Uzbek boxer Javohir Ummataliev is at a training camp in California, preparing for his next professional fight. In an interview with the Uzbekistan Boxing Federation, the athlete spoke about his preparation in the United States, joint training sessions with Shakur Stevenson, and a possible opponent for the September bout.
Ummataliev visited the United States for the first time and is currently based in Indio, where he continues to train and acclimatize to the new environment. His preparation is overseen by the Diaz brothers, who also work with Muradzhon Akhmadaliev and Bektemir Melikuziyev. Additionally, Ummataliev spars with a coach named Julio in Los Angeles.
According to the boxer, professional boxing in the US differs from amateur boxing primarily in its approach to training. He noted that professional boxing places more emphasis on power and punch quality, whereas amateur boxing focuses on speed and scoring points.
Ummataliev also announced signing a contract with the British promoter Queensberry Promotions. He mentioned that the company works with fighters such as Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, and Fabio Wardley, but did not disclose the terms of his agreement.
A significant part of the interview was dedicated to joint training sessions with American boxer Shakur Stevenson. Ummataliev shared that they trained together three times in Las Vegas and also sparred in Floyd Mayweather's gym. After these sessions, Stevenson pointed out errors to the Uzbek boxer and gave him advice. Ummataliev also recalled a humorous moment after sparring: he showed Stevenson a stretching exercise that the American boxer could not perform. Stevenson laughed and jokingly told him, 'You are crazy.'
Ummataliev noted that Stevenson is familiar with Uzbek boxers. Specifically, the American boxer mentioned that he had met Muradzhon Akhmadaliev at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016. According to Ummataliev, Stevenson also followed his fights, particularly noting the match against Arlen Lopez. Stevenson also offered Ummataliev the opportunity to train with him in Las Vegas anytime.
During his stay in the United States, Ummataliev visited the UFC headquarters in Las Vegas, where he met several organization champions. He also observed that Rakhmatillo Boimatov recently signed a contract with Zuffa Boxing and was undergoing evaluation at a UFC facility.
Ummataliev's opponent for the September fight has not yet been determined, but the boxer expects this issue to be resolved within the next one or two weeks. Ummataliev also discussed the name he uses in professional boxing. He explained that his first and last names are difficult to pronounce in the United States, so he currently goes by 'Javlo'. Although he does not have an official nickname yet, he hopes fans will eventually know him by his surname Ummataliev.