STEP BY STEP TOWARDS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY
By Alexey Sukachev, July, 15, 2006
Russian professional boxing is a lot like Amazon jungles itself. A vast, unexplored land, white spot on someone’s boxing world map, full of unknown fighters, ‘wild’ managers and ‘fairy’ promoters. At least it seemed to be that impassable for the outer sight not so long ago. Not today though as it emerged a man (perhaps, that Man), who is clearly able to dispel the fog over this sphere of Russian sports by bringing a little bit order through the tons of inconsistencies and chaos.
We are talking about Nikolay Grammatikov. Yet rather young, but already widely known in Europe as a blessing sportive lawyer, founder and leader of the Russian Union of Football Players and Coaches, Grammatikov has just welcomed the Sweet Science on the board of his interests. Nevertheless, only months since being involved in Russian boxing he is far beyond the majority of doubters by becoming this man for the fighters, managers and promoters, as well as by staging several big shows with huge and intriguing cards, including top-rated Russian prospects. And it seems to be only the beginning. What will it be soon? Will any title fights become the reality in Russia in the nearest future or it’s just somewhat imagination? Which way will the Russian boxing develop in future? All these exciting questions were asked and lots of interesting answers were given, when Nikolay Grammatikov had found a free time in his schedule to share his thoughts about the current state of the boxing in Russia with Yours truly.
There was no need in starting the conversation. As soon as the speakerphone was on, our dialogue slowly, but unavoidably tended towards the monologue of Nikolai Vladimirovich, rarely interrupted by guiding questions.
“BEING THE PROMOTER OF PROMOTERS”
- Lots of rumors are held currently about various wonders, you will bring into Russian boxing. There are people who call you a ‘promoter’; others prefer to use such definition as ‘manager’, while the others think of you as of a ‘coordinator’. Which term is the most exact?
- Actually, none of three. It’s better to treat me as an ‘adviser’. Manager’s goal is to lead his fighter further and further through the fights to the top ten’s of the ratings, provide him with better fees, more comfortable conditions, and bring him a title fight at last. Promoter’s story is quite different: he is to satisfy spectators with the show, provide them with thrillers and make them return for more of it.
As for me, I’m an organizer of the boxing in whole. You can call me as being the promoter of promoters if you want. My goal is to reorganize the whole structure of Russian professional boxing in order to make it work properly and to bring “civilized” rules of concurrence and stable financial regulations to this sector of Russian sports.
- You’re well-known in Russian sport. However, for a long time your interests were far from the Sweet Science. Why have you suddenly decided to turn around your priorities and participate more in boxing life?
- A lack of capitalization is the answer. Or, to cut the angles, absence of distinct rules and regulations in such interesting sphere of sportive activities. Moreover, it’s even more strange and disappointing to see that in Russia, which possesses an extreme potential for growth of new stars and future champions. While all other sports have their own rules and traditions of legal regulations for cooperation between workers, employers, and advertisers, the Sweet Science is, or it’s better to say ‘was’, to find an answer. The first guys to suffer in this case are fighters. That was the reason for us – me and my team – to contact the Federation (Russian Professional Boxing Federation) in order to get advices and to implement all our plans in practice.
We want to make all the participants to be winning sides of the process. Boxers ought to know, where their fees are coming from, their structure; that first sides to offer them are broadcasting companies and TV channels. Fighters should recognize, which sums they, their managers and promoters are pretending to, so that the (trade) Union will be able to protect their rights in case of disputes. We have established a Court of Arbitration to follow up claims, and it’s to be the final instance for all participants. That’s the only way, how we can bring order and stability to the legal field of boxing.
- You are ready to reconstruct and rebuild the whole structure of Russian prizefighting, right?
- Absolutely. Now we are able to understand that the prizefighting as every other sport can only be professional, no way amateur. Charity is a must and we shall take it ahead without any doubt. It’s also a must for us that we are to treat our veterans, injured and retired fighters with as much care as we can. They are our glorious pride, our history, we shall never deny.
