One of the heavyweight division’s brightest prospects Bakhodir Jalolov (14-0, 14 KOs) has been added to the star-studded line-up for ‘Battle of the Brave’ as Kazakhstan prepares for an historic night of boxing on Saturday, April 5, at Barys Arena in Astana.
The main event features the homecoming of unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs), who defends his IBF & WBO titles on home soil for the first time in history against unbeaten challenger Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs).
The addition of Jalolov elevates the already talent-laden event to an even higher plane, and fight fans will be eager to see the rising star in action after over 16 months away.
The 6ft 7in southpaw was last in action in his native country in November 2023, taking just 70 seconds to stop his opponent.
He was due to fight in 2024, but was kept away by herpes, a virus he has suffered from since childhood.
The 30-year-old is tipped by many to become a world heavyweight champion, after an amateur career that saw him win gold at two Olympics and two World Championships.
Uzbekistan’s Jalolov will put his perfect record on the line in a 10-round heavyweight contest against an opponent yet to be named.
He said: “It has been a long wait, and I look forward to my professional return in Astana. The goal remains the same. I want to make a statement and continue climbing the rankings. This is an important step in my career, and I am training hard to give the fans a knockout.”
Jalolov is still ranked highly with the WBC at #8, after winning their NABF Junior heavyweight title in his sixth pro bout, back in 2019.
Rustam Kuanshaliyev, Founder of Nomad Promotions, added: “We have a stellar card, and Jalolov is one of its undoubted stars. I can’t wait to see him fight and nor can his fans. Jalolov is hugely popular in Uzbekistan and around the region, and we look forward to welcoming him and his supporters to Astana.”
Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum also commented: “The addition of Jalolov to this makes this incredible event in Astana that much more special. Jalolov is a future heavyweight champion, and I expect him to give the fans a spectacular show.”
In the 10-round co-feature, another one of Kazakhstan’s brightest talents, Sultan Zaurbek (19-0, 13 KOs), will take on South African world title challenger Azinga Fuzile (18-2, 12 KOs) in a pivotal showdown for the IBF Intercontinental and WBA Continental junior lightweight belts.
Kazakh world-ranked contender Batyrzhan Jukembayev (23-1, 17 KOs) will battle Brit boxer Kane Gardner (17-4, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBA Continental junior welterweight belt
Other Kazakh stars Otabek Kholmatov (12-1, 11 KOs) and Balaussa Muzdiman (6-0, 5 KOs) also appear.
This event will be the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, with the aim to bring the best of global boxing back to Kazakh fight fans, to ensure that local stars can stay home for big fights, exposure and paydays.
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