Russian fighter Anatoly Tokov said he was upset by the postponement of the fight Magomed Ismailov .
Ismailov and Tokov were scheduled to face each other on March 9 at the ACA 172 tournament in Moscow, dedicated to the league’s 10th anniversary. 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. On Wednesday, a press conference was held in Moscow ahead of the ACA 172 tournament, during which Tokov wore a black tuxedo.
– I feel good now. And the tuxedo… You can’t raise your arms or walk properly with your feet.
— When was the last time you wore a suit?
— Somewhere at the end of December during the awards ceremony.
— Did you take the initiative to come in a tuxedo?
— It was not me who took the initiative (Laughs). It came from the team. I was told to wear it yesterday.
— How did you learn that Magomed Ismailov withdrew from the fight due to injury?
— They called me from the team and said: “Tolik, Ismailov was injured. I asked him to find a replacement. But, as Alexei (Yatsenko, head of the ASA) said, the level of this struggle is serious. And it is difficult to find a worthy opponent.
— What was the first word or thought that came to your mind when you learned about Ismailov’s dismissal?
—Obscene (Laughs). How did it happen! I was so worried about him, and then I got sick myself and thought: “Damn, I’m worried about Magomed, but I almost got sick myself” (Laughs).
— Did you write or call him after this news?
– No. I know Magomed recorded the call. It’s a sport, no one is safe from such moments, ”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.
