A boxing match between mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Magomed Ismailov and Serbian Alexander Ilic is scheduled for October 7.
This confrontation is interesting, at least because of three points. First of all, any Ismailov fight is sensational. Secondly, Ilic from an unknown fighter in 20 seconds of the August duel with Alexander Shlemenko has become quite a popular person in Russia. Thirdly, the numbers in Ismailov’s contract attract special attention – the Russian will receive 30 (!) Million rubles for this fight.
“” spoke with the organizer of this fight – the head of the promotion company Pravda Khetag Tsopanov – and asked questions that many people have. Namely: on the amount of the fee. Recall that Ismailov made his successful professional in-ring debut in February, beating Nigeria’s Olanrewaja Durodola by unanimous decision.
Also, in a conversation with Tsopanov raised the possibility of a rematch between Dmitry Kudryashov and Vagab Vagabov. They met in June and then Kudryashov won by knockout in the first round. But Vagabov has repeatedly stated his desire to see his attacker again. Last weekend, Russia’s Kuvalda lost to Soslan Asbarov by unanimous decision, and right in the ring Kudryashov hinted at the possibility of ending his career. Vagabov in a recent interview declaredthat it is too early for Kudryashov to leave – they have an unfinished story.
Even the date of a possible revenge has already been announced – December 23.
“WHY NOT SAY THAT VAGABOV AND KUDRYASHOV’S REVENGE WILL BE”
– Now Dmitry [Кудряшов] examined. He said he had back problems before the fight, Tsopanov began to communicate with . – I think we will come back to a detailed discussion very soon. I want to organize a rematch between Kudryashov and Vagabov on December 23.
Dmitry has already said that he is ready to take revenge on Soslan [Акбаровым]. If he says so, he has a reason. It is unlikely that this is because he wants to make money and lose. By the way, you know Dmitry Kudryashov as well. He has a plan. Let’s see what happens.
Until December 23, I want to fight Vagabov – Kudryashov. I think Dmitry will analyze everything and come back much stronger. It’s in our hands. We will see a heavyweight fight.
– Ie the formulation that “revenge is in development” will be correct?
“I think it will happen. Kudryashov is ready, Vagabov is ready. Now we will more or less discuss the conditions. I have a good relationship with Vagabov, and he won’t get cocky and go overboard. We are friends. I also have a great relationship with Kudryashov. Why not say that this fight will take place on December 23?
– What fees will the boxers have? Or, having announced the amount of Ismailov’s fee for the duel with Ilic, will you no longer make such a move?
— (Smiles). It hurts to disclose the fees. There are times when it pays to lean somewhere and give more, somewhere to surprise everyone. There are times when you need to save money. But at this tournament (December 23) we will not save. The December show will be the last this year. In 2022, I think we made a lot of noise.
– Don’t you regret announcing Ismailov’s fees for the duel with Ilic?
– Of course not. Anyone who comes to me, they jokingly say, “That’s so much for Ismail, and so much for me.” I know the price of Ismailov. I know he can. And if we can do it with our partners, then why not.
If a person comes along and I understand they’re overdoing it, I just won’t do that fight. And he will move on. After all, the fee depends on many nuances, each of which you need to talk about separately. Pravda has never offended anyone with charges. I don’t think it will hurt anymore. There was a case with a fee, but we closed it. And we are on very good terms with this man.
– One of the most popular questions after the announcement of Ismailov’s fees – do you think you are paying too much Magomed, thus driving the market down? After all, he can’t fight for less money.
– It’s his right. Other promoters said he was willing to fight for less. Let’s experiment for fun – see if he will play for less money after us. Maybe we have a plan so that Ismailov doesn’t fight cheaper anywhere.
“I might bet on ILIC. NO KIDDING”
– Let’s return to the figure of Kudryashov. We spoke to you at the very beginning of September, and you said that after emotions calmed down, you became an opponent of the meeting between Kudryashov and Asbarov. Although the fighters had a duel of views precisely within the framework of your promotion. After what you saw in the duel, did you change your mind that the duel was not interesting?
“No, it hasn’t changed. I saw a very fast Asbarov.
I see his sparring, we often meet in the same gym. He trains more and I watch more (smile). I called him and said, “Exiled, I’ve never seen you in such a form, which surprised me.”
Usually it’s David and Goliath. If there had been more Soslan, there would have been exchanges between them, but here he cut corners, moved quickly on his feet, he was not to be joined. If they had the same weight, that would be amazing. And when you see a guy who is much bigger and who does not follow his opponent, it pushes less hard.
But the organizers succeeded. This fight drew attention. Mine included. I was worried because they weren’t strangers to me who were boxing. And when Kudryashov’s fist flew over the naked Asbarov, I already ducked – I knew what Kudryashov could do.
– You made an allegorical comparison of the meeting between Kudryashov and Asbarov. And how to characterize the confrontation between Ismailov and Ilyich? The fighters at the press conference jostled each other. I think it was part of the show.
“I don’t understand how they suddenly jumped.
I don’t understand why Ismailov is so confident in himself. Ilic has already surprised us, Shlemenko has won. I think it may surprise here too. I think we expect a competitive battle in any case. Everyone is sure that Ismailov will win, but honestly, I’m not sure. And it’s not because I’m trying to make this fight more interesting. It’s just that the situation itself is intriguing – will Ismailov avenge Shlemenko.
– Good. Are you ready to bet on Ilic?
– Maybe I’ll put it on. No kidding. I think it’s a normal relationship.
– Ismailov is against bookmakers and does not like his name to be next to them.
– So I bet on Ilic (laughs). And his name won’t be there.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
