The Sydney based Southpaw, who grew up in Mount Druitt, showed signs of real class in a very close contest, counter punching and getting the better of the inside exchanges early on. 

Jalidov is a man with an interesting heritage. At nine, he left Russia as a refugee with his brother and mother and eventually settled in Spain through the help of the Red Cross. 

His career has been hampered by broken hands which have required multiple surgeries. Today, he started well in an intriguing first round which saw him on top by the narrowest of margins. 

The judges were split, with Jalidov ahead on three cards but the Australian up on the other two. The second round saw the Australian taking control. Superb countering and great inside work to the body saw Aokuso begin to dominate. 

The Australian was given round two by all five judges, which meant he had his nose just in front ging into the final round. What a round it was. 

Aokuso, appeared to have the advantage in speed and athleticism but the Spaniard lifted his work-rate and delivered his most telling blow with a straight right that momentarily rocked the Australian. 

Superior work rate in the final round was the difference by the narrowest of margins. In a split decision Jalidov won his way through to the quarter finals.  

Jalidov Gafurova, a man proud of his Polynesian heritage who fights in honour of his family. 

“My mum and dad inspire me every day, they have worked so hard to put a roof over our heads they have done everything they can to support us,” he said. 

Paulo’s brother Austin recently turned pro with a first up KO victory ‘I was thinking I want to turn pro one day, but being here in the village, seeing all these great athletes, it makes me want to stay amateur, to be like them.”  

Aokuso will fight Spaniard Gazi Jalidov. Should the Australian win his likely quarter final opponent the world’s number one ranked light heavyweight, Kazakstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov who beat the Australian just last year.