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Undefeated flyweights as Artem Dalakian (21-0, 15 KOs) and David Jimenez (12-0, 9 KOs) will meet for the WBA flyweight title Saturday, Janaury 28. The event will take place at OVO Arena Wembley in London and begin at 2 p.m. with this fight expected to begin around 4 p.m. ET. ESPN+ will handle the broadcast.
Dalakian (21-0) currently holds the WBA flyweight title and will put it on the line along with his undefeated streak. This will be his first time back in the ring since 2021, when he defeated Luis Concepcion via ninth-round TKO. He has 15 knockouts in his career but may have a tough time getting No. 16 this week.
Jimenez (12-0) will get a big title shot here but will have an uphill battle against the veteran. He’s hot now with three wins in 2022, so there is no rust to knockoff like his opponent has. Jimenez has nine knockouts and has only gone the distance three times. This will only be his second 12-round bout in his career, so his stamina in this one could be something to look out for.
Dalakian comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -170 favorite while Jimenez is a +170 underdog.
Artem Dalakian vs. David Jimenez round-by-round results
Round 1: Dalakian 10-9
In a matchup of undefeated fighters, this is going as expected. Both showing restraint and limiting their punch speed. Dalakian strikes a nice shot, slightly edging the challenger in round 1.
Round 2: Dalakian 10-9
Jimenez comes out with a nice uppercut and it hurts Dalakian for a moment. Nice left hook from the champion Dalakian connects and he’s taking back the momentum.
Round 3: Dalakian 10-9
Dalakian starts out the round with a huge right hand and is picking it up a bit. As the round progresses, a lot of grabbing between the two.
Round 4: Dalakian 10-9
Jimenez a bit out of control to start out here, missing a few punches. He’ll need to regain his composure to get a better leg up on the card here. The champion is dominating the fight although Jimenez lands a nice body shot to wrap up round 4.
Round 5: Jimenez 10-9
An early clash of heads leaves Jimenez with a cut. Jimenez having his best round of the fight, Dalakian looking a little tired and out of sorts. Jimenez stepping up and challenging Dalakian in the center of the ring.
Round 6: Dalakian 10-9
Dalakian back in control of the pace, regaining his grasp of control in the fight. Jimenez trying to speed up the action, but Dalakian not complying and sticking to a slower pace.
Round 7: Dalakian 10-9
Jimenez trying to regain his spark from round 5 but not able to do so. Like the earlier rounds, he’s regressing and forcing too many punches. Dalakian maintaining his pose and looking like the better fighter.
Round 8: Jimenez 10-9
Jimenez trying to make this one a fight and being somewhat successful. A couple of exchanges from both fighters, Jimenez able to land some shots on the inside and body. Much more busier for both, Jimenez enjoying the increased pace.
Round 9: Dalakian 10-9
Jimenez comes out swinging and connects with a nice right hand. Straight jab from Dalakian puts a pause to the momentum Jimenez has been brewing.