From September 7 to September 21, the 20th World Boxing Championship is being held in Yekaterinburg. The winner of the Universiade of 2013 and the bronze medalist of the Olympics in London, Andrei Zamkova, were appointed captain of the Russian national team. One of the most experienced domestic amateur boxers spoke about the preparation process, and also shared his expectations from the upcoming competitions.
- You ended up in the main team of the Russian national team for the World Cup and were appointed its captain. Have you fallen a stone from your soul or, conversely, do you feel increased responsibility?
- The responsibility has increased, and it’s impossible to relax - we were warned that the second squad would be ready if someone came to the beginning of the championship not in proper form. You can get sick, and no one is safe from injuries. Only those who would be better prepared at a certain point were supposed to get to the home championship. Our goal is first place in the team event. But we hope that the last training camp in Zlatoust went smoothly, and we will show everyone the class of Russian boxing and achieve the desired result.
- How do the captain and the most experienced fighter conduct educational work with young people?
- Of course, now you have to take on them - both support and push. I will try to cope and benefit in a new role.
- Was the last weeks difficult before the announcement of the squad?
- Honestly, I did not experience psychological pressure. Yes, everyone who was here at the training camp was considered as candidates for participation in the World Cup, but this is a normal situation. But to show high results and their maximum capabilities against the background of severe physical fatigue does not always work. And this already provokes nervousness.
- Russia for the first time in recent history takes the championship of the planet in boxing. How do you feel about this? Is there additional motivation?
- Of course, because of this, I would like to take a direct part in this boxing festival, prove my worth and show myself. That is what we worked with with the coaching staff.
- In your opinion , is the home championship, as well as the holding of title fights in Russia, contributing to the growing popularity of boxing in the country? Indeed, at the moment, most still prefer mixed martial arts, UFC tournaments.
- Maybe mixed martial arts are more popular, but boxing is on the rise. Of course, the primacy of the planet in Yekaterinburg will help a lot, this is a big step in the development of our sport.
- Have you ever thought to go to MMA?
- I would have answered in the negative before, but life is such an interesting thing that it’s difficult to think ahead. It's no secret that many are attracted to large contracts, numbers with six zeros - who can refuse this when they offer it?
- The head of the Boxing Federation of Russia Umar Kremlev insists on the wording “Olympic”, and not “amateur” boxing. Is it just as important for you?
- For me, both terms sound the same. The word "amateur" does not hurt me, this term exists so as not to be confused with professional sports. But if Umar Nazarovich insists, we will be Olympians (u is laughing ).
- How did the team react to the tragedy that happened with Maxim Dadashev?
- None of the guys have yet moved away from the shock. She is still terrified of cold sweat - after all, you will not wish such an enemy.
- In your opinion, could such a development of events have been avoided?
- As in any disaster, many factors played a role. Maxim’s wife Elizabeth Apushkina said that he worked hard, not sparing himself, the judge could stop the fight earlier, the stretchers were brought up with a delay, they didn’t put ice over their heads - it's hard to judge what became a critical point. And we all understand that no one is safe from this.
- Would you allow your coach to throw a towel in the Olympics finals?
“No, I would never agree to that.” If we reach the finals, then let them not win the battle, but with honor to lead it to the end.