 Vyacheslav Uzelkov |
We offer your attention interview with popular Ukrainian light heavyweight Vyacheslav «Steel Power» Uzelkov (21-0, 13 KOs). He will return to the ring on October 21st at Sport Palace in Kyiv. Undefeated WBA Inter-Continental light heavyweight champion will defend his belt in the main event of a huge boxing tournament which will be held by «K2 East Promotions», promotional company of Klitschko brothers in the capital of Ukraine.
Uzelkov will face Tomas «Jumbo» Adamek (14-1-1, 6 KOs) from Czech Republic. Alexander Krasyuk, General Manager of «K2 East Promotions» took part in our conversation with Uzelkov too.
-Vyacheslav, we know that you are a psychologist by training. How does your education help you to be equal to the situations in your life?
- Well, what do you mean by that?
-Firstly, the Spaniard Gabriel Campillo is now WBA World light heavyweight champion: he won the belt in Argentina and successfully defended it in Kazakhstan but two years ago we all did see you ruthlessly kayoed him. And at the same time you are still waiting for the title clash… Secondly, coming back to Kyiv tournament on October 21st – what do you think of the situation when you get to know your foe’s name in the upcoming bout in less than two weeks before the fight? As far as I remember this is not the first time when such things occur…
- First of all, you are quite right: this is professional boxing and very often I found out my rivals’ names at the last moment, however, I always came out of difficult situations with credit. So I can say that my education helps me. Second, I knew the date of the fight well beforehand and I got prepared. I don’t care much who I fight against – the main thing is the date in order to get 100% ready for the bout. Third, Campillo is the champ now because he was given the chance and he did not miss it. When I finally receive such a chance I will not miss it either and I will become champion too.
(Mr. Krasyuk joins the conversation): As far as Campillo is concerned I absolutely agree with Vyacheslav – Campillo used his chance for 100%: he became a world champion and then successfully defended his title in Kazakhstan against Beibut Shumenov (not many believed he would do it). Campillo and Shumenov will clash again in the rematch at the beginning of 2010. In any case Vyacheslav Uzelkov is the mandatory challenger for WBA World light heavyweight belt and he has the right to claim that belt – we shall do our best that Vyacheslav will get his chance.
-Vyacheslav, do you allow your wife to attend your bouts? And, by the way, how is your baby boy – he is five months old if I am not mistaken?
- I do not impose any bans on anything for my wife but she loves me so much that she cannot stand watching me fighting. Anything can happen in a boxing match… And our son grows fast: soon he will be five months and he resembles his father more and more.
-What is your attitude to your opponent?
- I never have anything personal against my rivals – a boxing fight is just a sports competition. I will shake hands with him after the fight and will thank him if the fight is good.
-What will be your main weapon in Adamek fight?
- My main and secret weapon is hidden in my fists.
-Do you plan to go to the USA to train there for some time like your colleague from «K2 East Promotions» Zaur Baysangurov did earlier this year?
- No, not at least in the nearest future. Here in Ukraine I have everything I need: gym, equipment, sparring partners. In case I go, let us say, to the USA it would be necessary to change my trainer but I do not want to do it.
- Next question to Alexander Krasyuk: do you plan to continue such practice as it was with Zaur Baysangurov – a kind of a business trip for your boxers to other countries for mastering?
Mr. Krasyuk: when a boxer trains for a fight he prepares not only mentally and physically but he works out his tactics too. If the opponent in the upcoming bout is an American and the bout is scheduled in the US it is worthwhile going to America and train there. However, if the rival is from the USA but the bout is scheduled in Europe it is better to invite sparring partners from the USA, those who can emulate future opponent’s style.
-Vyacheslav, just in a few days you will step into the ring. Tell us what are you doing now?
- My training schedule practically has not changed – probably I spar less and train a bit less intensive.
-It means that the closer the Adamek fight is the more you rest?
- Yes, exactly.
-Vyacheslav, thank you for this interview and we sincerely wish you to come out victorious on October 21st!
- Thanks, I promise – I’ll do my best.
Boxing video: Alexander Spirko workout
