- Nikolai’s next voluntarily elected rival is a boxer, of course, not a top level. What guided you when choosing?
“In vain do you doubt McCline.” This is a very good boxer. Powerful, with a strong blow. In addition, he is not as inferior to Kolya in height and weight, as previous rivals. Therefore, the battle should turn out very spectacular. We sorted out all the mistakes of the previous match with Barrett. And in January you will see the new Valuev. It's time to stop talking about the fact that he is boxing sluggishly and bored.
- What kind of mistakes are you talking about?
- I’ll name the main one: Kolya started attacking and using corona attacks very late. He was waiting for something. This time it will not be. I promise that Valuev will fight very beautifully.
- How will the preparations for the battle go?
- December 28, we are leaving St. Petersburg to Germany. And before the battle we will train only there. Kolya's injuries are no longer disturbed. Therefore, we will work according to the usual plan.
- Can the fight with McCline be part of the preparation for the mandatory defense of the championship title that Valuev will face in the fall in a duel with Ruslan Chagaev?
- We began to prepare for a meeting with Chagaev a long time ago. And it was not necessary to look for a similar opponent for voluntary defense. These are different boxers.
- Will only you continue to train with Kolya, or will someone else be involved?
“Of course, only me.” As always. Why did you ask?
- Nicholas’s managers say that he needs another coach to progress ...
- In this case, write that Valuev will not be damaged by another manager and one promoter.
- It's no secret that you are not only a trainer for Nikolai, but also a massage therapist, psychologist and just a friend. How difficult is it to combine all these qualities?
- Not very difficult. In training, we are only partners and do not think about anything other than boxing. When the lesson ends, we are friends and try not to talk about boxing. This approach helps to keep the team in the right mood. After all, I spend much more time with Kolya than with family and friends. Ready to fulfill any role for the sake of success. Kolya’s victories are mine. I feel after them realized, well done. But I am also a very demanding coach, do not let go of weaknesses. And as soon as Kolya says: “I do not want to do this. I want to relax, ”- or miss a training session, our cooperation will end.
- In between rounds, you are very emotional: shout at Nikolai, threaten reprisal if he does not win. Is this a thoughtful tactic or emotion?
- Caucasian blood flows in me. I don’t know how otherwise. Besides, I can’t see when they beat him. This makes me very angry.
- Does Nikolai adequately respond to such coaching behavior?
- Absolutely. This shakes him, he becomes much more active. If I don’t scream, Kolya may just fall asleep in the ring.
Andrey IVANTSOV