By Alexey Sukachev, June 26, 2007

Russian Dmitry Kirillov is one of those, who never give up. Each time he tried to step up in class, he discovered somebody or something, not willing much to help him but rather to spoil all his efforts recklessly. A sorrowful experience was learnt for the first time in March, 2002, when Kirillov, then undefeated 20-0 youngster, suffered a bitter loss in Denmark, dropping a close decision to local hero Spend Abazi in a gutsy effort to capture European bantamweight crown.

Two years later the ‘Baby’ came down to the 115 lbs. to fight Japanese-based Korean Masamori Tokuyama for his WBC super flyweight title. Terribly unstable in the first half of the match Kirillov increased his work rate ultimately down the stretch and was one or two shots away from knocking the champion down in last rounds. However, a close unanimous decision once again separated him from the title. The tendency wasn’t broken the last May, when Kirillov showed the best boxing of his life only to be awarded with the extremely debatable split decision loss versus Nicaraguan puncher Luis Alberto Perez. “Many would call that a highway robbery”, was a verdict from the Showtime’s boxing expert Al Bernstein that night. Kirillov was one second from being crying and tearing while the crowd booed the judges’ scorecards wildly.

On June, 30, the ‘Baby’ will be given another chance to turn the Fortune back. In the main event of the “Boxing Show #2”, 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, Russian super flyweight will face Mexican veteran Ricardo Vargas (39-12-3, 13 KOs), 35, for the vacant IBF belt. Kirillov (28-3, 9 KOs), 28, does think, it’ll be the last chance to win a world crown in his career.

Kirillov arrived in Moscow on Sunday evening and in a few hours gave Fightnews his thoughts on the upcoming bout.

- Dmitry, the last time I spoke to you was in October, 2006. You were stated to face South African Vusi Malinga, but that fight has never been arranged. What were the reasons for that and what can you tell me about your career-long 14-month layoff?

- First of all, I’m extremely glad to be here in Moscow. To fight in my Motherland behind the patriotic crowd was something I had been dreaming for a whole life. And now it comes to reality here, in Moscow, the capital of my country. It’s true that I haven’t fought for ages. There were lots of opportunities for me. Malcolm Tunacao, Vusi Malinga, Mazibulele Makepula and others were mentioned as my possible foes but, unfortunately, there were talks only and no fight was set for real. I wanted to avenge my loss to Luis Perez but he was too big for that weight and I wasn’t surprised he had finally left the super flyweight division.

- And then Ricardo Vargas appeared as your possible opponent.

- Yeah, that’s it. Vargas was scheduled to fight Perez but that bout was scratched, when Nicaraguan failed to make weight. Negotiations between our camps started soon after that match was canceled. There were chances to arrange our battle in America and in Europe and I’m glad, it’s finally resolved the most suitable way. I wish to thank the Warriors Boxing for their unlimited help and support. Thanks to their efforts and the purse bid, won by them, I have another opportunity to accomplish the biggest dream of my boxing life.   

- Have you already seen Vargas’ tapes?

- Yes, of course. I have learnt something about my future opponent and I hope it’ll help me much.

- What is your opinion about Ricardo?

- I think he is a tough challenger. He is extremely experienced and has seen it all. He definitely will be no walk in the park for me. I saw a number of his fights, as I’ve already said. Once upon a time he was a huge warrior, and I don’t think he is less strong now. His collision with all-time great Johnny Tapia was a pugilistic classic.

- Based on the BoxRec profile, Vargas is a southpaw…

- That’s wrong. I have seen him there, listed incorrectly as a leftie, and that’s not true. He uses the usual orthodox stance in his fights.

- Mexican fighters are known worldwide for their brave and spirited non-stop actions in the squared ring. Is Vargas of the same type of pugilist?

- No, definitely he isn’t. He can go forward to throw punches in bunches but I’ve revealed during the tape-seeing, what an intelligent fighter he is. He can change his tactics and look aggressor, however, he prefers to box smarter then his compatriots usually do.

- Vargas is 163 cm, 35 years old and coming down in weight. For the most part of his career he has been fighting as a bantam. Don’t you think the speed is the key to defeat Mexican veteran?

- Speed is the key factor in each of my fights. But I don’t want to speak much about my future tactics now. Let it be a surprise for my opponent. I’m sure he will be negatively wowed by me inside the ring.

- Do you hope for knockout or not?

- I’m not a puncher, as you certainly know, and it’s hard for me to stop my foes prematurely. If it comes then it’s ok. But I’m preparing myself for an all-around hard bout that will last the whole distance. I will not go for the head as it’s pretty dangerous and not necessary. However, I’ll try to outbox Ricardo convincingly to let nobody be in doubt about the outcome of the match.

- How has been your preparation for the Vargas fight going?

- It was great. I have been training with Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym in California for a long time. Freddie is a great coach and I’ve gained much from him. There were lots of qualitative sparring partners. I stood in the same ring with different Mexicans, Filipinos and Americans, getting ready for June 30.

- Were there any problems during your training camp?

- No, thanks God, everything was ok. No injuries, no conflicts. I’m healthy, hungry and ready to go.

- Will Freddie be in your corner on Saturday night?

- Unfortunately, no. That’s bad. However, I will be assisted by well-known Russian coach Oleg Kostromin. We had been working for a long time before my American journey last year. He knows me and I know him pretty well.

- Roman Karmazin was in your corner the last time you collided with Luis Perez. You were also with him during his unsuccessful attempt to defend his IBF belt versus Cory Spinks. Will he be in your corner on June 30?

- No, he won’t. I don’t want to talk about him right now.

- You fought in Russian tricolor trunks versus Perez. Will you fight in the same wear this time?

- I want to. But I don’t know exactly about that right now.

- You have twice fought for major world titles but both times the result was negative, though controversial and narrow. Don’t you feel it’ll be your very last chance to capture the worldwide recognition?

- Exactly. You’re damn right! That will be my last chance to change something in my boxing life. It’s truly hard to do so but I’ll try. I wish I will fight the fight of my life on Saturday!   

P.S. It was Monday when we knew about the tragic death of honored Russian trainer Boris Ivanovich Zykanov the last week. Zykanov, only 59, was well-known for his proud work with Roman Karmazin and Dmitry Kirillov at Wild Card Gym. He will be missed much by the Russian boxing community. Fightnews.com and Fightnews.ru send their deepest condolences to Zykanov family and all friends of his.