Jalil Hackett Faces His Gateway Fight Against Peter Dobson
Jalil Hackett is one of the most highly-rated prospects in all of boxing, and on Saturday night in Philadelphia, he will have an ideal opportunity to make a statement of his future ambitions.
Hackett (8-0-0 7 KO) will contest his first 10-round bout against the more experienced Peter Dobson (16-1-0 9 KO) on the undercard of Jaron Ennis’ IBF welterweight world title defense against David Avanesyan at Wells Fargo Center.
Incidentally, it will be the first fights for Hackett and Ennis since both signed with promoters Matchroom Boxing. While Ennis will be aiming to prove that he is the best fighter in the division, Hackett will be targeting a win and performance that takes him a step closer to challenging the likes of ‘Boots’ and the other champions at 147lbs.
Dobson represents Hackett’s sternest test to date. The 34-year-old New Yorker has only lost once, and that was against Conor Benn in his most recent fight in February. Dobson is a tough and sturdy boxer, who has never been knocked out or even knocked down.
Hackett ‘Feeling Good’ Ahead of Dobson Fight
It presents Hackett a great chance to make a statement of his intent if he can become the first fighter to knock out Dobson – and that is exactly what ‘Major’ is planning to do. Victory will also see Hackett win his first belt, the WBA’s Continental Americas title.
“I’m feeling good, big fight coming up, a big step-up fight, also fighting for a belt … so this is a real big one. This will be my first fight with Matchroom also, so I’m ready to make a statement,” he told The Boxing Source.
“I’m looking to go out there and do what I’ve been doing: dominate, touch the body early, look for my big shots later on, and either get him out of there or dominate over the 10-round fight.”
Hackett’s early career was guided by Floyd Mayweather Jr and Mayweather Promotions, before parting ways over his lack of activity this year. He signed with Matchroom in May with the intention of getting back in the ring and climbing the welterweight rankings as quickly as possible.
Victory Will Open Doors
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn described Hackett as a “fantastic young talent” and a “real gem”, and the 21-year-old is among several prospects across numerous weight divisions who are expected to go all the way to world level.
Hackett admitted he is aware of the hype and it’s something he’s comfortable with, saying: “It’s just another day in the life. I know that I’m ‘that guy’, a lot of people feel like I’m that next guy. It’s all about showing it, honestly.”
As well as contesting his first 10-round bout for his first title, Hackett will appear in his highest ever position on a bill by featuring in the co-main event in Philadelphia. That means many of the 10,000-plus fans in attendance would have taken their seats and will watch the exciting welterweight in action.
All Hackett needs to do now is put on a performance. Do that, and a much bigger world within the 147lbs division will open up to him. Fights against ranked opponents for the remainder of 2024 will give him the chance to climb the standings and put him on course to challenge for bigger belts in the not-too-distant future.
It makes his bout with Dobson the perfect gateway fight to bigger and better things. At 21 years old, Major still has so much time to fulfill his potential and promise, but for a talent of this size, he will be aiming to get on the fast track after months of inactivity.
