When and why you started boxing:
I started training when I was 11 years old because I wanted the girls to like me!
Favourite all-time fighter:
Muhammad Ali was an extraordinary boxer. Currently, I think Terence Crawford is exceptional.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I’ve watched a lot of great fights over the years. I like to see a struggle during a fight, like in the Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales fights, the Shane Mosley-Oscar De La Hoya fights and Terence Crawford vs Jose Benavidez Jnr.
Personal career highlight:
I don’t have a standout highlight yet, but my eighth fight, against Nadjib Mohammedi [w rsf 10 – October 2018], was important because it introduced me to a physically hard struggle in the clinches. That was a good introduction to professional boxing for me.
Toughest opponent:
Again, it’d have to be Mohammedi, simply because of the physical factor.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attributes are my discipline and strong will. I think that the worst attributes a boxer can have are laziness and arrogance, but
I don’t have these.
Training tip:
Make sure you pick the right coach.
’The worst things a boxer can be is lazy and arrogant’
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I’m happy eating anything because I know what it’s like cutting weight!
Best friends in boxing:
I’ve got lots of good friends both back home in Russia and in the US where I’m based now.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I’d like to be me, but with a world championship belt strapped around my waist.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I don’t really watch TV in the US, but I used to watch the Sherlock Holmes TV series in Russia.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d pick Leonardo DiCaprio.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I remember being in awe when I lived in Moscow for a year when I was 16.
Last time you cried:
I can’t remember the last time I cried.
Best advice received:
Rely only on yourself.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I think the worst rumour that I’ve heard about me is that I’m selfish.
Something not many people know about you:
Something not many people know about me? I’d rather show it, not say it.
