Jalolov has been matched against a "very tough" opponent from Kazakhstan.

The popular Ukrainian website Vringe.com has predicted the opponent for Uzbek boxer Bakhtiyar Jalolov in his upcoming fight in Astana, as reported by Sports.kz.

“The two-time Olympic champion in the heavyweight category from Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyar Jalolov (14-0, 14 KOs), will have his next fight in the professional ring on April 5 in Astana (Kazakhstan). The main event of the evening will feature the unified world champion in the middleweight division, Janibek Alimkhanuly, against Anauel Ngamissenge.

Jalolov's opponent has yet to be announced. However, the promotional company Nomad Promotions mentioned at a press conference that a potential rival could be the bronze medalist from the 2016 Olympics in Kazakhstan, Ivan Dychko (14-0, 13 KOs).

It is noteworthy that Bakhtiyar has not fought professionally since November 2023, as he has dedicated 2024 to competing in his second victorious Olympic Games. His return was initially scheduled for early February, but the fight against journeyman David Spilmon from France was canceled at the last moment after the Uzbek felt unwell following the weigh-in.

Dychko has been fighting once a year since 2022 against clearly less competitive opponents,” the article titled “Jalolov to fight in Kazakhstan — potential opponent is very tough” states.