“It will be a duel of all times”: the Kremlin about Nurmagomedov's prospects in boxing and his potential fight with Mayweather

- Habib Nurmagomedov on his social media page told about the meeting between you and the decision to hold the next fight in Moscow. How did your paths cross?

- We have long-standing friendships. First, we discussed a new sports hall, which should open in Yekaterinburg. He then inquired about my opinion on the battle with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Of course, I supported this idea. I am sure that if Habib conducts high-quality training, he will be able to win. This will be a truly historic confrontation between two undefeated fighters. In addition, a lot of attention is now riveted on boxing, and thanks to Nurmagomedov it will become even more popular.

- Who came up with the idea to hold a meeting in the many thousands of "Luzhniki"?

- So he wanted Habib. It is important for him that Father Abdulmanap was with him at such a significant moment. And we fully support him in this, because we believe that our fans should see the fight with their own eyes. I can state with complete confidence that this will not be a duel of the year, but a duel of all times. As for the "Luzhniki", then this is the place where more than 100 thousand spectators will be able to experience the real spirit of this confrontation.

- Nurmagomedov mentioned that the meeting in Moscow can break all records of TV broadcasts. Do you agree? Will there be any problems due to the big difference between time zones in the USA and Russia?

- I am absolutely sure that the whole world will be waiting for this fight. According to my calculations, about 90% of the population of the Earth will monitor its progress. The time difference will not interfere with the fans, as well as in the case of the fight between Habib and Conor, which took place in Las Vegas. Fans are aware of all its importance and will be able to adapt to it, even if you have to wake up in the middle of the night.

- What part of the organization is the Boxing Federation of Russia ready to take on if the fight does take place?

- We will do everything possible to fight was held in Moscow, we will conduct all the necessary negotiations for this. As for Mayweather, then there should be no problems with him either, since he is well acquainted with our country, he often comes here. Now he really wants, even I would say, he dreams to meet with Habib. For the final decision, we still have a couple of weeks, but everything will depend only on the desire of Nurmagomedov. That he dictates all the conditions. In turn, the federation is ready to hold a competition at the highest level.

• The Kremlin about the prospects of Nurmagomedov in a fight with Mayweather

- What do you think, according to what rules will the battle between Nurmagomedov and Mayweather take place?

- In my opinion, he should go by the rules of boxing. In this, Habib fully agrees with me.

- However, his entire career, he serves in MMA. How does a Russian act as a boxer?

- I think Habib is able to become one of the best fighters in his weight. Six months will be enough to prepare for this meeting. He is already a ready-made material for this type of martial arts. See how he successfully performed the stands in a fight with McGregor. In this regard, he should not have any problems during the transition to boxing.

- How realistic is it?

- You can see for yourself that the dialogue is already underway. If Habib confidently shows himself in a fight with Mayweather, then we will be able to continue to organize his meetings.

- What is the relationship between the UFC and the Russian Boxing Federation?

- We do not cooperate with them. In my opinion, they behave incorrectly, trying to punish Habib. In this regard, we will only be happy if he breaks the contract with the promotion and represents the domestic boxing.

- It was rumored that Mike Tyson and Anatoly Lomachenko could help Nurmagomedov in preparation for the battle. And who, in your opinion, should be in the coaching staff of Habib?

- An important point here is that Habib’s father should lead him. In my opinion, this will significantly increase the chances of Nurmagomedov to win. As for the rest, we have a lot of well-deserved coaches who can provide quality training for the fight.

- In your opinion, according to what scenario will the fight with Mayweather take place?

- I already told Habib: you should not box with an American. With him you need to arrange a real fight. I assume that Floyd will run from him around the ring, dodging blows, this is his style. He is lost when his grip. In this case, Nurmagomedov should cut the corners. In addition, Mayweather has not had a serious contender for a long time, and this can also go to the Russian’s hands.

- What is your forecast for this fight?

“If Habib presses Mayweather, he will be able to win after the fifth or sixth round.” Perhaps even a knockout. Most likely, we can talk about early victory, but if Mayweather still lasts 12 rounds, then it will be very difficult. I do not think that the fight will take place according to the same scenario as the meeting with McGregor.