by Mike Coppinger, ESPN
Bakhodir Jalolov, an undefeated heavyweight who won an Olympic gold medal in 2021, has signed a multiyear promotional deal with Top Rank, sources told ESPN.
The 28-year-old Uzbek fighter is slated to make his return toward the end of the summer.
Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) joins a stable that includes undefeated young heavyweights Jared Anderson, who stepped up to defeat former titleholder Charles Martin on Saturday and Richard Torrez Jr., whom Jalolov defeated in the gold-medal match.
Now fighting out of Brooklyn, the 6-foot-7, 250-pound southpaw is one of the best heavyweight prospects in the world.
“It is curious that Mr. Jalolov would have his lawyer engage in discussions about his agreement with us and at the same time sign an agreement with Top Rank, a situation that violates his agreement with us and that must violate representations he has made to Top Rank,” a Disrupt Promotions spokesperson told ESPN on Sunday. “We intend to take all appropriate steps to stop his breach of our agreement.”
Top Rank declined to comment.
Jalolov was already a pro when he returned to the Olympics for a second time and accomplished his dream. Now he’s looking to reach the greatest heights in the paid ranks, too.
Jalolov hasn’t competed in 2023 yet. He’s coming off a fourth-round KO of journeyman Curtis Harper in November.
Courtesy: https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/37944028/sources-top-rank-signs-olympic-gold-medalist-bakhodir-jalolov