Shakhram Giyasov
The Uzbek Lightning
Bio
Shakhram Giyasov is the latest in the conveyor belt of brilliant Uzbek pros that have emerged from the dominant amateur system. Olympic silver medallist from Rio, undefeated as a pro, with a proper jab and serious power. He has been calling for a world title shot for years and finally gets it on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza.
His one weakness is rhythm-dependence — Giyasov needs three or four rounds to feel out his opponent and start landing the heavier shots. Take the rhythm away with movement and angles, and he can look ordinary. That is why Jack Catterall is such a dangerous matchup for him on the Glory In Giza undercard.
At 32, this is his window. Win the WBA welterweight title in Egypt and the door opens to bigger fights and bigger paydays. Lose to Catterall and the years of waiting were largely wasted. He has to be at his best in front of the Pyramids.