Could someone please educate an old Brit as to why this rising (stagnating) star has not faced anyone with a pulse since he turned professional over six years ago?
He was eager to win the olympic gold for his country. So he went to the olympics in 2020. He hasn't fully committed to the pros. He is going back for a second Olympic medal.
Is there a reason for this? This is a man who could make a lot of money in the pro ranks. I thought he looked like a rising star. I am stunned to hear this.
I think its the prestige of being a huge star in a small country like Uzbekistan. I saw a video on youtube a while ago where he was invited to some Uzbek talk show and received a huge reception. Winning an Olympic Gold in a small obscure country is a big big deal for the people there. Whereas UK and US win a lot of Gold medals. It makes sense why he was so eager to win the first olympic gold. So his professional career stagnated when he went to 2020 olympics. Since then his promoters have matched him poorly and i guess he is frustrated at not getting a bigger fight. So i guess going back to the Olympics will help him get some of that Uzbek prestige back again. I figure he thinks he can make money at an older age like Usyk is doing. I hope he stops the amateur stuff after the olympics, dumps his promoter and gets a promoter who will actually get him fights. He needs a British promoter - someone who can speak English and market him. He can't market himself.
It's a shame really. With the current crop mostly aging and nobody under 30 too impressive, this guy would seem to have a good chance becoming the man to beat at heavyweight.
