A few days ago the WBO requested Martinez to inform the organization about his future plans. He was given a limit of 48 hours to decide, if he wishes to compete at MW or keep his WBC light middelweight title. I haven't found any information in the net about his decision. In case he vacates the titles there would be an intriguing matchup for the WBO title. Dimitry Pirog vs. Danny Jacobs. What do you think about this matchup? I want you to base an opinion only after you've seen Pirog on youtube. Appreciate any replies!
I checked Pirog out after he was down to fight Matthew Macklin and I am glad the fight fell through because I think he would beat Macklin. That's a very evenly contested fight. Pirog is a very tidy boxer, good footwork and picks his punches very well, does not waste them and is accurate. One thing that can be exploited is he doesn't move his head enough, Jacobs can pack a punch and Pirog can be hit. Both fighters are better offensive fighters than defensive fighters, but if I have to pick I think Jacobs could stop Pirog. It really is a 50/50 fight. I won't be betting on it if it materialises.
That sounds like a reasonable evaluation of the two. The only thing I see differently here is Pirog's defense. It looks rather sound to me and his upper body movement is one of the best I have seen in the business. You might be right about his head movement in general, but he seems to cover his chin by using his shoulder. If that is sufficient to stand a punch of Jacobs is still open.
He didn't vacate his title, but was stripped by the WBO. Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5238745
