Australian boxer Teremoana Junior doesn’t have Bakhodir Jalolov’s credentials, however the quarterfinal matchup could be the largest risk to the defending gold medalist from Uzbekistan — and so they’ll meet within the quarterfinal spherical.
Teremoana and Jalolov each fought and received on Monday in Paris, and each have been spectacular. Jalolov got here into the Summer season Video games because the heavy favourite to repeat his gold medal run from Tokyo, and with the division rapidly shaking out to eight remaining fighters, he nonetheless might be.
American prime seed Joshua Edwards is out, as he was soundly overwhelmed by Italy’s Diego Lenzi. Teremoana scored a primary spherical knockout of Ukraine’s Dmytro Lovchynskyi within the day’s second session, instantly adopted by Jalolov outclassing a recreation however over-matched Omar Shiha of Norway.
Jalolov will not be solely the highest beginner in his class nonetheless, however arguably the game’s prime professional prospect. At 14-0 (14 KO) within the paid ranks, the 30-year-old Jalolov actually might have progressed additional than he has over the past six years he’s been a professional, however two Olympic cycles have had extra of his consideration, and it’s potential that he merely cares extra about this than he does his skilled profession.
Teremoana doesn’t have the approach or professional composure of the Uzbek, however he does have horrifying energy. Listed at 6’6” and someplace round a strong 270 or 280 lbs, he’s additionally had 4 professional fights, going 4-0 (4 KO) with a a lot decrease profile than Jalolov.
The 26-year-old ought to be an underdog towards Jalolov, however his measurement and the warmth with which he throws his energy punches make him a honest risk, and an actual wild card within the combine for the tremendous heavyweights in Paris.
The Jalolov vs Teremoana matchup may have a huge effect on what occurs after, which is apparent, however particularly I imply that if Jalolov wins, it’s extraordinarily arduous to see anybody remaining within the area beating him. It’s the firepower of Teremoana that makes him the most important hazard to Jalolov. Alternatively, if Teremoana is ready to get Jalolov together with his energy, there are others within the area who might include the precise recreation plan and beat him.
In different phrases, whereas that is essentially the most intriguing matchup within the division on paper, it’s not some de facto gold medal matchup occurring within the quarterfinals.
Teremoana Junior and Bakhodir Jalolov will face off on Friday, Aug. 2, at 11:54 am ET.
Right here’s the complete tremendous heavyweight quarterfinal lineup. All fights might be held on Aug. 2.
- Diego Lenzi (Italy) vs Nelvie Tiafack (Germany), 11:38 am ET
- Teremoana Junior (Australia) vs Bakhodir Jalolov (Uzbekistan), 11:54 am ET
- Djamili-Dini Aboudou (France) vs Gerlon Congo (Ecuador), 4:08 pm ET
- Ayoub Ghadfa (Spain) vs David Chaloyan (Armenia), 4:24 pm ET
