Jalolov Predicts Itauma Fight Within Two Years

Bakhodir Jalolov says jalolov and Moses Itauma will likely end up in the ring within the next two years if he keeps boxing in the UK. The two-time Olympic gold medallist is turning that into a clear heavyweight target while he keeps pushing toward the belt picture.

Jalolov and Itauma

Jalolov called Itauma a "very talented guy; definitely one of the biggest prospects in heavyweight boxing right now." He added, "I believe, if I continue boxing in the UK – to [get] some fans – we will face each other in the next two years, probably."

The 31-year-old made those comments ahead of his encounter with Agron Smakici, with Jalolov also set to feature on the Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois undercard this Saturday. That places him on a card built around heavyweights already drawing attention, and it keeps his own route moving in the same division as Itauma.

Queensberry Heavyweight Plans

Jalolov said his objective is simple: "Now my aim is to have all of the belts in the pro [ranks] … There is no exact name who [we know] will be the champion at the exact moment. Just give me him." He also said he does not know which fighter will hold the belts when the time comes, which leaves the matchup list fluid even as the target stays fixed.

That uncertainty is part of the current heavyweight picture. Frank Warren has made no secret of his desire to speed up Itauma’s progression, and he also sees Jalolov as a key piece in the heavyweight jigsaw. Itauma, unbeaten and coming off stoppages of Jermaine Franklin, Dillian Whyte and Demsey McKean, is already being lined up for more serious tests, with a Queensberry card at London’s O2 Arena on August 8 and Filip Hrgovic scheduled to come through Dave Allen on May 16 if he wants to stay in the conversation.

Wardley Dubois Card

For Jalolov, the immediate task is Smakici. For the division, the larger picture now includes a possible Jalolov-Itauma meeting that could arrive within two years if both keep moving at the current pace. Bob Arum has already hailed Jalolov as a future champ, and the next stretch of fights will decide how quickly that label turns into a title chase.