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Matt Korobov might have been looking for a head-turner performance on tonight's HBO Boxing After Dark, but despite two knockdowns and a convincing win, he probably didn't succeed in making anyone think he's a viable challenger for the division's top fighters at the moment with his victory over Jose Uzcategui.
Korobov (24-0, 14 KO) came into the sport in 2008 as a celebrated amateur and blue chip prospect, expected to make a quick splash, but six years later his career is just now moving to another gear, and even that's still up in the air. Uzcategui (22-1, 18 KO) may have been an HBO-televised opponent and an unbeaten guy, but it's hard to figure if this is really any better a win for Korobov than his victories over the likes of Ossie Duran or Derrick Findley, tough gatekeeper veterans, but hardly top class fighters.
Korobov landed 121 of 412 (29%) total punches, and 110 of 250 (44%) power shots, scoring two knockdowns in the seventh round that more or less sealed the win. Uzcategui landed just 90 of 375 total shots (24%) and 61 of 206 (30%) of his power punches. He showed heart, but lacked the skill, speed, or power -- despite his KO percentage -- to bother the more technically sound Korobov.