With the 2024 Paris Olympics now concluded, here’s a look at 12 fighters who are worth watching – some of whom have already turned professional. And trust us: We aren’t overlooking Ireland’s Kellie Harrington. Arguably the best fighter in the tournament, Harrington has no plans to go pro.
Bakhodir Jalolov, Uzbekistan
Jalolov, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the super heavyweight division, carries the weight of his country’s modern Olympians-turned-professionals on his shoulders. With a 14-0 record, all by knockout, Jalolov could redefine expectations for Uzbekistan’s future amateurs. A Hall of Fame career would validate a shift, but the clock is ticking: He is already 30 years old.
Jahmal Harvey, United States
Though he didn’t medal in Paris, Harvey – possessing power, speed and technical prowess – is one of boxing’s most exciting professional prospects. Despite his style seeming more suited to the pros, he found success in the amateur ranks. His potential among the paid ranks is significant, but his social media has thus far hinted that Harvey will remain an amateur.
Teremoana Junior, Australia
Junior, an Aussie heavyweight reminiscent of a young George Foreman, made a statement by winning a round against Jalolov – a fight that some believe he even did enough to win. A massive fighter with an old-school heavyweight style, Junior leverages his size and strength to overpower opponents. His professional style is undeniable, and if he turns pro, he has the potential to contend for a title in his era.
Delicious Orie, Great Britain
Orie draws comparisons to fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, with whom he shares some physical traits and a coach (Rob McCracken, who trained AJ for 10 years). Although he may not be the next Joshua, Orie could fill the void left when the 34-year-old AJ eventually retires, potentially leading to hype and high-profile opportunities into the next decade.
Wyatt Sanford, Canada
Sanford, a lightweight known for his high punch rate, secured a bronze medal. As an action fighter with significant potential, it’s likely a major promoter will sign him. Sanford could prove to be an even better pro than he was an amateur.
Omari Jones, United States
Jones, the only American male to medal among the ill-fated 2024 U.S. Olympic boxing squad, is a welterweight with strong abilities, a compelling story and excellent interview skills. He’s balancing his boxing career with college studies, and opportunities are likely to follow.
Lewis Richardson, Great Britain
Richardson, who won a bronze medal in Paris, wasn’t initially seen as the standout for Team GB. However, given the U.K.’s deep developmental system, Richardson has the potential to grow and capture professional success.
Hasanboy Dusmatov, Uzbekistan
A 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Dusmatov repeated in the 2024 Games and is now a 6-0 professional with five knockouts. Competing in talent-rich divisions, Dusmatov could become a top-tier opponent for flyweight, junior bantamweight or bantamweight titleholders.
Oleksandr Khyzhniak, Ukraine
Khyzhniak, one of only two male Olympic gold medalists who remained in the amateurs for 2024, seeks redemption after being knocked out in the 2020 final. Though not as polished as Vasiliy Lomachenko, Khyzhniak has a high-volume punching style that could make for an entertaining professional career, akin to that of Ievgen Khytrov.
Imane Khelif, Algeria
Khelif, a notable name from the 2024 Olympics, has already made headlines and showed mettle in fighting through more than her share of scrutiny and adversity. As one of the better talents in the tournament, and already a pro, she is a fighter whom promoters would be wise to sign.
Beatriz Ferreira, Brazil
Ferreira, the IBF lightweight titleholder, returned to the Olympics in 2024 despite already holding a world title. Although she lost to Ireland’s Harrington, Ferreira has the talent to become a potential future star in women’s boxing – possibly the best from this Olympic wave.
Jajaira Gonzalez, United States
Jajaira, the sister of professional fighters Joet and Jousce Gonzalez, is a rising talent in women’s boxing. Known for her high-guard, pressure-heavy style, Gonzalez excels at overwhelming her opponents. Though Gonzalez lost in Paris to Ferreira – a seasoned pro and current professional titleholder – it was far from a damning defeat. Among the prospects in this Olympic cycle, Gonzalez stands out as one of the most intriguing, with a style built for inflicting damage.
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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