Heavyweight Boxing
Montreal, QC, Canada - Rising fringe-contender Bakhodir Jalolov will step into the ring at Montreal Casino to face France’s David Spilmont in a 10-round bout. The fight, airing live on ESPN+, is expected to be a one-sided affair, with Jalolov expected by oddsmakers to easily extend his undefeated streak and kick-start his run to a title shot.
Hailing from Uzbekistan, Bakhodir Jalolov (14-0, 14 KOs) has established himself as one of the most dangerous and promising heavyweights in the world. With a towering 201 cm (6'7") frame, a 100% knockout ratio, and a southpaw stance, Jalolov is a formidable force in the division. His impressive amateur background, including two Olympic gold medals, won while seamlessly developing in the professional ranks.
His last five fights have been nothing short of dominant, with first-round knockouts over Chris Thompson and Onoriode Ehwarieme, and a fourth-round stoppage of Curtis Harper.
Currently ranked #10 by the WBC, Jalolov is positioning himself for a future world title shot, and a win over Spilmont is expected to be another stepping stone in his journey.
France’s David Spilmont (16-8-1, 11 KOs) enters this fight as a massive underdog, with oddsmakers giving him only a 7% chance of victory. Despite having significantly more professional experience than Jalolov—25 total fights compared to Jalolov’s 14—Spilmont simply lacks the pedigree, consistency and firepower to be a serious threat.
Standing at 191 cm (6'3"), Spilmont is giving up four inches in height and 10 cm in reach. His orthodox stance and measured approach in the ring have yielded mixed results, with recent setbacks against mid-level opponents. Spilmont’s biggest challenge will be closing the distance against Jalolov’s reach while avoiding the punishing left hand of the Uzbek knockout artist.
For Jalolov, this fight is another opportunity to prove his dominance and move closer to a high-profile bout against ranked contenders. The heavyweight division is in a period of transition, and Jalolov aims to establish himself as a major player for world title contention in 2025.
For Spilmont, a shocking upset victory would change the trajectory of his career, but the odds are stacked overwhelmingly against him. Given Jalolov’s track record and knockout power, Spilmont will have to deliver a near-flawless performance to make it past the early rounds.
Jalolov enters as a 1/50 (-5000) favorite, while Spilmont is listed at 12/1 (+1200), reflecting the expected gap in skill and power. Given Jalolov’s track record of finishing fights early, another knockout seems inevitable. If Spilmont manages to survive beyond three rounds, it will be seen as an achievement in itself.
Expect Jalolov to assert dominance early, using his superior footwork, reach, and devastating left hand to dismantle Spilmont. A stoppage within the first three rounds appears to be the most likely outcome.
The Bakhodir Jalolov vs. David Spilmont fight is shaping up to be another showcase for The Big Uzbek as he continues his march toward the top of the division. While Spilmont’s durability and experience may help him survive for a few rounds, the fight is expected to be a one-sided knockout victory for Jalolov. Fans can tune in on ESPN+ at 08:00 PM EST to witness the latest chapter in Jalolov’s rise. Will Spilmont shock the world, or will Jalolov add another brutal KO to his resume?
Top Heavyweight Boxing covers the past, present and future of boxing's premier division. Copyright© 2025
Setup by Digital Dynasty Design
