Sports Digest: Uzbek athletes on the global stage

Former Tashkent mayor Jakhongir Artikhodjaev takes on a new sports role, Eldor Shomurodov continues to impress in Italy, and change appears to be underway at Pakhtakor football club. Here's a round-up of the key sports events covered by QALAMPIR.UZ this week.

Date and Opponent of Murodjon Akhmadaliev’s Next Fight Announced

Uzbek professional boxer Murodjon Akhmadaliev will return to the ring on May 30, according to the press service of the Matchroom promotion company.

Akhmadaliev is set to face Mexican fighter Luis Castillo in Guadalajara, Mexico. Victory in this bout would pave the way for a major showdown with undisputed champion Naoya Inoue, scheduled for September 14 in Tokyo.

The 30-year-old Akhmadaliev, the current WBA Interim belt holder, has a professional record of 13 wins and 1 loss. His opponent, 51-year-old Castillo, enters the ring with 31 wins and 6 losses.

Shomurodov Assists as Roma Beats Fiorentina

On May 4, Roma secured a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina in the 35th round of Serie A, with Eldor Shomurodov contributing a key assist.

Shomurodov was active from the start, forcing a save from David De Gea. Following a corner, he headed the ball to teammate Artyom Dovbik, who opened the scoring. The Uzbek striker was later substituted early in the second half.

With this win, Roma climbed to 5th place with 63 points, while Fiorentina now sits in 8th with 59 points.

Mahmud Murodov Clarifies Weight Class Stance

Middleweight MMA fighter Mahmud Murodov reaffirmed his commitment to fighting at 84 kg, despite challenges from opponents suggesting other weight classes.

“My opponent wants to fight at 77 kg, but I’m staying at 84. I won’t go down to 77 or up to 93,” Murodov told the press service of the Octagon MMA promotion. He also rejected an offer from Fleury to fight at 93 kg.

Murodov is set to face Czech fighter Patrick Kinsl at the Octagon 72 tournament on June 14. The 35-year-old Murodov holds a record of 28 wins and 8 losses, while Kinsl stands at 28 wins and 11 losses.

Husniddin Alikulov Named to Turkish Super League Team of the Week

Husniddin Alikulov, defender for Uzbekistan's national team and Rizespor, has been named to the Team of the Week for the 34th round of the Turkish Super League by Sofascore.

Alikulov earned a 7.7 rating following Rizespor’s 2-0 victory over Gaziantep, in which he played the full match.

Rizespor currently sits in 14th place with 40 points, and Alikulov remains a key figure in the squad. His contract with the club runs until the summer of 2026.

Artikhodjaev Elected to New Sports Leadership Role

The Corporate Sports Association of Uzbekistan was officially established this week, uniting representatives from state bodies, sports organizations, and over 200 private enterprises employing 170,000 workers. Jakhongir Artikhodjaev was elected First Deputy Chairman of the association, according to UzA.

Davron Vakhobov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was elected Chairman, while Shuhrat Ergashev, head of International Beverages Tashkent LLC, was named Deputy Chairman.

The association aims to promote corporate sports, foster youth talent, and organize regular competitions among entrepreneurs.

Pakhtakor Dismisses Head Coach

Pedro Moreira, head coach of Pakhtakor Tashkent, has been dismissed following a series of poor performances, as reported by journalist Davron Fayziev.

Kamoliddin Tojiev has been appointed interim coach until a permanent replacement is named. Pakhtakor currently holds 12th place in the Uzbekistan Super League, with 9 points after 8 rounds. The team’s most recent match ended in a 2-1 loss to Surkhon.

Elsewhere in the Super League, Andijan and Shurtan also dismissed their head coaches. Alexander Khomyakov was removed from Andijan, while Anvar Berdiev parted ways with Guzar-based Shurtan.