However, this charity, as well as other activity, isn’t possible without donations, earnings and so on. There are investors, not the abstract dudes from somewhat jungles, but real, respective people. They need the same respective outcome for their doings. And our structure must be targeted just to show potential investors all fruitful possibilities the Sweet science can offer them. They need to know how they can raise their income and how they will be able to maximize them from the very beginning. There’s no secret what a great attention boxing attracts feels from the business interests. I’m sure, that TV bosses are already next in line to show their feelings about the prizefighting. It’s no doubt, that boxing will be broadcasted soon every week on daily basis. Remember, what I told you – LIVE!
First, we decided to create a legal basis for our future activities. Then, some protective systems for our fighters as the main players here. Third point is to establish cooperation with broadcasting companies, followed by advertisers. Fourth, having built the skeleton, we shall invite managers and promoters from the non-boxing entertainment to tell them, how it will work out. Finally, providing contract stability, reasonable regularity of the bouts we shall achieve the main goal of the overall process – our guys will be at the top of the world by filling the top tens of sanctioning bodies’ ratings and becoming champions not suddenly but as the final outcome.
Please, pay attention to the fact that almost all biggest names in boxing today, megastars – Oscar de la Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, Klitschko brothers – just to name a few – abandon their promoters and managers in order to build their careers themselves. Time, talent, skills, a bit of luck and an expert team are needed. Our goal is to create such collective so that it will be able, of course with the help from developed business structure, to help our fighters in their plans of leveling their lives up. We shall be treated as bastards unless we can bring order in our Kingdom by ourselves. That’s the key.
It’s also worth saying that we have been given a large support from our colleagues in Russia – promoters, managers, and so on. On having seen the results, the path we are walking, all of them showed some signs of interest to our program. And Russians aren’t the whole world itself. So we are trying to reach long-term agreements with Europeans promoters and businessmen. That’s not unusual as their market is much more developed as ours.
BOXING ON DAILY BASIS: EVERY OTHER FRIDAY
- In one of his recent interviews well-known Russian contender Dmitry Kirillov put the state of Russian prizefighting on blast by saying that ‘awful’ is an understatement. How did you feel about it when you had come into it?
- The level was equal to that of the market. And the market was at his lowest point in times. The thing is that the boys were able to get going even in these awful conditions. Amazing! And even more amazing it would have been, if we had supported ‘em before. Such support is the primary goal this day! And we’re talking not about the advertisers but about fans of boxing. We are in need of their support.
- Europe possesses only 20-25% of modern boxing industry. The rest is being held in USA. Do you have any plans, involving any American promoters, which dictate the rules in prizefighting today?
- Everything is good in its season. First it’s necessary to arrange things at home. And with Europe we do have an extreme advantage: Time. All the broadcasts will be live in future – time difference doesn’t allow us to make our partnership with American promoters effective. To date. The difference with Europe is only 2 hours. That’s the reason for us to overcome time’s problem while arranging contacts with European.
- But isn’t it profitable to arrange a partnership with such financial giants as HBO or Showtime?
- I can hardly speak about that in details right now. Too hard for this time, because analyzes are still to be taken. In USA the story is quite different – pay-per-view. In Europe we have Canal+ in France, two more of them in Germany, some channels in Great Britain. The only one is clear – the level of income is quite different on both: this and that side of Atlantics. Don’t you remember what all these elite fighters were doing? Correct. They were reaching agreement with TV channels alone. Now that’s working well. We’re struggling for the following system: once all these TV regulations are set, purse bids have to be held in order to define the venue, the appropriate sum of fees and so on. Dear Sirs! Please, give us your view about conditions and we shall choose the most respective. Now that is the answer, we’re eager to hear as soon as possible. I see no difficulties of principal here. The only request is not to make any leaps and do it one step followed by another.
- Well, great shows with the first-class opposition and huge undercards, you have established lately, is already a leap, isn’t it?
- Definitely. But we were aware about what a fruit we’re trying to swallow. I’m to say that it’s very important to set the level as high as it possible. We aren’t planning any stops – shall work it out maximally, God be praised! We have a great support from either sponsors or Federation – just to mention I’m not working alone.
- How are the things with Russian TV channels going?
