A month from the biggest fight of his life Alexander Frankel 22-0(17) took time out from training to share some thoughts with 15rounds.com. Frankel 25, will be challenging Enzo Maccarinelli for the European Title on 18 September in Birmingham, England. It’s a marked step up in quality for Frankel but one he’s confident he can succeed in. So far Frankel has engaged in only 74 pro rounds thought that’s in part to his power which see’s him boast a 77% KO ratio. Originally from Kirovograd in the Ukraine he moved to Germany from where he now fights and is rated in the top 10 by all four governing bodies WBC 7, WBA 4, IBF 6 & WBO 10.
Hello Alexander, welcome to 15rounds.com
Hi, it´s a pleasure for me.
Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Enzo Maccarinelli for his European title on 18 September in Birmingham. What are your thoughts on this fight?
Alexander Frenkel – I hope, we´ll see a fair fight. Both fighters should be in a amazing shape. The better one will win.
Anson Wainwright – Do you have any concerns in having to fight away from home? This fight is scheduled for 12 rounds you’ve only been 8 so far, is this a concern to you?
Alexander Frenkel – You are right, I have never fought this distance. But when I fought for the IBF Youth title the fight was scheduled for 12 rounds. But I feel good and I´m happy to fight in England. I hope I´ll feel good abroad. It isn´t an easy job, it´s a challenge for me. But it´s a level, I have looked for.
Anson Wainwright – What do you consider Maccarinelli’s strengths & weaknesses?
Alexander Frenkel – Enzo Maccarinelli has got my respect. He is the European Champion and a former World Champion. He came back with a great victory against Alexander Kotlobay. He is brave, I hope I can show in the ring, that he is not able to avoid all his faults.
Anson Wainwright – What do you consider your strengths & what do you think you may need to work on?
Alexander Frenkel – My strengths are also my weaknesses. So I don´t like to talk about it. But there is one thing, I can tell you. I don´t like to get punched!
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about training for this fight. Where will you base yourself, for how long and what will a typical day of training be?
Alexander Frenkel – We are training two times a day, from Monday to Friday. I also train on the weekend. I work on my faults and try to become better every time.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?
Alexander Frenkel – I really have brilliant options and possibilities in our gym, it´s the Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin. I have got a great team. I´m very grateful for it, because they help my in a lot of things – also outside the ring. Often things seem to be peanuts, but all in all it´s a lot. My manager is Wilfried Sauerland. My trainer is Ulli Wegner. I´m fighting for Sauerland Event.
Anson Wainwright – Your originally from The Ukraine, what can you tell us about your younger days and how life was for you growing up in Kirovograd? Also how did you first get into Boxing?
Alexander Frenkel – To be a kid in Kirovograd was really interesting. It was a fantastic time with a lot of small adventures – I climbed on trees, visited a lot of sees and swam. I had a lot of friends. That was really great. Then, when I was seven years old, I started boxing.
Anson Wainwright – Did you have a good amateur career? Can you tell us what tournaments you entered and how you did?
Alexander Frenkel: I had about 60 amateur fights. I feel, that I have got enough experience. When I was an amateur, all what could happen, happened. I fought on different levels in different conditions. It was enough to be ready for my professional career.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you like to do away from Boxing? What your interests and hobbies are?
Alexander Frenkel – I´m a normal guy. I also try to work on my personality and my character. And I want to discover the world.
Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?
Alexander Frenkel – Of course I want to become world champion.
Anson Wainwright – Who were your favourite fighters when you were young and who do you admire today?
Alexander Frenkel – Oh, I had a lot of favourite fighters when I was young. But Muhammad Ali was the most impressive person for me. Today I like Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Enzo Maccarinelli?
Alexander Frenkel – I wish him all the best. I hope we can eat a pizza together after the fight.
Best Wishes and thanks for your time Alexander.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
