It is a fight of many firsts for Jalil Hackett. The first title defense, the first time he undergoes a 10-round contest, and the first time he fights under the Matchroom Boxing. But he believes it won’t be the first time he unleashes himself on his opponent. The hottest young prospect at 147 faces the biggest fight of his career, as he goes up against older and experienced Peter Dobson. Is it a valiant but risky path to the top? Or is he in for a rude awakening?

The fans will find out whether Hackett will be able to cling to his WBA Continental North American welterweight strap and inch closer to another shot at a world title this Saturday. What’s more? The fight, promising exciting action and fireworks, acts as the supporting act to the Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan bill at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. It sounds like a mouthwatering undercard, right? Before the action takes place, let’s have a look at how the two boxers stack up.

Jalil Hackett vs. Peter Dobson: Tale of Tape

Hackett, at 21, has taken the boxing world by storm with his powerful punches and fan-friendly style. That’s not it. He learned the art of boxing from Floyd Mayweather Jr. and had been a sparring partner with Gervonta Davis. It’s no wonder he boasts an unblemished record of 8-0 with 7 KOs. In addition, the American boxer has taken after ‘Tank’s heavy but faster pairs of hands, as well as his knack for knockouts, as reflected in his KO ratio of 87.5%.

Hackett has also painted a picture of a disciplined and focused fighter among the fans. He is also skilled at using his dimensions to the fullest. With a height of 5’11” (180 cm), ‘Major’ appears to be a daunting presence that hovers over his opponents and imposes his size advantage and his will on them. It seems that because of his still nascent career, other measurement details are still missing. But Hackett has every weapon in his arsenal to be a future boxing star.

However, Dobson, at 34, has fought fighters of all molds, sizes, and styles during his career, and the North American champion is not someone with a distinct style. The Bronx native had swayed fans with his consistency until he faltered in 2019. What followed next was a 22-month-long hiatus, sporadic fights, and another 19-month-long pause, which only came to an end in a defeat against Conor Benn this February. Coincidentally, it was his first loss, and Dobson stumbled to a record of 16-1 with 9 KOs.

But what didn’t concern the fans was his solid performance and Dobson’s zeal to take the fight to his foe. Fans don’t have to look beyond his KO ratio of 56.25% to sum him up as an explosive fighter. You add into the mix his tall stature of 5’10” (178 cm) and he turns out to be a well-rounded fighter. Will it be enough to ensure ‘Pistol Pete’ finds himself on top when he clashes with Hackett?

Prediction: X factor and where will the fight be won?

Jalil Hackett is already shedding his calm and disciplined fighter image after he shoved away Dobson in the press conference. Is it a sign of him embracing his aggressiveness outside the ring, too? Whatever the reason, the Washington native is eager to lay his hands on Dobson and finish him off. He has dominated each of his competitors with his powerful punches and solid defense.

Hackett sets up with body shots and later unloads big shots to wrap up the fights. But what has separated him from the rest is his conditioning and his inside game. The same will be the key to his victory, as he hunts for another finish. Despite his promising start, he is far removed from a finished product. Not only did he face an opponent of Dobson’s class, but he has also not fought for 10 rounds. Is he durable enough to last 10 rounds? The larger question is whether his team has moved him too fast. Does he have what it takes to make a jump to this level this early?

It has happened in the past that Hackett jumped too early to finish the fight and got schooled in return. He can afford to make such a critical mistake against Dobson, who has carved out an image for his overwhelming attacking prowess. He has a granite chin and a tough and sturdy frame. The fans still wonder how the orthodox boxer has never been knocked down to date. So, it’s a gripping contest between a fighter who only knows the art of knockout and a fighter who has never taken a knee. While Hackett has enough time to realize his potential, is this the fight he finally does it?

What do you make of this coming fight between Jalil Hackett and Peter Dobson? Who will make his mark and emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments below.