SLUMP! SLUMP! SLUMP! 

Once considered a threat to Aerts’ youngest champion ever record (23), Ignashov now has fans wondering if he will ever win the title and even if he will ever qualify for the Grand Prix tournament. Losses to Bjorn Bregy, Peter Graham and Gokan Saki have taken the luster off his superstar image.

The new rules were bound to hurt Ignashov’s game. Hopefully, seeing other fighters such as Aerts and Bonjasky adapt will be a source of encouragement for the Red Scorpion. The biggest adjustment, however, will have to be lifestyle. With opponents investing hours a day to hone their skills, Ignashov will have to improve his work ethic get ahead and stay ahead. The 9 (or 15) minutes in the ring are rarely where fights are won and lost. The hours, days, weeks and months in the gym more often than not separate the winners from the losers.

One big win and fans will simply say “He’s back.” We are a very forgiving fanbase, aren’t we?