It’s not as if Jordan Burroughs hasn’t wrestled at 74 kilograms before. It’s just that he hasn’t competed there since the 2020 (technically 2021) Olympic Trials. That’s why his entry into the Kazakhstan International Tournament made the international wrestling world take notice. 

Burroughs owned the weight for nearly a decade, winning four World titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017), two bronze (2018 and 2019), and a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. The former Nebraska star moved up to 79 kg where he bagged World titles in 2021 and 2022 — breaking John Smith’s domestic record of six World and Olympic titles.

Jordan Burroughs At The Worlds and Olympics

The Kunaev International in Kazakhstan allowed Burroughs to test himself at the lower weight prior to the 2024 Olympic Trials. His competition was mainly against wrestlers from the host country, and there was a two-kilogram allowance (although Burroughs reportedly weighed in at 74.4 on the first day), so it was a good way to get matches.

Burroughs looked sharp at times — changing levels and effectively using his blast double. He outscored four opponents by a 43-7 count, including a 15-4 win in the gold medal finals against Syrvaz Talgat of Kazakhstan. 

Talgat — a 2021 and 2022 Senior World teamer at 70 kg who has never medaled — struck first with a takedown and turn, much to the delight of a packed arena that was cheering him on. Burroughs found his stride with a step out, a takedown, and a turn for a 5-4 lead at the break.

That eventually led to a takedown and a series of laces for Burroughs as he cruised to a 15-4 technical superiority and gold medal at 74 kilograms. 

"We have planned on PRTC wrestlers competing in Kazakhstan since August," Pennsylvania RTC coach and 2000 Olympic gold medalist Brandon Slay said. "This was an ideal international +2 kg tournament in November. With Jordan making his way back down to 74 kg, this was a great option to compete. Jordan has done a fantastic job being disciplined and getting down to 74 kg. 

"For his first time at this weight since 2021, I believe Jordan did an excellent job making weight, recovering, refueling, and competing at the highest level. His energy, motion, and speed were impressive. He scored lots of points in all of his matches and many points in par terre, which is what blows matches wide open.

"Most importantly, his faith over fear, full effort, and his service to others (especially the hundreds of local kids here in Kazakhstan) exemplified why he is the champ and the true pro's pro."

Jordan Burroughs, 74 kg - GOLD
Qualification: 9-2 win over Yerkhan Bexultanov, KAZ
Round of 16: Forfeit win over Kanat Mussabekov, KAZ
Quarterfinals: 9-1 win over Zafarbek Otakhonov, UZB
Semifinals: 10-0 win over Yerbarys Satybaldy, KAZ
Finals: 15-4 win over Syrbaz Talgat, KAZ

Jordan Burroughs (left) with Pennsylvania Regional Training Center coach Brandon Slay after Burroughs' victory in Kazakhstan