Bakhodir Jalolov is a 6-feet-7-inch-tall, gun-toting Uzbek right-wing boxer who is projected to rise to the top spot in heavyweight boxing after the Paris Olympics.
The 30-year-old left-hander already has a winner’s medal from Tokyo 2020 and is the hot favourite to secure a double in France.
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And – in another embarrassment to struggling amateur boxing – he has been allowed to go 14-0 in the pro ranks, beating all tough fighters inside the distance.
These scary statistics so impressed Umar Kremlev, the head of Russia’s International Boxing Association, that he sent Jalolov a luxury BMW car – with a bright red bow tied to its bonnet – as a wedding gift in December.
And the flashy gift from the controversial figure was also funny, as it did not go well with the relatively modest surroundings of Jalolov’s home.
With 37-year-old undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk, 35-year-old rematch challenger Tyson Fury and 34-year-old former champion Anthony Joshua all nearing retirement, a massive and super-talented backside will soon be needed to take over the throne.
And – although 19-year-old Kent talent Moses Itauma has shown great potential early on – the giant Jalolov is tipped to be the next monster breakthrough.
Legendary Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed that Paris was always part of the plan when the American powerhouse signed a deal with the veteran.
The mastermind, who has played a key role in the careers of icons from Muhammad Ali to Vasyl Lomachenko, told us: “When we signed Jalolov last year, his participation at the Paris Olympics was always part of the plan.
“I am confident he will win another gold medal.”
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“We are planning to move him very quickly after the Olympics.
“He is a uniquely talented fighter and I have no doubt he will one day become a dominant heavyweight champion.
“His combination of size and power from a right-wing stance doesn’t come along very often.
“Every time I watch him fight, I am amazed by his patience and unique skills.”
Photos and clips from his star-studded Instagram account show that this devout Muslim is a man of many talents.
Amid photos of Jalolov with Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson and Cristiano Ronaldo, there are glimpses of his far more chaste personal life.
Number 18 Hulk knows his way around a stable and can even ride atop a giant horse, without falling off.
I am confident that he will win another gold medal.
We are planning to move him soon after the Olympics.
He can lash a left-footed free-kick from 25 yards into the side netting with such ease that – if he were English – Gareth Southgate would undoubtedly guarantee him three minutes off the bench in a meaningless friendly match.
One Englishman who already rates Jalolov very highly is 2016 Olympic silver winner Joe Joyce, 38 – who beat the rising star in Rio.
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The Putney juggernaut – who was stripped of the gold medal because of the disgraceful decision – told SunSport: “He was quite young at the time and I thought I was at my peak, unstoppable.
“It was a good fight, they tested me but I was ready and really beating people.
“He was very fresh at that time and a tricky left-hander, but I could have beaten anyone to get the gold medal.
“That was eight years ago, so he’ll have more experience and strength and will be even harder to beat.”
Away from the ring and the game, Jalolov is also a patriot.
Every year on January 14, he wears Uzbekistan’s combat uniform, celebrating its military holiday.
World title next year
by Wally Downs Jr.
Bakhodir Jalolov will get a chance at the world title in 2025.
A second Olympic gold medal in Paris in early August would strengthen his claim, but most boxing heavyweights are already in his favour.
Heavyweight kingmaker Turki Alalshikh has already hosted the amateur star in Saudi Arabia and promoter Bob Arum knew he was dedicated to competing at the 2024 Games when he signed him last year, so things are moving in the right direction.
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will decide the IBF boss on September 21 and Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will decide their two-fight rivalry three months later.
Jalolov will then join in-form veterans such as Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel – who have made a serious impression in the Middle East since their takeover – in competing for the four major titles that are bound to be divided.
British talent Moses Itauma is also considered a favourite at the top, but Jalolov has more than a decade more experience than him and two Olympic gold medals will surely put him at the front of the queue for the big money.
The Saudis are hosting a US show in Los Angeles on August 3 – featuring Andy Ruiz, Martin Bekole and Jared Anderson – and a stunning win for any one of them would put them in the running.
But Jalolov – with his rare heavyweight stance, his size, amateur pedigree and power – will be the golden player of 2025.
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And in 2020 – on the occasion of Uzbek Memorial Day on May 9 – he demonstrated his rifle skills among the soldiers.
If the form book is to be believed, Jalolov will face Team GB hero Delicious Orie in a thrilling semi-final clash in Paris.
Read more at The Scottish Sun
The handsome Russian-born British player will have to add another chapter to his story to win, having already lost three times in 2024.
But it already promises to be a cracking contest, as the Turkish shepherd targets another gold mine before turning professional and seeks a belt to match his stirrups and reins.
