The recent European boxing championship, which culminated in the triumph of the Russians, not only once again made me wonder why our guys are still rare in the professional ring, but also gave reason to hope: this situation will soon change. Izvestia correspondent Andrei Ivantsov decided to introduce the most prominent members of our team, and the promoter of the Russian company Pushka Andrei Shkalikov appreciated their chances of success in professionals.
Alexey Tishchenko (weight category 60 kg). Born May 29, 1984 in Omsk. Olympic champion-2004, world champion-2005, champion of Europe-2006. The “Golden Boy” of Russian boxing for the first time really lit up at the Athens Olympics, becoming the youngest olympic champion in Russian boxing history. Even then they started talking about him as an extra-talented boxer, who in the ring prefers efficiency to the external effect. Thanks to this quality, at the age of 22, Tishchenko won all possible tournaments in amateur boxing, but did not get rid of the habit of blushing, answering the questions of some pretty journalist.
Andrei Shkalikov: Lesha is really a little shy guy, but I assure you that this will not interfere with his career. It does not matter whether in an amateur or professional ring, the main thing is how much you can beat. If suddenly shyness comes before the fight, the coaches will surely find how to shake the boxer. You can, for example, include your favorite music in the entire hall before the start of the battle. It really turns on.
Matvey Korobov (weight category 75 kg). Born on January 7, 1983 in the village of Orotukan, Magadan Region. World Champion 2005, European Champion 2006, Russian Champion 2003, 2004, 2006 Korobov at the age of 19 became the leader of the Russian national team, and indeed one of the most outstanding personalities of modern amateur boxing. None of the other participants in recent major international tournaments had such a clear advantage over their rivals like this fan of Tyson and Ali. But this guy did not start in boxing at all. The first defeat in the ring in childhood made him cry. He cried when his parents returned to Magadan, after the insistent requests of the coaches, leaving Matvey in the CSKA sport boarding school. Now Korobov is the main “puncher” (a fighter who prefers to win the fight not by points, but by knockout) of the national team.
Shkalikov: Korobov is a very interesting boxer. He once again proves that human qualities for athletes play an important role. The guy managed to find a common language in the team with almost everyone, and at the last European Championship at 23 he was unanimously elected captain of the team. In addition, as far as I have heard, he very strictly abides by the regime, and this is a most valuable quality in professional sports.
Roman Romanchuk (weight category 91 kg). Born July 3 in the Carpathians, Lviv region. Silver medalist of the 2005 World Cup and European Championship 2006. Champion of Russia 2006. Former kickboxer Romanchuk is perhaps the most spectacular fighter in modern amateur boxing, often referring to his fights as "notches." He ousted the eminent Alexander Alekseev from the team, forcing him to leave the amateurs, and he himself began to dream of professional boxing. Many promoters licked their lips, anticipating the ratings of Romanchuk’s fights, but neither the promising boxer could win gold medals at the World Championships or European Championships, casting doubt on his high solvency.
Shkalikov: I agree that Romanchuk is one of the most spectacular boxers. This in professional boxing is of course always a big plus. And believe me, it will be interesting for my colleagues, even if he does not win major tournaments in amateurs. For example, the same Mexicans do not achieve much success in their amateurs, and in professionals, due to their natural talents and sports anger, they set the heat.
Islam Timurziev (weight category over 91 kg). Born on January 9 in Nazran, Ingushetia. Champion of Europe 2006, champion of Russia 2004.
Timurziev in the most prestigious - heavyweight - weight category is predicted a career no less successful than that of Valuev or Povetkin, whom, incidentally, Islam, being the second number in the team, often won. Specialists distinguish a powerful blow and a record boxer starting speed. The only but serious obstacle is health problems. In winter, a congenital cyst of the brain was discovered in Islam, which, it seems, could be cured after several stages of treatment. However, given the professional specifics of boxing - frequent blows to the head, complications cannot be ruled out 100%.
Shkalikov: The disease of Islam really came as a shock to him and to many other people. But now there is no danger, and I do not agree with the opinion that boxing has such diseases. Many cite the example of Mohammed Ali, who is now paying for Parkinson’s disease for his vibrant career. But understand, many people who have nothing to do with boxing have the same disease.
Andrey IVANTSOV