Two-time Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov heard the final bell for the first time in his professional career, as the heavyweight contender scored a comfortable 10-round unanimous decision against the durable Ihor Shevadzutskyi on Saturday at the Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Fighting for the first time since November 2023 and after a medal run in the Paris Summer Games last year, Jalolov (15-0, 14 KOs) dropped Shevadzutskyi (12-3, 10 KOs) but couldn't stop the burly boxer nicknamed the Hulk like he'd done with every other opponent.

However, the 30-year-old, 6-foot-7 southpaw Uzbek comfortably overcame a 46-pound weight disadvantage to outbox the Ukrainian. Jalolov was awarded scores of 100-89, 97-92, and 97-93 but appeared disappointed to have gone the distance.

A huge straight left hand from Jalolov knocked down Shevadzutskyi with under a minute to go in the third round. Once Shevadzutskyi picked himself up from the canvas, Jalolov unleashed heavy shots but couldn't further hurt him as the round ended.

Blood began to trickle from the nose of Shevadzutskyi in the fourth. Shevadzutskyi landed a big clubbing shot at the end of the seventh round that rattled Jalolov right before the sound of the bell.

Jalolov fought past the eighth round for the first time in his career to land the workmanlike win, exclusively using his left hand to fend off the forward-marching Shevadzutskyi.

Shevadzutskyi's only other losses came to Kubrat Pulev last year in a 12-round unanimous decision and to Martin Bakole via third-round stoppage in 2023.

Heading into the fight, the seven-year pro Jalolov proclaimed he was ready to challenge for a world title.