Murad Khalidov, after defeating Sergey Kuzmin, challenged Bakhodir Jalolov

Russian boxer Murad Khalidov said that he would like to fight two-time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov from Uzbekistan.

On Monday in St. Petersburg, in the main fight of the Betsity IBA.PRO 10 tournament, Khalidov knocked out compatriot Sergei Kuzmin in the seventh round. Both Kuzmin and Jalolov are assisted in the training camp by Dmitry Bivol’s coach Gennady Mashyanov.

— Sergey Kuzmin is a strong guy. He missed, but still went forward. I thought: “What’s going on?” I give him credit, his courage, his resilience. It was a tough fight, my head really hurt. Sergei didn’t surprise me with his technique, because I knew how he boxed, but he surprised me with his durability. He showed spirit, character, and the will to win. As for the knockout, the judge did a good job stopping it. Otherwise it could end badly.

I dedicate this victory to my wife, I promised her. I am very grateful to her, she puts up with me so much, “woos” me during preparation. Not every wife can stand it. In this fight I made a big step forward in the ratings.

By the way, Bakhodir Jalolov won in this tournament (over Vitaly Kudukhov). I want to fight Bakhodir. If he does not hold on to his zero as a lifeline in this world, then he will accept this fight. And this fight will not be easy for him. Bakhodir, I see that you are a guy with character, come on, take this fight. You and I will show a vivid confrontation. And Umar Nazarovich (Kremlev) will be interested in this fight,” the Match TV correspondent reports Khalidov’s words.

Kuzmin won 19 victories and suffered three defeats in the professional ring. Known for his bare-knuckle performances, Khalidov has 11 victories in 11 fights according to boxing rules. Jalolov has 16 wins as a pro.

Watch the IBA.PRO tournaments live on the Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.