Two-time Olympic champion and professional heavyweight prospect Bakhodir Jalolov has added further depth to the Astana, Kazakhstan’s Barys Arena show, set for April 5, that will be topped by Janibek Alimkhanuly defending his IBF and WBO middleweight belts against Anauel Ngamissengue.

Jalolov, 30, hasn’t fought in the professional ranks since November 2023 when he trounced an overmatched Chris Thompson in 70 seconds to take his record to 14-0 (14 KOs). He will return in a scheduled 10-rounder against an opponent still to be decided.

“It has been a long wait, and I look forward to my professional return in Astana,” Jalolov stated on a press release. “The goal remains the same. I want to make a statement and continue climbing the rankings. This is an important step in my career, and I am training hard to give the fans a knockout.”

The show is to be staged by Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank. Bob Arum said: “The addition of Jalolov to this makes this incredible event in Astana that much more special. Jalolov is a future heavyweight champion, and I expect him to give the fans a spectacular show.”

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Kazakhstan’s Sultan Zaurbek, 19-0 (13 KOs), will take on South African former world title challenger Azinga Fuzile, 18-2 (12 KOs).

Also on the card is: Kazakh junior welterweight contender Batyrzhan Jukembayev, 23-1 (17 KOs), who will battle Britain’s Kane Gardner (17-4, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder; featherweight Otabek Kholmatov, 12-1 (11 KOs) makes his long-awaited return against Filipino Jason Canoy Manigos, 30-12-2 (20 KOs), in an eight-rounder; and

Kazakh prospect Balaussa Muzdiman, 6-0 (5 KOs) looks to continue her undefeated start against American Rosalinda Rodriguez, 14-0 (3 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.