Zhalolov: "The next goal is to become the best in professional boxing"
After two Olympic gold medals (2021, 2024) and two World Championships gold medals (2019, 2023), Bakhodir Jalolov (14-0, 14 KOs) has officially confirmed that he is done with Olympic boxing and will focus solely on conquering the heavyweight division in the pros going forward.
The over two-meter tall Uzbek had his first professional fight in 2018, but Olympic boxing was still his priority. He has stopped each of his fourteen opponents early, but has yet to compete as a professional this year. In the Olympic tournament, he actually met resistance only in the quarterfinals against Australia's Teremoane Jr. but by the end of the fight he had gained the advantage and sealed his victory on points.
"I have dedicated the last fifteen years to Olympic boxing. Everything has a beginning and an end and this day has come. I never fought in Olympic boxing for money, I just wanted my country's flag to hang as high as possible so I could come back with an Olympic gold medal. Now it's mine. Next, the goal is to become the best in professional boxing as well. I believe that I will pass this way together with you," wrote Zhalolov in his social networks.