Umar Dzambekov returns April 14 in Commerce, California

Undefeated 175-pound prospect, Umar Dzambekov, is set to climb through the ropes for his 2nd outing of 2023. This is definitely a fighter to keep your eyes on, as the word is he is heading to the on-deck circle of big things in the not-too-distant future.

Grozny, Russia’s Dzambekov, who lives and trains in Los Angeles, will return to the ring on April 14 taking on experienced fellow-Californian Nathan Davis Sharp. The two light heavyweights will tangle at the Commerce Casino, in Commerce, California on Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions card that will be televised in the USA on UFC Fight Pass.

Dzambekov, trained by Marvin Somodio and Pepe Reilly out of Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing in Hollywood, is a fighter that manager Steve Feder is excited about. Feder, who has worked with some outstanding contenders and champions throughout his career, thinks he has another champion on his hands here.

“The House that Freddie Built” is a famed fight factory and is known the world over for the seemingly endless list of contenders and champions that have worked out of there. As a result, you’re going to have to impress to catch the eye of the staff there that have seen boxing’s very best come through the doors. Hall of Fame trainer and excellent former pro fighter Roach, former Olympian Pepe Reilly, former fighter and Roach protégé Marvin Somodio, conditioning expert Pedro Garcia, trainer Ernie Zavala who boasts a great pro resume, and the list goes on and on. They have all faced, worked with, or seen the very best of boxing on every level. 

While the Wild Card crew respect and supports every fighter that comes through their doors, you better bring the goods to really get their attention - Dzambekov has got their attention.

Dzambekov turned pro in 2021, picking up 2 wins fighting in Germany and Austria before he decided to make the move over to the USA. Some visa snags kept him idle during 2022, but once he cleared those up he reported to the sunny shores of California to continue his pro career. Umar grabbed his first win of 2023 in January, beating Hammond, Indiana’s undefeated Gary Fleming. In April he will face 4-4 Sharp, who will certainly bring some veteran experience into the ring.

While Sharp is definitely the B-side heading into the fight, he is a step for Dzambekov in terms of experience. Sharp will be comfortable looking across the ring at an undefeated prospect as he has faced 5 other fighters without a loss. While 3 were in their debut, Davis beat undefeated Keith Barry in his 3rd fight and went the distance with undefeated Texan Burly Brooks after that. 

Feder, who has been around enough good fighters to know the real thing when he sees it, is genuinely excited about Dzambekov. In previous interviews, Feder was just as pleased with his attitude and work ethic as he was with his considerable boxing skills. 

While Feder was very aware of Dzambekov’s exceptional power, speed, and good ring movement, it was also his “great attitude and determination” that the veteran manager sees as serving him well.

A highly decorated amateur, who brings a wealth of success and experience to the pros, Dzambekov should progress fairly quickly as he doesn’t need to marinate in the development stages for too long. As he heads into this second bout of 2023, look for him in the ring at least 4 times this year. 

“He is only 25 years old”, said Feder. “He is a very good fighter and presents the whole package. A very dedicated, hard worker who is very determined. He has great power, great speed, he moves well. He is going to be very tough to beat”, he said. “This is a fighter to keep your eye on”.