Russian heavyweight Sergei Kuzmin said in an interview with that he was ready to perform bare-knuckled, provided that in this discipline they paid more than in professional boxing.
The 36-year-old Russian heavyweight Kuzmin has 18 wins (13 by KO) with two losses coming in 2019 (from Michael Hunter) and 2020 (from Martin Bakole). After these two consecutive failures, Kuzmin achieved three victories. And on July 20 in St. Petersburg, one of the heavyweight leaders in Russia will enter the ring against the Mexican German Garcia Montes (8-5, KO 8).
– I was already in the top 15 of the heavyweight rankings. I’ve already looked at what’s going on. After losing, my career restarted. But now there are some limitations. For example, I can’t go to the United States. They were due to stage a fight in the United Arab Emirates in early June. I have waited and prepared for this date. And then again, the main battle failed and the show was covered. In general, I accept the fights that are offered to me. But I’m not getting into pop MMA because I have a different fight format. I don’t want to say if it’s good or not (speaking of pop MMA). It’s their business. God took it away from me. I already had my bare-knuckle fights at the age of 16-17. Yes, I fought in the street and I know what it’s worth. It’s not interesting to me right now. I know my worth. And I know that I have not only become an honored master of the sport. I have enough skills and health to at least become world champion.
In the current situation, there are constantly factors that hinder a career. I had three fights in three years. It is very difficult for a professional athlete. Also, remember that there is a family and children who need to be fed. Without support… Many were left without fights. And where to go to work?.. Among taxi drivers and security guards?! What other areas are people in the martial arts offered to work in?
– You pointed out that you had three fights in three years. Therefore, the question is – what do you live on?
– Well, what they give, that’s what I live for. The organizers of my fights know everything. Let’s say there are. If they gave more to the fist than in professional boxing, I would of course go and fight there. Why not? Kuzmin told .
The tournament will be broadcast live on on July 20 in St. Petersburg. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Moscow time.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
