Montreal, QC, Canada - With the heavyweight division set to enter an exciting period in 2025, fans are eager for a new knockout sensation to rise to the forefront. Enter Bakhodir Jalolov, the Uzbek powerhouse and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who is set to resume his professional journey after a 14-month hiatus. Following a triumphant campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jalolov has his sights set on dominating the professional heavyweight ranks.

Jalolov made his professional debut in 2018 but has continued his remarkable amateur career in parallel—a decision that has sparked debate among boxing fans. Critics argue that competing in both realms gives him an unfair advantage, while supporters point to his unique ability to excel in two demanding circuits. His amateur accolades are extraordinary, boasting two world championships, Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, and an undefeated professional record of 14-0, all by knockout.

In Paris, the 30-year-old southpaw entered the ring as the expected winner in the super-heavyweight division. He lived up to the hype, delivering a flawless campaign. Jalolov secured unanimous 5-0 decisions in all four of his bouts, overcoming Norway's Omar Shiha, Australia's Teremoana Junior, Germany's Nelvie Tiafeck, and Spain's Ayoub Ghadfa.

After clinching his second Olympic gold medal, Jalolov announced his retirement from amateur boxing, declaring his intent to fully focus on his professional career. "I have proven everything I needed to in the amateurs," Jalolov stated. "Now it's time to achieve the same success in the professional ring."

Jalolov’s long-anticipated return to professional boxing is set for February 6, 2025 at the Montreal Casino. He will face French heavyweight David Spilmont (16-8, 11 KOs). Spilmont enters the bout on a five-fight win streak, albeit against modest opposition. His last notable fight was a stoppage loss to British-based Croatian Alen Babic in December 2021.

For Jalolov, this fight marks his first professional appearance since November 2023, when he decided to focus entirely on preparing for the Paris Olympics. Despite his inactivity, Jalolov remains a highly ranked contender, sitting at #9 in the WBA and #15 in the WBO world rankings.

Jalolov’s return comes at a pivotal time in the heavyweight division, with numerous title opportunities expected to emerge in 2025. Known as "The Big Uzbek," his towering stature, southpaw stance, and devastating knockout power make him a serious threat to the division’s elite.

Jalolov’s blend of amateur polish and professional aggression has drawn comparisons to greats like Wladimir Klitschko, who transitioned seamlessly from Olympic glory to professional dominance. Jalolov hopes to emulate such success, building momentum with the Spilmont fight as the first step.

By stepping into the ring against Spilmont, Jalolov becomes the first Paris 2024 gold medalist to officially debut in the professional circuit. While other Olympic champions, such as Cuba’s lightweight Erislandy Alvarez, have participated in IBA bouts, Jalolov’s return to professional competition signals his intention to quickly climb the heavyweight ladder.

"I’m ready to show the world what I can do in the professional ring," Jalolov said. "Paris was my last statement in the amateurs. Now, my focus is entirely on becoming a world champion."

Bakhodir Jalolov’s return to the professional ranks comes at a time when the heavyweight division is ripe for new stars. With his impeccable record, Olympic accolades, and raw power, Jalolov is poised to make a significant impact. February 6 will be the first step in what promises to be an electrifying journey toward heavyweight supremacy. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as "The Big Uzbek" takes aim at the throne.