Former ASA Welterweight Champion Vitali Slipenko On , he explained why he decided to continue his career in the middleweight category, where he plans to continue performing.
Slipenko will fight in the weight category up to 84 kg at the ACA 170 tournament in Moscow on February 9 against Bulgarian Nikola Dipchikov. The Russian has 16 victories and five defeats. Previously, the fighter competed in the welterweight division and will now fight his first fight in a heavier category. In his last fight, Slipenko lost to Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov in July 2023 and lost the ACA welterweight belt. Dipchikov, 39, has 22 wins and 11 losses. The Bulgarian ranks ninth in the ACA middleweight rankings.
— The year started well, because we had a fight in February. The final stage of preparation is underway. Dipchikov is a very sophisticated drummer. I think there will be a good stand-up fight.
—Are we talking about middleweight? Is this a one-time promotion?
– Yes, average. And I plan to continue competing at middleweight. Because I started my career in this category. Then he joined the ACA as a welterweight, won the title there, then lost it. And now I have decided to move up to middleweight. As they say, get your career back.
— To what extent is this difference perceptible?
— So far, so good in terms of mood. You can spend time on your skills and preparation, not just losing weight.
— How did you recover after the last fight?
– GOOD. I already understood what mistakes I had made and a week later I started working on it. I improved the physical and technical conditions. I planned this transition, but later, at 30-31 years old. I’m 29 now, quite tall and stout. I think I’ll be interested in middleweight.
—How can we take Dipchikov?
– Everyone, it seems to me. He only has one finishing move. And if I go wisely and impose my plan, then victory will be mine.
— In 2022, you became “Fighter of the Year” in the league. Do you have a goal of returning to this position? Relaunch your career?
– Yes, I want to restart it. With a fresh breath of fresh air, make another effort and win the title.
— What will your final preparation look like? Will the nuances change?
— The nuances are linked to the opponent, he is left-handed. I will have an advantage: speed. And I increased my speed and strength qualities. During the New Year holidays I kept myself in shape, I wanted to return as quickly as possible, because that year I had only one fight. And I usually do 2-3 fights at least a year. I plan to close this year with fights, so I can’t wait,” Slipenko said on .
The main event of the tournament in Moscow will be the ACA Grand Prix semi-final between Evgeny Goncharov and Anton Vyazigin. All ASA tournaments are broadcast live on and Match! Fighter”.
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.
