Two-time Olympic champion faces Agron Smakici on Wardley vs Dubois undercard

Bakhodir Jalolov returns to the ring Saturday in Manchester against Agron Smakici. Queensberry Promotions highlighted the heavyweight in a social media post ahead of the fight.

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In a social media post promoting the Wardley vs. Dubois undercard, Queensberry described the two-time Olympic gold medalist as “the sleeping giant” ready to show he belongs among the top heavyweights in boxing.

Jalolov (16-0, 14 KOs) faces Agron Smakici on the DAZN card at Co-op Live Arena.

The 6-foot-7 Uzbek heavyweight remains one of the most accomplished amateurs to enter the professional ranks in recent years after winning Olympic gold medals in Tokyo and Paris.

The short Queensberry video also referenced the number of current heavyweight contenders who lost to Jalolov in the amateurs before he fully committed to the pro game.

Two time Olympic heavyweight champion 😳

The sleeping giant Bakhodir Jalolov ready to show why he belongs at the top of the heavyweight division 👑#WardleyDubois | Saturday Night | @thecooplive, Manchester | Live on @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/cdEVAbnDOF

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 6, 2026

Jalolov has fought professionally since 2018 but spent years balancing his career with Olympic competition before shifting full-time toward the heavyweight title picture after the Paris Games.

At 31, Jalolov is now being positioned as a potential future player near the top of the division as Queensberry expands its heavyweight roster around Tyson Fury, Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma and Daniel Dubois.

Recent comments from Jalolov and his team have pointed toward a full professional focus rather than another Olympic run despite speculation about a possible return for Los Angeles 2028.

Saturday’s fight against Smakici will be another step in that transition from decorated amateur star to full-time heavyweight contender.