03-26-2016, 04:41 PM
Andrey Ryabinskiy: Povetkin-Wilder should unite Russians, Americans
By Przemek Garczarczyk
“I believe you cannot mix politics and sports. Athletic opposition is an honorable thing. Sports must unite rather than divide people. So if two fighters are in opposition this is their athletic conflict, but all of the fans of this sport having seen a great fight will unite, both Russians and Americans,” said World of Boxing president Andriey Ryabinskiy talking with Fightnews.com® about the pcoming (May 21, Moscow) World Boxing Council heavyweight championship fight between American world titleholder Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) and mandatory challenger Alexander “Russian Knight” Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs).
Watching your social media profile pictures, the world knows that you can be a hard negotiator… and when hitting a boxing bag. Ever asked any of your fighters for advice… or maybe a light sparring session?
Yes, I can do that sometimes. Incidentally, the guys gave good advice at that. Boxing is a great thing, from the perspective of character building. Business requires perseverance and self-control, and these qualities are also developed in boxing. The ability to hold your ground and not to be afraid was also granted to me partially by boxing, when I was a youngster, since I have been a fan of boxing for a long time and still find time to train. I never had the chance to spar with guys that I have on the promotional agreements, but there is enough sparring partners in the gym where I train with a level good enough and sufficient for my level of preparation. Perhaps I will spar with my guys, why not?
Was there any doubt that you would win a purse bid? Was the winning bid amount what you expected?
No doubt at all. The amount was calculated in advance and I was happy with it.
What was a decisive factor in bringing Povetkin-Wilder to Russia? If you could mention other possible options (countries, towns) worth your consideration before deciding it will be Moscow?
I was deciding between the US and Russia. The US suits to implement this bout as a commercial project, but I am following a different purpose. First, it is important for me that Sasha is in comfortable conditions that develop him to win. Secondly, I mentioned on several occasions that my desire is to hold spectacular events in my country and it is a pleasure for me that such a great event will take place in Moscow.
You have very strong opinions about promoters, saying that You are actually opposite of what in the West in considered to be a promoter. But You are also a chairman of World of Boxing, promotional company… What’s the difference?
I am in fact very critical of the Russian promoters. In the west – promotion is a serious business that involves many high-quality, strong people that structure a correct work logic and a means to earn money for themselves and for the athletes. In Russia, the situation is different: there is a lot of indecency and primitive desire to make a living off the athletes. Of course, there are examples of adequate, professional people, but they are few. Unfortunately, in Russia the culture of this business is not yet at that development level. Business on which I make money is not related to boxing. The business that brings me money is related to construction, I am an owner of a civil development company. Promotion center “World of Boxing” was created in order to help the Russian athletes develop and in order to promote boxing. Therefore, coming back to my personal assessment of promoters, I am referring to the Russian market.
When we spoke in Kazan, You mentioned that you always speak with your fighters, telling them that just winning is not enough. They have to be spectacular, entertaining in the ring – even if it means taking more risks. Will You have the same discussion with Povetkin?
I would not necessarily say so. We discuss tactics and strategy with the fighters, and of course entertainment is an important part of the victory, but the strategy in getting the win still dominates.
Both Povetkin and Wilder are very patriotic fighters – fighting for themselves and the country. Do you consider this WBC title fight a Russia vs. USA battle or sport should not be mixed with politics?
I believe you cannot mix politics and sports. Athletic opposition is an honorable thing. Sports must unite rather than divide people. So if two fighters are in opposition this is their athletic conflict, but all of the fans of this sport, having seen a great fight will unite both Russians and Americans.
Last round, last question: Deontay’s manager mentioned that he expects full VADA testing for both Wilder and Alexander – what’s your answer?
We like the idea. We are absolutely supporting the implementation of serious doping control for both athletes. This is in the interests of both parties, absolutely. The only thing – who, how, where and when will be collecting these tests, at this time – that is a matter of negotiations.
By Przemek Garczarczyk
“I believe you cannot mix politics and sports. Athletic opposition is an honorable thing. Sports must unite rather than divide people. So if two fighters are in opposition this is their athletic conflict, but all of the fans of this sport having seen a great fight will unite, both Russians and Americans,” said World of Boxing president Andriey Ryabinskiy talking with Fightnews.com® about the pcoming (May 21, Moscow) World Boxing Council heavyweight championship fight between American world titleholder Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) and mandatory challenger Alexander “Russian Knight” Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs).
Watching your social media profile pictures, the world knows that you can be a hard negotiator… and when hitting a boxing bag. Ever asked any of your fighters for advice… or maybe a light sparring session?
Yes, I can do that sometimes. Incidentally, the guys gave good advice at that. Boxing is a great thing, from the perspective of character building. Business requires perseverance and self-control, and these qualities are also developed in boxing. The ability to hold your ground and not to be afraid was also granted to me partially by boxing, when I was a youngster, since I have been a fan of boxing for a long time and still find time to train. I never had the chance to spar with guys that I have on the promotional agreements, but there is enough sparring partners in the gym where I train with a level good enough and sufficient for my level of preparation. Perhaps I will spar with my guys, why not?
Was there any doubt that you would win a purse bid? Was the winning bid amount what you expected?
No doubt at all. The amount was calculated in advance and I was happy with it.
What was a decisive factor in bringing Povetkin-Wilder to Russia? If you could mention other possible options (countries, towns) worth your consideration before deciding it will be Moscow?
I was deciding between the US and Russia. The US suits to implement this bout as a commercial project, but I am following a different purpose. First, it is important for me that Sasha is in comfortable conditions that develop him to win. Secondly, I mentioned on several occasions that my desire is to hold spectacular events in my country and it is a pleasure for me that such a great event will take place in Moscow.
You have very strong opinions about promoters, saying that You are actually opposite of what in the West in considered to be a promoter. But You are also a chairman of World of Boxing, promotional company… What’s the difference?
I am in fact very critical of the Russian promoters. In the west – promotion is a serious business that involves many high-quality, strong people that structure a correct work logic and a means to earn money for themselves and for the athletes. In Russia, the situation is different: there is a lot of indecency and primitive desire to make a living off the athletes. Of course, there are examples of adequate, professional people, but they are few. Unfortunately, in Russia the culture of this business is not yet at that development level. Business on which I make money is not related to boxing. The business that brings me money is related to construction, I am an owner of a civil development company. Promotion center “World of Boxing” was created in order to help the Russian athletes develop and in order to promote boxing. Therefore, coming back to my personal assessment of promoters, I am referring to the Russian market.
When we spoke in Kazan, You mentioned that you always speak with your fighters, telling them that just winning is not enough. They have to be spectacular, entertaining in the ring – even if it means taking more risks. Will You have the same discussion with Povetkin?
I would not necessarily say so. We discuss tactics and strategy with the fighters, and of course entertainment is an important part of the victory, but the strategy in getting the win still dominates.
Both Povetkin and Wilder are very patriotic fighters – fighting for themselves and the country. Do you consider this WBC title fight a Russia vs. USA battle or sport should not be mixed with politics?
I believe you cannot mix politics and sports. Athletic opposition is an honorable thing. Sports must unite rather than divide people. So if two fighters are in opposition this is their athletic conflict, but all of the fans of this sport, having seen a great fight will unite both Russians and Americans.
Last round, last question: Deontay’s manager mentioned that he expects full VADA testing for both Wilder and Alexander – what’s your answer?
We like the idea. We are absolutely supporting the implementation of serious doping control for both athletes. This is in the interests of both parties, absolutely. The only thing – who, how, where and when will be collecting these tests, at this time – that is a matter of negotiations.