By Miguel Maravilla at ringside
2021 super heavyweight gold medalist and IBF #1 rated Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov (12-0, 12 KO’s) of Uzbekistan continued to build his record in scoring a fourth round stoppage over Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KO’s) Saturday night on the Zepeda-Prograis undercard at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Jalolov started slow and pumped the jab as he kept Harper at bay in the opening round. The jab continued to land for Jalolov. Things got rough as Harper was hitting on the break and attempted to hit Jalolov behind the head but referee Thomas Taylor stopped and issued a warning to Harper. In the third round, Jalolov let loose as he unloaded the left and a huge straight left in the closing seconds that sent Harper to the canvas but he managed to finish the round. The straight left continued to find its mark for Jalolov as he tagged Harper early on in the fourth. Jalolov then dropped Harper with a series of punches. He was able to get to his feet, but referee Thomas Taylor waved off the contest.
There was a malfunction during the official time/announcement as the sound wasn’t on.
I thought Hrgovic was IBF #1.
I think Jalolov has a great future, but based on his current resume, he shouldn’t even be top 10 by any sanctioning body.
It’s like the sanctioning bodies don’t even try to be reputable anymore.
I agree with you and I don’t think he is ranked top 10 (or 15 actually) by anyone right now. There’s no reason for him to be ranked and I think even his team would admit that now.
I don’t want to be disrespectful in any way to Harper who I’m sure did his very best. Still, this was Harper’s sixth loss in his last eight fights.
Jalolov is already 28. The years are starting to run away now. It’s time for some hotter opponents. The risk is that you won’t make it before you get too old otherwise.
If you also aim to take a belt and keep it over a few years, it is high time to move in the rankings and in terms of quality of opposition.
Hello, you’re right Harris is an excellent fighter, Jalolov is also a good fighter, I know Jalolov from the same district. Of course fame and fortune is not eternal.
Well 28 isn’t old for a heavyweight but he still needs to step up in class.
Of course he is going to remain unbeaten. Look at who he fought
He has a style like Wlademir Klitchko. It is dull, but effective. Fights against Hrgovic or Franklin might be the step up in competitor that he can benefit from. Maybe even Jared Anderson.
I am a little biased, however, because Richard Torres, his opponent in the 2020 Olympics,and a silver medalist, lives in my county. A lot of us, in my neck of the woods, are proud of him.
They won’t dream of putting him in there with Frank Sanchez
Do not believe Jalolov has what it takes to make it to the top as a professional fighter. Thought the same of Yoka. Do not have the style, but more so, do not have the heart for pro boxing.