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Monday, March 10, 2025

The Desire to Improve: Doron Zinman Discusses the Phungula Fight

Doron Zinman's dominant first round TKO victory on February 21 signified an improvement over his pro debut. "I worked hard to perform better this fight and will continue to do as such," Zinman told The Jewish Boxing Blog.

In his debut last November, Zinman showed a noteworthy ability to adjust mid-fight and take control of the contest after a slow start. In his second fight, the "Buzzsaw" spent a few seconds assessing the situation before attacking his opponent, Nhlakanipho Phungula.

"I realized quickly that my best attack would be on the inside where I can land my hard shots while he would struggle with no room," Zinman explained.

While Phungula was on the ropes in the Philly Shell style of defense, Zinman saw openings for his right to the head and threw accordingly.  "I tried to go to his body, but his hands were tied to his midsection, leaving his chin open for my punch." Zinman dissected. "The angle which I was standing made it ideal to land the right hand at will. That caused both the knockdown and the stoppage when he shelled up."

While chopping away at Phungula with rights up top, Zinman slipped in a right uppercut that initiated the knockdown. It was a beautiful adjustment that showed Zinman is a fast learner. The 20 year old from Cape Town didn't have much of an amateur career, but he was able to quickly develop a winning strategy against a tricky defensive style. While Phungula is not exactly George Benton or Floyd Mayweather, Zinman's ability to pressure his man, eat some punches along the way, and still process information rapidly bodes well for his future in the ring.

But Zinman knows he's not a finished product yet. "There is a lot to learn from this fight," he said. "It was far from what I am capable of doing. My footwork, range management, and head movement definitely need my attention and continuous improvement."

In addition to his other qualities, the desire to improve means Doron "Buzzsaw" Zinman is one to keep an eye on.

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