Russian fighter Anatoly Tokov did not exclude his participation in the ASA 173 tournament, which will be held on March 29 in Minsk.
Magomed Ismailov and Tokov were scheduled to face each other on March 9 at the ACA 172 tournament in Moscow, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the league. On March 4, Ismailov’s representatives announced that the fighter had injured his knee and would not be able to compete. ASA founder Mairbek Khasiev said the league would try to organize this fight before the end of the year.
The fight was supposed to be a rematch after Ismailov’s early defeat in 2013 at the M-1 promotional tournament. Tokov fought three fights in the ASV (now ASA) league in 2015-2016, and since the winter of 2017 he has been competing in Bellator.
—There have been conversations with the league to organize some sort of fight in a short period of time. If America doesn’t come up with anything and gives the green light, then we could have a fight in the ASA on March 29th. I have done two training camps and I am ready to fight. We must fight.
— Will this be a new contract with the league? Because the current deal is designed for a fight with Magomed Ismailov.
– Yes, and it will also be a contract for a fight. I think so.
— Earlier, ASA Vice President Aslanbek Badaev told that you will receive compensation for the postponement of the fight.
– Yes, there will be a percentage of the fee. Everything is according to the agreement – they will pay something.
How did this postponement of the fight affect your career?
— Now my team and I are discussing our future plans. PFC/Bellator allowed us to fight in March, and then we don’t know it, because they want us to fight too. There are no specific proposals, but they said there would be information within a week. They said the tournament could take place in May. Usually we wait. I would like a rematch with Johnny Ablin.
— Do you feel like you actually moved to another league after purchasing the PFL Bellator league?
– It doesn’t exist yet. I will fight and then I will feel it. I’ll look at the atmosphere. Vadim (Nemkov) hasn’t said anything yet (laughs).
I don’t refuse to win money, but I want to win belts. I would like to have a rematch with Johnny. And if there are no good deals, why should I fly there when I can perform here. And here (at ASA) we are also fighting for the belt.
— How likely do you think your fight with Ismailov will take place this year?
– (after a pause) I don’t know (Laughs). At the moment there is no information.
— Do you fear that your revenge will never take place?
– Everything is possible. But Magomed said that in 3-4 months he would be ready. Or maybe it won’t. I repeat, I don’t know what to say,” reports the correspondent of , reporting Tokov’s words.
The ASA 172 tournament will be broadcast live on Saturday by the channel, the broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. (Moscow time). On the “Match! The broadcast of “Fighter” will begin at 3:15 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.
