The long-awaited news for Uzbekistan's boxing fans has been officially confirmed. Two-time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov will hold his next fight on May 9 at the prestigious Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Jalolov, who remains undefeated in his professional career (17-0, 15 KOs), will face a formidable opponent in Croatia's Agron Smakici for his 18th bout. Smakici also boasts an impressive record (21-3, 19 KOs), suggesting that the fight will be a challenging one. With this matchup now officially confirmed, interest in the fight night continues to grow.
The boxer from Surkhandarya last stepped into the ring in November 2025, when he secured a convincing knockout victory over Solomon Adebayo. Jalolov's aggressive style and powerful punches turn every one of his fights into a true show for the fans.
This boxing evening in Manchester will feature not only Jalolov's fight but also a series of other compelling matchups. According to the fight card, the main event will feature a heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley. Additionally, bouts such as Morrell vs. Chelli, Rafferty vs. Essuman, Cameron vs. Rea, and Majid vs. Gwynn will also be key parts of the event.
Experts believe that for Jalolov, this fight is not only another test but also an opportunity to further strengthen his position on the international stage. If he wins convincingly again, it could pave the way for major championship bouts.
Now, all attention is focused on May 9. There is only one question: will Jalolov surprise fans with another knockout? The answer will be revealed in the ring.
