The fight also represents a notable step up for the 28-year-old Armenian. Despite compiling a 10-0 record with nine knockouts, Hovhannisyan has yet to face an unbeaten opponent during his five-year professional career. Mau’u (10-0, 9 KOs) brings an identical knockout ratio and will enter the bout with his own undefeated record intact.
Questions remain about the quality of opposition on both sides. Mau’u, 34, has spent his entire three-year professional career fighting in New Zealand and has yet to compete internationally. Likewise, Hovhannisyan’s résumé lacks a signature victory over a recognized heavyweight contender, even though he has impressed with his size, power and aggressive style.
A victory would not immediately vault either fighter into world title contention, but it would provide a more meaningful win than either has recorded to date. For Hovhannisyan in particular, it offers a chance to show he can beat an undefeated opponent rather than another carefully selected assignment.
Ranked #8 by the WBA and trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen, Hovhannisyan stopped Cesar Navarro in five rounds in March and remains one of the heavyweight prospects backed by Premier Boxing Champions.
With both heavyweights carrying unbeaten records and nine knockouts in 10 victories, the matchup should provide a clearer indication of which prospect is ready to move beyond the developmental stage and begin pushing toward the upper tier of the heavyweight division.
