Bakhdor Jalalov finally makes his pro return this Saturday on the Battle of The Brave card in Kazakhstan, headlined by unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. This was a highly anticipated return for hardcore heavyweight fans eager to see the 2-time Olympic gold medallist achieve something in the pros. The return fight was against Ukrainian Ihor Shevadzutskyi an okay level of opponent for a return. However, the fight would prove a boring disappointment.
Jalalov vs Shevadzutskyi
Given the level of opposition and Jalalov’s pedigree it was expected that he would blast Shevadzutskyi out in a few rounds. But, this was not the case with the fight dragging out to a decision.
The fight started like a typical Bakhodir Jalalov fight staying at range prodding out with his jab and trying to se up that devastating left straight. However, it also set a trend not really seen in previous Jalalov fights that being a lot of clinching whenever Shevadzutskyi got close.
Round 3 Jalalov finally found a home for that trade mark left had flooring Shevadzutskyi. Surprisingly, Shevadzutskyi would survive and make the count no problem. Jalalov did try to swarm following the knockdown but was unable to land anything clean as the round ended.
However following this the fight would grind to a screeching halt with low output from both men. For essentially every round Jalalov would back up throwing a few jabs and left straights primarily on Shevadzutskyi’s gloves. Occasionally a clean shot would get through. Another unfortunate pattern was Jalalov would clinch whenever Shevadzutskyi got close.
When the fight was mercifully over after 10 rounds Bakhodir Jalalov was awarded a unanimous decision.
Why and What’s Next
After such a disappointing performance, one has to wonder why Jalalov was so poor, particularly given his talent. Prior to this fight Jalalov’s last pro fight was in 2023 which may have contributed to his performance. The pros and amateurs are very different in style and so it’s possible Jalaov’s recent focus on the amateur game may have hindered his pro development. And in this fight he did fight with a very amateur style.
However, it’s not as if he hasn’t fought in the pros before he’s had 14 other fights in the pros. So, potentially he may have regressed or potentially we have seen the limits of Jalalov’s talent and lack of dimension just having that dangerous left hand. He seemingly lacked any inside game or any other punches besides a 1-2 and occasional uppercut.
If Jalalov hopes to become anything of note in this division he must improve. If not he will find himself unable to get particularly far in this thriving heavyweight division.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
