By Alexey Sukachev and Igor Chvartsbourg
Photos by Sergey Sinyakin (RPBF)

What had once seemed to be just another presser, covering the ‘Boxing Show #2’, turned out to be an intriguing performance with the promoters playing their roles brilliantly and with a thrilling change in the mid of the story.

The press-conference, held at ITAR-TASS building on Tverskoy Boulevard in Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday, was first dedicated to the Kirillov-Vargas super flyweight showdown. The situation, however, changed a lot during the process as it was announced that the IBF title fight against Vargas would be no go. Alexander Povetkin’s co-manager Vladimir Hrunov, who attended the presser, took control of the scene by announcing the arrival of Carl King and Henry Akinwande and by getting the tribune in order to continue the pre-match show in the most exciting way.

PART ONE. KIRILLOV-VARGAS SWITCH OFF.

Taking their parts in the initial half of the presser were: Dmitry Kirillov, Kirillov’s promoter and the Seminole Warriors Boxing executive director Leon Margules, matchmaker Stepan Lendiel, show organizer Yuri Fedorov and the president of the Russian Professional Boxing Federation Victor Petrovich Ageev.

The Russian super flyweight contender was a bit disappointed but calm and ready to fight anybody, “I have heard that Vargas [fight] was off this night. He is said to be injured and I wish him all the best if it’s true. To tell the truth, that’s a bad surprise for me. It’ll be a huge disappointment if the title status of the coming fight versus an unknown opponent isn’t saved. However, I strongly believe that my managers and the respected promoters of the event will make a deal with a late replacement”.

“I have to burn one more kilogram (2.5 pounds) to make the weight successfully. No doubt that I’ll accomplish this issue properly, as I have done the same thing my whole life. My usual weight between fights is about 133-135 pounds. As for the opponent, it’s always difficult to adapt your style to a guy; you have never even looked at. It’s not the first time my bout is scratched for some mysterious reasons. I was scheduled to fight two more 115 lbs contenders before in America and both fights fell apart. This is not all about the sudden changes. For example, Vargas was listed as a southpaw earlier and then it was suddenly discovered that he was boxing in an orthodox stance. However, I’m ready to fight anybody and I’m going to win the title on Saturday night anyway”.

“My condition is excellent”, continued Kirillov. “I’ve been training in the Wild Card Gym under Freddie’s [Roach] guidance and with the likes of Gerry Penalosa and Jose Navarro.”

* * *

“We have recently received a letter from the IBF telling us that Mr. Vargas can’t fight due to a hand injury”, said Stepan Lendiel. “While we have no intentions to disrespect the Mexican warrior as he had presented all the necessary medical documents, it’s truly sad that he had to withdraw from the fight. We’ll investigate this situation carefully in order to give it our estimation. Right now, we are searching for a late replacement. We want to save the title status of the fight as we appreciate what Dmitry has done for our boxing. There are several opportunities to replace Vargas; however, the fighters are only available for the belt clash if they are listed in the top-15 of the IBF rankings. We are currently waiting for the IBF approval in this case”.

The fighter was also supported by Leon Margules, who addressed the audience his hopes about the upcoming match, and by Yuri Fedorov, who said about the importance of the event scheduled. After the first part of the presser had been finished, Kirillov was mobbed wildly by the Russian media, while the other participants continued their verbal discussions and conversations.

KING, HRUNOV PUT THE OPPONENTS ON BLAST!

While the main event is in danger of being cancelled at all, the co-featured bout of the evening between WBC#10, IBF #13 Russian heavyweight hope Alexander Povetkin and tough American cookie Larry Donald is ready to fill the vacancy and to become the only central fight of the show. The match was hyped greatly yesterday by the foes' managers Carl King and Vladimir Hrunov.

But before taking the scene, Vladimir Hrunov was glad to introduce the former WBO heavyweight champion Henry Akinwande and his old rival and good buddy Alexander Zolkin.

“It’s a pleasure for me to let you, friends, know such a great fighter and such a pleasant person as Henry”, started Hrunov. “Akinwande has helped us so much during our preparation for the Donald fight. His fighting experience is incredible and he gave Alexander a good share of valuable lessons. He will fight in the undercard of the “Boxing Show #2” and I wish him all the best on Saturday”.

