Top Rank signs Bakhodir Jalalov
Multiple reports indicate that Top Rank Boxing has signed Bakhodir Jalalov to a promotional contract. ESPN was first with the report and Ring Magazine got confirmation from Top Rank’s Carl Moretti. It remains unclear if Jalalov will remain with DiBella Entertainment, though this should be clarified within the coming days when Top Rank formally announces the signing. Jalalov is expected to make his debut with Top Rank on an August 26th card in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This post will answer a few questions about the signing.
Who is Bakhodir Jalalov?
Bakhodir Jalalov is a heavyweight prospect from Uzbekistan. Jalalov is 12-0 with 12 knockouts as a professional boxer. He last fought in November when he knocked out Curtis Harper in four rounds. Jalalov has been competing in amateur tournaments since then in Uzbekistan. As a professional, Jalalov has been promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Probellum. Probellum is now out of business.
Jalalov defeated Richard Torrez Jr. for the super-heavyweight gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Torrez is also promoted by Top Rank.
Why would Top Rank sign Jalalov?
If you win the Olympic gold medal at super-heavyweight, you are expected to eventually become the heavyweight champion of the world. There is money to be made in promoting the heavyweight champion. Not all heavyweight gold medalists become the heavyweight champion, but the odds of getting a gold medalist to a heavyweight championship are better than most other prospects. Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, and Anthony Joshua are all examples of Olympic gold medalists who became the heavyweight champion.
Top Rank also has several good prospects who are also looking to move towards title contention that Jalalov can be matched with now to move up the rankings (if Top Rank sees fit) or to be easily matched with at the championship level assuming that those fighters make it to that point.
Why would Jalalov sign with Top Rank?
Aside from the existing stable of heavyweights, Top Rank can provide Jalalov with consistent fight dates and paychecks that he could not get with DiBella Entertainment and Probellum. Top Rank has also done a substantial amount of business with DiBella Entertainment, so it made business sense from that standpoint (if DiBella remains part of Jalalov’s promotional team). Top Rank also has an excellent reputation for developing prospects and developing them into credible contenders and champions.