Newbie world champion to show skilled after controversial Olympics exit

The transition from novice boxing to the skilled scene is usually a tough one – displaying the distinction in necessities in a sport the place errors develop into extra pricey. Now, top-of-the-line amateurs on the planet is making the swap to the skilled ranks, as the most recent title hopeful from a booming boxing nation.

Uzbekistan has emerged as one of many richest swimming pools for boxing expertise on the planet throughout current years, with the likes of Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Israil Madrimov showcasing how the nation has developed additional because the crowing of its first two world champions – Artur Grigorian and Ruslan Chagaev.

On the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games, Uzbekistan boasted their novice pedigree by attaining an astonishing 5 gold medals, solely two weight classes not being conquered by an Uzbek (light-weight and light-heavyweight).

Certainly one of Uzbekistan’s more than likely Olympic champions was 2023 World Champion, Ruslan Abdullaev, however the 22-year-old light-weight sensation was as an alternative knocked out within the quarter-finals by Canada’s Wyatt Sanford in one of the crucial controversial judging choices of Paris 2024.

Reasonably than dwell on his shortcomings of the summer time, Abdullaev has made the choice to maneuver to america and pursue a profession as knowledgeable within the hopes of changing into Uzbekistan’s fifth world champion, as per revered Uzbek boxing journalist, Jalol Akhmedov.