumble Against Taipei, Look to Regroup vs. Hong Kong
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Fighting for clean sweep
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 18 Jul 2025WBA No. 2 Heavyweight Contender Michael Hunter Is Ready to Take on World Champion Kubrat Pulev; All Systems Go for Purse Bid Winner Don King
Fri, 18 Jul 2025Weights from Panama City; WBA Women's Interim Superfly Title at Stake
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Undefeated prospect Pryce Taylor Working hard to join Brooklyn’s Elite list of top heavyweight boxers
Fri, 18 Jul 2025Justin Goossen-Brown Set to Make DAZN Broadcasting Debut This Friday at Boxlab Promotions’ Night of Champions in Orlando
Fri, 18 Jul 2025Philippine Davis Cup Team Sweeps Kuwait to Stay Unbeaten in Group IV
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Pacquiao Promises Surprise Against Barrios
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 18 Jul 2025PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Fri, 18 Jul 2025