Come September 29 all eyes will be on Hamburg, Germany, as three title
fights will top the bill at Alsterdorfer Sporthalle. Light Middleweight Jack
Culcay is going to defend his WBA Intercontinental Championship against Mark
Thompson and WBA World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin will be
trying to fend off the bid of mandatory challenger and former WBC and IBF
Champion Hasim Rahman. But another heavyweight bout could steal the show,
when Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Ustinov collide not only for the European
and the IBF International Championship but also the number one spot in the
IBF rankings. So the winner will come closer to challenge current World
Champion Wladimir Klitschko in the not too distant future. In the following
interview, the heavyweight colossus Ustinov talks about his chances of
beating Pulev and earning this coveted position.
Alexander Ustinov, On September 29, you will challenge Kubrat Pulev for the
European and IBF International Heavyweight Championship. How is your
preparation going?
Alexander Ustinov: Everything is going well. I am currently in the final
moments of my sparring, so on the day of the fight I will be in tip-top
shape and ready to win!
What do you expect from Pulev and how are you going to deal with it?
Alexander Ustinov: We are both experienced professionals and know the boxing
business pretty good. Kubrat will enter the ring to win just like me! It is
going to be a great fight!
You have won 21 of your 27 fights by knockout – Pulev 8 out of 16. Would you
say that you are the bigger puncher and that his power is not as much of a
concern to you?
Alexander Ustinov: I do not consider myself just as a big puncher. I just do
my job inside the ring. However, if there is a possibility to finish the
combat in the early rounds – then why not? I will take the chance!
You are currently fighting for K2, the banner of the Klitschko brothers.
Have you actually sparred with them and if so, what have you learned by
sparring them?
Alexander Ustinov: I have helped Vitali twice to prepare for a fight and it
was always a great experience for me. After that, I have realised one very
simple but very important thing: If you want to be the best, then you have
to deal with the best! I am proud of being able to help Vitali.
The fight against Pulev is not only for the European Championship but also
for the number one spot in the IBF world rankings. Therefore, if you should
be able to beat Pulev, your next opponent could be Wladimir Klitschko. Are
you thinking about that?
Alexander Ustinov: The Klitschko Brothers are currently the heavyweight
kings. Everybody wants to face them, but not everybody has the chance to get
into the ring with them. Well, if I should get that opportunity I will be
very happy.
Tickets for the big event can be purchased online at www.eventim.de and
www.boxen.com.
