Two-time Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov has thrown himself into contention to challenge fast-rising British heavyweight Moses Itauma.
Jalalov (16-0, 14 KOs) joins the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois this Saturday in Manchester to make his UK debut. The 31-year-old from Uzbekistan takes on Croatian contender Agron Smakici in an international heavyweight appetiser for the all-British WBO title fight.
“I think this fight can happen,” Jalolov told IFL TV regarding a fight with Itauma via a translator. “Anyway, it wasn’t discussed with me or offered to me.”
He also added that he “doesn’t see any problem” in beating Itauma, but wouldn’t be as volatile to predict a knockout.
Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) will headline at the O2 Arena in London on August 8, with an opponent yet to be named. The 21-year old rapidly advancing prodigy stopped Jermaine Franklin Jr in March. Itauma is currently ranked at the number one contender for both the WBA and WBO heavyweight world titles, while also sitting in third place for the WBC belt and in fifth spot for the IBF title.
“Itauma is a very talented guy and one of the best prospects in heavyweight boxing right now,” Jalolov told Boxing News. “I believe if I continue boxing in The United Kingdom…we will face each other in the next two years probably.”
Jalolov’s highest ranking place is for the IBF title held by Oleksandr Usyk, where he sits in seventh place. He also holds eight place in the rankings for Wardley’s WBO belt and is the thirtieth placed contender for the WBC championship.
“At this level there is no easy opponent,” Jalolov added.
Jalolov has been expected to do big things in the heavyweight division following an illustrious career as an amateur. His professional career crossed over with him winning gold at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and the Tokyo Games held in 2021. However, he has yet to come anywhere near the heights while representing his country.