- Pretty well at least. Starting August, the 18th, we shall open a new stage in the broadcasting of the Sweet Science. Shows, featuring the best home prospects, will be broadcasted each Friday on 23 p.m. on one of the greatest free Russian channels – TVC. Moreover, that’s up to them to show as much boxing as it can be delivered. “The First Channel”, RTR, TVC, NTV, “Sport” – all these companies will have their own boxing faces pretty soon.
- The leading ones – the “First” one, NTV, NTV+ - prefer to put their marks on the foreign boxers.
- That’s the matter of time. Russians are interested in their compatriots much bitter than in somebody else. That’s the truth – ain’t no way, how we can overcome this. Look at REN-TV. They have chosen Nikolay Valuev and Alexander Povetkin for the starters. But the foreign boxing will be on hand too; no doubt about that. Let every channel has its own face!
PICKING UP BUMS IS NOT THE WAY FOR WINNING BELTS
- It seems a lot like a pyramid to me. But there must be places on the top of this hill, secured for Russian world champions. The only possible way to win the championship is to elevate your fighters into contenders by bringing them deeply to the top ranks of alphabets – WBA, WBC, WBO, et cetera. What is the mechanism of such elevation?
- In order to get your way to the top-tens of the ratings you need to defeat somebody. Not a bum from a club somewhere in Siberia but somebody ranked highly enough. Well, at least such guy must be lured here. There are two basic paths for that: raising fees and co-management. Neither the first nor the second were ever realized in Russia. For the first time ever we shall stage a title fight for the EBU 168 lbs title on the 28th of September when David Gogiya will face the belt holder Mger Mkrtchian of Armenia. Know what? He will be taken to Moscow thanks to his fee – it’s profitable for him not to defend his title in Europe but to do the same in Russia. Once again – for the first time ever!
I’m sure that will be a thriller. No doubt about that. The main event is a sign for other promoters: that it’s not impossible to arrange partnership with their European colleagues. It’s a common thing. When you work with the marquee pugilist, known for his skill and style, it’s not unusual to unify your activities with the representatives abroad to make your guy popular worldwide. We’re already working the way I’ve just described. There’s evidence that soon it’ll be Russia to dictate the rules not only in Europe but outside it as well.
Why do our boxers feel themselves cheated and robbed abroad? Clearly because there is no interest in them there. We shall walk another way, cleaning our boxing from inside. Let our fighter lose I say but let him lose to somebody worth taking the decision. I feel shame when I see how guests being robbed here – what’s the difference I ask you. No difference. Got it. If we shall pick up bums and spoilers for our pugilists the outcome will be low, otherwise they will be able to master their skills.
Look at Alisultan Nadirbegov. He had lost his last but one bout to Ivan Gontsa. And did you see how he had come out in Toygonbayev fight? Tough as nails with guts and nuts. He was able not only to survive for eleven rounds but also could knock his dangerous foe out in the 11th round. That’s a bright example of how you must lead your boxer. I can’t stop praising Ali’s manager Andrey Petrov for not being frightened with the risk of suffering a loss in that tough challenge.
- You have mentioned before that the boxers union is under consideration.
- Well, it’s properly to say ‘was under consideration’. He has been founded already and is working now. Its problems are standard: legal treatment for boxers, assistance in choosing the managers, advisory. We have a team of lawyers who dedicates themselves for this hard but exciting activity. The final goal of union is to take part in all what is going on in Russian prizefighting today.
RUSSIAN MAYWEATHER? FANTASTIC BUT TRUE!
- Is there a chance to see a title fight somewhere in Russia anytime soon?
- Hasty climbers have sudden falls. We were offered numerous agreements by oversees promoters in the very beginning of our ‘invasion’ into Russian profibox. But as the proverb says, everything is good in its season. First we have to affect TV. I’m absolutely sure, since the New Year prizefighting will be televising live. Once done, TV bosses will be interested in title fights as sure.
We can’t say, Russian pugilists are marquee or known enough oversees. I see no chance for them in landing the title fight immediately. Only if they are fighting abroad like Valuev, Karmazin or Tzsyu. Exceptions are rare – Kirillov’s case is obvious: even the best will be misguided or held to controversial decisions.
Answering your question, if there is a chance to set a good fight with a marquee champion, we shall do all we can to stage it in Russia. Maybe even the next year is possible.
