Malul is a 21 year old from Queens, New York. Legendary matchmaker Ron Katz, who is putting the card together, describes him as a "tough kid, very green." Katz joked he wanted the founder of The Jewish Boxing Blog to serve as Malul's opponent, which would've give David a slight height advantage.
Instead, the 5'5" Malul will be at a significant height disadvantage since Hannah, a 29 year old, stands at 6'2". Though Hannah has only been boxing for a little over a year, his skills suggest he has more experience. Originally from South Carolina, the transient Hannah sold drugs until he found solace in boxing. He fights out of legendary trainer Cus D'Amato's old gym in Catskills, New York. When he first came to the gym, he was homeless and sleeping in his car in the parking lot. Coach Ernest Westbrooke saw him working out and said, "I noticed he had natural athleticism."
In his first pro fight on June 15, Hannah showed that natural ability at the beginning of his fight against Jason Moreno. Lucien came out and threw a crisp one-two. He effectively worked Moreno's body with two-punch combinations and managed to keep distance. Towards the end of the first round, Hannah's inexperience came to the surface, and his technique deteriorated. Moreno was able to get inside and shake up Hannah.
Moreno got credit for a knockdown in the second round, even though it was more of takedown. When Hannah got up, Moreno got back inside and landed hard body shots and then stunned Lucien. The fight was waved off as Hannah was unsteady on his feet.
It's no secret Malul will want to get on the inside, but he won't be able to just walk in, at least not early in the fight. Fortunately, David described his style as "strategic aggression," which is exactly what he'll need against the lanky Hannah. It'll be important for Malul to control his debut-fight jitters, try to jab his way in, and attack the body once he's there.
This junior middleweight bout is scheduled for four rounds.
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