Orlando, FL, USA - Armenian heavyweight prospect Gurgen Hovhannisyan narrowly maintained his unbeaten record on Friday night, defeating Patrick Mailata by majority decision at the Caribe Royale Orlando resort. Despite his victory, the performance raised serious questions about Hovhannisyan’s defensive flaws and ability to rise through the heavyweight ranks.

The 26-year-old Los Angeles-based fighter, trained by veteran cornerman Joe Goossen, entered the bout with high expectations. However, he struggled to deliver the dominant showing many anticipated against the tough but limited Mailata, who was fighting for the first time in nearly two years. The judges scored the fight 76-76, 77-75, and 77-75, reflecting how close the contest was.

From the opening bell, Hovhannisyan controlled the tempo with a heavy right hand, keeping Mailata cautious. However, his neglect of defensive fundamentals repeatedly allowed his opponent to land significant shots. The fourth and fifth rounds saw Mailata back Hovhannisyan up, exposing cracks in his armor.

The sixth round nearly turned disastrous for Hovhannisyan. Mailata landed a punishing combination that pinned him on the ropes, followed by a powerful left hand that visibly shook the Armenian. In the seventh, Mailata capitalized on Hovhannisyan’s fatigue, snapping his head back with clean strikes and forcing Goossen to issue stern warnings in the corner.

Hovhannisyan rallied in the final round, delivering hurtful body and head shots that showed glimpses of his power. However, the late effort could not mask his defensive lapses and lack of sustained dominance over an opponent who, while game, was far from elite.

Goossen’s visible frustration throughout the bout underscored the concerns surrounding Hovhannisyan’s readiness for stiffer competition. While his record improved to 7-0 (6 KOs), the performance did little to inspire confidence in his trajectory toward heavyweight contention.

The victory preserved Hovhannisyan’s unbeaten status, but it’s clear his team must address his defensive vulnerabilities before stepping up in competition. While his power and size remain assets, his inability to avoid punishment from a mid-level opponent like Mailata suggests he is far from ready for the division’s elite.