- You have already mentioned Gogiya. Is there any info about other leading Russian fighters?
- Currently we are working at setting the bouts involving Alisultan Nadirbegov and Sergey Sorokin.
- Will these fistic shows be staged in Russia?
- It’s too early to say it definitely but the chances are pretty high. It will be known soon. We hope European and various intercontinental titles will be at stake so that the advertisement will be able to affect as much fans as it possible. Not only hardcore fans though.
- It’s not unusual to see foreigners competing in such boxing-full countries as in USA, Germany, Japan or England. Lots of boxing immigrants can be seen besides hometown heroes. Is it possible to see something like that in Russia?
- I can hardly believe in this. Native fans are interested in their compatriots first. Filling the cards with them is no problem for us however only as the rivals for home fighters. But guess what? An extravaganza between two Russian pugilists is often far more thrilling than the same showdown versus doubtful foreigner.
- Can you distinguish any future world champions in Russia?
- I’m sure they do exist. The outcome considerably depends on education and on the path chosen for definite prospect. We have an outstanding boxing school, a fascinating amateur background: our coaches can create as mush boxing stars as nobody else can. Look at Roman Romanchuk. He is still amateur but his superstardom is evident.
- Russia possesses several titleholders and pretenders but they are all competing abroad. Don’t you want to return them back to Russia, do you?
- Eagerly. Unfortunately, they have agreements already signed. But we shall welcome them in Russia in any case.
- Who is the best competing Russian fighter to date on your mind?
- Grigory Drozd. I see him winning the belt pretty soon. I can’t recognize anybody – or Mormeck, or Bell, or somebody else who can defeat him. His abilities are tremendous. Unfortunately, Drozd is misguided. His record is perfect (24-0, 19 KOs). He has victories over Saul Montana and Muslim Biarslanov – former contenders; he is two time muay-thai champion of the world. His future return bout with Melkomian is a total mismatch. Drozd has already beaten him unmercifully and will do it again without any problem despite Pavel is supported either by judges or fans.
- There is a cliche that «Styles make fights». But such truism as «Styles make fighters» (at least marquee fighters) is also correct. I mean TV, fans, advertisers – they all need Gatti- or Tyson-type warriors in the ring. Those who can light up the crowd by massacre; their knees are in blood and a big smile on their faces. Are there such types in Russia and what is the most important for you: spectacle or skill?
- Both of them. Did you see the brutality between Nadirbegov and Toygonbayev? Ah?! Amazing! That seems to be one step short of Gatti-Ward thrillogy. Such events are quite rare. Such fighters are even rarer. We shall do our best to develop them and to bring a show inside the ring involving them.
- Any names?
- I don’t want to send props to anyone right now. But I’ll tell you one thing; you can call it a secret if you want. There’s a brother of one of our amateur stars. He is very young right now so he will debut only as a pro only in a month or two. But he’s a future star of Mayweather or Robinson caliber. Think I’m crazy, ah? Exaggeration? Will see it yourself pretty soon!
SHOWS PROMOTED BY NIKOLAY GRAMMATIKOV IN 2006
1. Date: April, 26th.
Venue: Forum-Hall, Russia.
Number of boats: 6
Rounds scheduled: 46
Notables: Nikolay Popov, Nuri Seferi, Alexander Hrulev, Kuvanych Toygonbayev, David Gogiya.
Titles: WBO Asia Pacific (200 lbs).
2. Date: May, 31th.
Venue: Forum-Hall, Moscow.
Number of boats: 6
Rounds scheduled: 42
Notables: Kuvanych Toygonbayev, Alisultan Nadirbegov, Sergey Sorokin, Joel Sebastyan Mayo, Andrey Fedosov.
Titles: WBO Asia Pacific (154 lbs).
3. Date: July, 13th.
Venue: Forum-Hall, Moscow.
Number of boats: 6
Rounds scheduled: 62
Notables: Andrey Fedosov, Marat Mazimbaev, Alaxey Varakin, Alisher Rahimov.
Titles: WBO Intercontinental (115 lbs), IBA (115 lbs), WBO Asia Pacific (140 lbs), GBU (200+ and 130 lbs), Russian (200+ lbs).