When stranded American boxer Sydney Jackson ended up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, he set in motion a national tidal wave of passion for boxing. Bringing the sport to Uzbekistan was just the beginning.
Soon, Jackson trained the boxers and won national and international championships. International light heavyweight champion Zukhriddin Makhkamov keeps that history firmly in mind.
Currently residing in New York, he shares his passion for boxing and still wins bouts.
His career began early when, as a child, he decided to dedicate his athletic career to boxing.
In 2008, Zukhriddin took 1st place at the City Championship in Tashkent, his hometown. The young boxer won another 1st place at the National Uzbekistan Championship in Tashkent.
The next year, Zukhriddin Makhkamov took 1st at the Tournament of Kazakhstan and 2nd place at the International Kazakhstan Tournament.
In 2011, Zukhriddin was awarded the rank of Master of Sport of Uzbekistan in Boxing for his achievements in major national and international competitions.
Along with the award came membership to the Uzbekistan National Boxing Team, which only accepts the top boxers, serving as team leader from 2012 to the present.
Having succeeded as a professional boxing athlete, Zukhriddin has also been appointed as a national judge of the National Judging Committee of Uzbekistan.
For example, he judged the International Boxing Tournament dedicated to the Honored Coach of Uzbekistan, V.A. Zolotarev, and the National Uzbekistan Boxing Championship in 2017.
With so many champions coming out of Uzbekistan, Zukhriddin Makhkamov has managed to distinguish himself, first nationally, then internationally, and now in the United States, where he is coming to continue his training and further hone his skills.
This four-time champion of the Republic of Uzbekistan continues to compete, taking gold in three competitions in New York: the 2018 International Parade of Champions Tournament Boxing Tournament and the 2018 New York Boxing Tournament.
He won gold at the Ring Masters Championships Tournament in 2019. This champion won’t be stopped.
As a member of the IBA (International Boxing Association), Zukhriddin led his team, the Uzbek Tigers, to two semi-finals in prestigious WSB (World Series of Boxing) competitions.
His path to awards began in his home country in 2008. Growing from a city tournament winner to a national champion, he has accomplished multiple prize-winner status and inspires boxing athletes to compete and develop sports careers.
About the Author
Cary Nolan is a freelance writer who covers sports and entertainment. He lives in Baltimore with his wife and daughter.
