He’s already aiming for an historic second Olympic gold medal but Shakhobidin Zoirov still won’t be satisfied with glory in Tokyo.

Uzbekistan’s boxing hero signed with MTK Global and reeled off three emphatic professional wins but will return for another shot at the top prize in amateur boxing; looking to add to his gold at Rio 2016 and his 2019 World Championship gold.

While ‘Shakho’ is eager to replicate his Olympic heroics and add to his dazzling trophy cabinet, he also has long-term ambitions of emulating the great Muhammad Ali.

Zoirov told Olympic Channel: “Muhammad Ali had good technique. He moved well on his feet and always made the ring his own. I like to watch his fights. He has the same training for his hands and legs and I like to work on myself according to his methods and style.

“It’s nice to try and be like him and box like him. I can’t say for sure how long people will remember me for. There may be athletes better than me but I’d like to remembered as one remembers Ali.

“My story is that I started boxing 16 years ago. I was about 7 or 8 when I did it for the first time and at the very first tournament I participated in, I won first place.

“That win gave me the confidence to take this further and I dedicated myself to the sport. To participate at the Olympic Games is the dream of every athlete and I was delighted to go to Rio in 2016.

“My goal was then to win the title and my dream came true. Now my goal is to participate at the Olympic Games for the second time and of course to win it.

“After the victory, I did not stop but continued training. I took part in the 2019 World Championships and became world champion. I then took part in professional boxing three times and won all three fights.

“The difference between professional and amateur boxing is that amateur boxing requires more technical skills and more speed in strikes so it’s more difficult, in my opinion. For now, my motivation is to become a two-time Olympic champion – the first from Uzbekistan.”

Zoirov joined compatriot and close friend Hurshid Tojibaev in signing with MTK Global back in June 2018.