Heavyweights Sergey Kuzmin and Murad Khalidov will fight in Saint Petersburg, Russia on October 6.
The IBA Pro event will see them face off in an eight-rounder.
“I am excited for the chance to face [Sergey] Kuzmin,” said Khalidov. “He [Kuzmin] has 14 wins by knockout out of 19, but that doesn't mean anything to me - because I'm not like the opponents he faced before. I will probably be his toughest opponent in his career, without any exaggeration. Just like he will be the toughest opponent in my career.
“Does the fact that everyone expects a crushing KO from me put pressure on me? There is no pressure. I never go after a knockout, it comes naturally. If I go after it, I'll never find it. I will work in my own way.”
Kuzmin is 19-2 (14 KOs), while Khalidov is 10-0 (5 KOs) but he’s had just one fight in 15 years and has not boxed since 2014, instead competing in other disciplines owing to “legal issues.”
“I don’t know how to hype, and I don’t welcome it,” said Kuzmin in an interview with Match TV.
“It will be a professional boxing match - it’s a gentleman’s sport, and the ring will show everything. I am already training hard and getting ready. I’ll be facing a great opponent and I’m looking forward to our confrontation. I’m very glad that the fight will take place in St. Petersburg.”
IBA president Umlar Kremlev said: “We are thrilled to bring this fight to Saint Petersburg on October 6 with IBA Pro 10.
“Sergey [Kuzmin] is one of the most recognisable heavyweight boxers in Russia; from the amateur code through to professional, he is a man of pedigree, experience and quality. “Opposite him, Murad [Khalidov] is a wildcard. A dangerous man who has excelled in both gloved and bare-knuckle boxing: he is a true fighter who deserves this opportunity.”
