The eagerly-awaited next pro fight for Bakhodir Jalolov is reportedly OFF with the Uzbek heavyweight superstar set to put his short-term focus instead on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Jalolov had been slated to face Croat heavyweight Agron Smakici in a big show in Tashkent on Sunday night, but earlier this week he revealed the bout will not now take place. Smakici of course is the man who hit global headlines in February when he cut Tyson Fury in sparring – leading to the Fury vs Usyk unification match being rescheduled to May 18.
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The news comes courtesy of respected local reporter Jalol Akhmedov, who revealed the news on X. He said Jalolov had informed reporters: “I want to inform you that my fight on April 14 has been cancelled.
“The main attention will be focused on the upcoming Paris Olympics. Thank you very much to all of you who support me in any way.”
The 29-year-old Jalolov – known as ‘The Big Uzkbek’ – has built a 14-0 record in the paid ranks since his debut in 2018 with all 14 wins coming inside distance. But, unusually, he has continued to fight at elite amateur level, claiming super-heavyweight gold at the Tokyo Olympics in the summer of 2021.
What next for Jalolov?
Many hardcore fans are eager for Jalolov to devote his attentions full-time to the pro game, and it sounds like they will not have to wait much longer for that.
Akhmedov – responding to questions to fans on X – told them that ‘The Big Uzbek’ will fully turn over to the paid ranks once Paris 2024 and his Olympic career is in the books.
Michael Hunter on Tashkent bill
While Jalolov will not be in action on Sunday night in Tashkent, another top heavyweight will in the shape of American Michael Hunter.
The 35-year-old star (22-1-2) fights for the first time in a little over a year when he mights undefeated Russian Artem Suslenkov (10-0).
