Two months ago Agron Smakici hit the boxing headlines around the world when he caused heavyweight boxing’s biggest fight in 25 years to be called off.
The 33-year-old Croatian banger (20-2) was the man who famously cut Tyson Fury in sparring just two weeks out from ‘The Gypsy King’ facing Oleksandr Usyk in their eagerly-awaited unification battle. The incident happened in sparring as Fury prepared for the massive Riyadh showdown.
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Fury vs Usyk was postponed to May 18 with Smakici suddenly being the focus of global media attention. Now though he is ready to return to the ring himself as he looks to move his own career forward.
Smakici gets Jalolov test
There are no easy routes for Agron either, with him now slated to meet unbeaten Uzbekistan heavyweight prospect Bakhodir Jalolov on what they are calling IBA Champions Night in Tashkent on April 14.
Smakici has only fought against a top-level heavyweight once, losing by third-round stoppage to unbeaten German star Agit Kabayel in March 2023. The unbeaten Jalolov – known as ‘The Big Uzbek’ has a fearsome reputation and a perfect pro record – 14-0 with all 14 wins coming inside distance.