“First of all, I’m for the first time in Russia and I’m hugely impressed with your country," expressed Akinwande. "It’s wonderful. I’m also very glad to help Alexander in his training work. He is pretty much like my future opponent Oleg Platov: not the biggest heavyweight but definitely one of the most dangerous in the mix. I think he will capture the world title in six months or a bit longer.”

About his motivation: “I’m 41-year old but I’m not a veteran bum, who is working as a stepping-stone for young guns. The sweet science is still in my blood and I feel its rabid flux. I fight not for the money but to regain my world title. I still believe I’m capable of doing this.”

* * *

Once pretty quiet, the presser turned out to be a boiling, flamboyant performance right after Carl King was given a word. “I’m so happy to visit your wonderful country! I came here with the peace, don’t get me wrong! I think Russians will show us their famous hospitality and Larry will do the same by mercifully stopping Alexander Povetkin early enough not to make him injured. That’s a huge test for Alexander and he definitely isn’t going to pass it. After only twelve fights in his career, he is too green and young to do anything with such a masterful boxer as Donald. I hope Vlad will remain my friend following the Saturday night even being in the bad mood because it’s nothing personal between me and him and Alex. That’s just boxing itself. It’s nothing personal. I came in peace (laughs, makes the victory sign). Don’t be mad about me. It’s nothing personal.”

* * *

“Our hospitality will be shown everywhere, except for the ring. Carl can talk the talk but the situation is a little bit more complicated than he thinks,” said Hrunov in return. “Mr. King can’t help but agree that all four heavyweight titles do belong to the fighters from the former USSR. In my opinion there’s only one legitimate explanation for that: the poles of world boxing are making a long way towards the republics of the former USSR nowadays. It’s really interesting how Carl is going to explain all that.”

* * *

“Na-ah, that’s it! Russia is a wonderful country, Russians is a great nation, and your fighters are exceptional. When the Iron Curtain passed, Russians became free to travel and to take part in abroad activities, boxing included. They gained an opportunity to fight for the most prestigious titles in pro boxing. I must say it’s true, yes-yes, that they own all the crowns at heavyweight. Maskaev, Chagaev, Ibragimov and Klitschko - enjoy while it lasts! But remember an old proverb: easy come, easy go.

“All these Slavic champions they are really good. But remember the simple fact: We, Kings, always have the fighters under our aegis, who are capable of kicking their ass. No offense! Lamon Brewster dismissed Wladimir Klitschko a few years ago, Shannon Briggs did the same with Sergey Liakhovich, and Ray Austin defeated Sultan Ibragimov but was held to a draw. Our guys are always glad to defeat your fighters. So, I wish Alexander will be hundred percent ready for the Saturday clash because he is going to feel the heat himself!”

* * *

“He really will”, pronounced Hrunov. “I have this little paper calling card with the King’s name in Russian. I wish Carl will take it whenever he goes and show it the press, if Alex is successful on Saturday” –

* * *

“That’s no problem, Vlad. I’ll take it anywhere anyway – win or lose. That’s an honor for me”! (common laugh).

King about his Russian misspelling, “My Russian is a bit rusty now. But I definitely will improve it greatly while in Russia!” Then seriously: “Let me say this: Alexander Povetkin is a real good talented young prospect. Make no mistake about this! Lots of people in America know much about him. At least, he is an Olympic super heavyweight champion. We aren’t softies, on the other hand, as well. We’ve made this flight to Moscow over the seas and the oceans not to lose this game but to win it convincingly. However, that’s the heavyweight division, where the only shot can solve the problem”.

Hrunov about the date of the show, “That’s something special for us! Exactly one year ago we got acquainted with Yuri. That was the first step towards reforming Russian boxing into the elite sport. I’m happy to sit here with him and to talk about the fascinating future of pro boxing in our country”.

King about the possible betting $100.000 on Donald’s kayo victory, “I bet when I sign the contract. The contract is my bet and no more is needed. We only sign the deals where Kings are victorious. We don’t like to lose at all!”

Yuri Fedorov about the same suggestion, “Bring me Don and I lay my bet on Alex Povetkin! We feel that American managers and promoters don’t trust their clients. We do!”

It’s worth noting that the atmosphere at ITAR-TASS was merry and friendly. There was no bad blood between the camps but only jokes and kidding.

The “Boxing Show #2” is promoted by Yuri Fedorov Sports Lab in association with the Sauerland Event and the Seminole Warriors Boxing and with the help of Putinka Boxing Stars. The event will be held on June 30 at Olympiyski Sports Arena in Moscow.