The boxer from Uzbekistan, who will fight for the WBA belt, took part in a face-to-face

The contender vying for the World Boxing Association (WBA) championship belt, Uzbek fighter Otabek Kholmatov, engaged in a pre-fight staredown with his upcoming adversary, American boxer Raymond Ford.

Kholmatov and Ford are set to face off in a professional boxing tournament scheduled in Verona, New York, USA. The victor will be awarded the coveted WBA championship belt.

During the pre-fight ceremony, the representative from Uzbekistan shared his thoughts on the impending match.

"I'm fully prepared for the fight. Pursuing this belt has been a lifelong ambition of mine. I aim to showcase the results of my rigorous training in the ring," Kholmatov declared.

The Kholmatov-Ford bout is slated for the morning of March 3rd.

For context, Otabek Kholmatov, aged 25, has emerged victorious in all 11 of his professional boxing matches, knocking out his opponents in 10 out of 11 bouts. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Raymond Ford has competed in 14 fights, winning each one.