Bakhodir Jalolov, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, will step back into the boxing ring on April 5 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Uzbek heavyweight's return comes after a year-long break from professional boxing.
Jalolov's last pro fight took place in November 2023 when he knocked out Chris Thompson. The 30-year-old fighter has an impressive record of 14 wins, all by knockout. He stands at 6ft 7in, making him a formidable presence in the heavyweight division.
The Olympic champion had planned to return in February, but doctors found an anomaly in his pre-fight medical tests. This setback didn't stop Jalolov from focusing on the Olympics, where he claimed his second gold medal.
Now, Jalolov will feature on the undercard of a show headlined by Janibek Alimkhanuly. The main event will see Alimkhanuly defend his IBF and WBO middleweight titles against Anauel Ngamissengue.
Bob Arum, Jalolov's promoter at Top Rank, has big plans for the heavyweight. Arum signed Jalolov in 2023 and believes he has what it takes to become a dominant champion.
"We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics. He is a uniquely talented fighter, and I do not doubt that he'll one day be a dominant heavyweight champion. His combination of size and power from a southpaw stance doesn't come around too often. Every time I watch him fight, I am amazed by his composure and unique skill set."
Jalolov's return comes at an interesting time in the heavyweight division. Current top fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua are nearing the end of their careers. This situation creates an opportunity for a new star to emerge, and many believe Jalolov could be that star.
The Uzbek fighter's amateur career includes wins over tough opponents like Frazer Clarke. He did suffer a loss to Joe Joyce at the 2016 Olympics, but has since avenged that defeat by winning gold in 2020 and 2024.
Jalolov's size, power, and southpaw stance make him a unique threat in the heavyweight division. As he returns to professional boxing, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if he can live up to the hype and become the next great heavyweight champion.
