While HBO was airing the Mayweather versus Pacquiao replay before Saul Alvarez obliterated James Kirkland last night, Taishan Dong, an undefeated 7-foot, 290-pound boxer was taking on Jamal Woods on the undercard.
After four rounds, Dong was declared the winner by majority decision, receiving scores of 40-36 and 39-37, while one judge saw the fight as a 38-38 draw. It was only his fourth professional fight, so Dong needs more time before getting thrust into the national spotlight, especially with how stiff and plodding he was in the fourth round. Dong also needs to use his length a little better, as Woods, who stands at 6’3, was able to leap in and land some big shots instead of getting cut off by Dong’s jab. It is worrisome that Woods was 6-18-3 and Dong still had trouble with him, but again, he’s only had three fights until last night.
We’ll keep an eye on Dong and hopefully he continues to improve and impress.
