Uzbek boxing star Khalokov aims to bring WBC belt home

Abdumalik Khalokov, the Paris 2024 Olympic champion and a rising star in professional boxing, is set to compete in a prestigious tournament organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s “Riyadh Season.” The Uzbek boxer announced the news on his Instagram account.

“I will participate in the WBC tournament. Five fights will be held for the title. I will do my best to bring the belt to Uzbekistan,” Khalokov wrote.

The tournament will feature boxers with fewer than 10 professional fights, competing across four weight categories. The matches will begin from the 1/16 finals, with preliminary bouts lasting six rounds and the final matches extending to eight rounds.

In late February, the 25-year-old Khalokov showcased his skills in Seville, Spain, where he defeated Venezuelan boxer Marlembron Acuna. Competing in the super featherweight division, Khalokov secured a technical knockout in the third round of a scheduled six-round fight.

As a decorated amateur boxer, Khalokov holds titles as both a World and Olympic champion. In his professional career, he has fought two matches, winning both convincingly.