- Recently, Russian boxer Alexander Besputin was accused of using illegal drugs. Did this news surprise you?

- Yes, of course. He commented on his fight with Rajab Butaev, I know both Alexander himself and his rival. No one expected such things to come up after the battle. As far as I understand, they are waiting for the opening of sample B, after which a decision will be made. Strange, sorry ... Such incidents do not color the sport. This should not be. At the moment, it is already known what substance got into his body, but how is incomprehensible.

- At the moment, it is not reliably clear whether Besputin actually took doping. At one time, Alexander Povetkin was mistakenly accused of using illegal drugs, but then he was acquitted. How similar are these situations?

- I would not compare them. At that moment, there was a strange excitement around Povetkin’s person, she was attracted attention from all world organizations. I do not know why. Now everything is simpler, more understandable, there is no such excitement. We will wait for the voluntary doping testing association (VADA) verdict and then draw conclusions.

  • Grigory Drozd on the accusation of Alexander Besputin in the use of prohibited drugs

- Recently, in boxing and MMA there have been cases when doping enters the body of athletes along with sports nutrition. How to avoid such cases?

- This is the direct responsibility of the boxer and his team. It should contain a doctor who understands exactly what the athlete is taking. If you are not sure, then you can conduct tests to check whether the substance is in the list of prohibited. This registry is very often updated, so this must be monitored. These are the rules of the game.

- In your opinion, does Besputin have a chance to restore his good name again?

“I don't think he lost it.” In my opinion, this is a technical point. In general, this cannot be said to be an isolated case. Many athletes often stumble on this. It is necessary to draw conclusions and move on.

- Speaking of scandals, another episode occurred in the fight between Danny Garcia and Ivan Redkach, during which the Ukrainian tried to bite his opponent. How can you evaluate this behavior?

“It's a funny story for me.” With this, it certainly will not work to win. Even Mike Tyson did not succeed. Another oddity in the history of professional boxing. No more.

- A year ago, this happened in a duel between Cash Ali and David Price. What is it - an attempt to get an opponent out of oneself or a manifestation of restraint?

- This is a loss of control over your emotions. This happens in moments of hopelessness, awareness of the hopelessness of their situation. At such moments, the athlete does not seem to understand what else he can do.

- Have you had any similar incidents in your career?

- I myself did not bite anyone, but this did not happen to me either.

- For his actions, Redkach lost his fee and received a suspension for a year. Fair punishment?

- If the regulation for such a violation of the rules establishes the appropriate punishment, then there can be no questions. Of course, using forbidden tricks is a bit ugly.

- How to deal with such manifestations of unsportsmanlike behavior?

- Such things happen. When you enter the ring, then you should be ready for 250%. As my coach said: “Grisha, if you have a seat, then it is your fault. I didn’t evade in time. ” Head or elbow attacks are also prohibited, but they must be able to predict.

- What were the most egregious manifestations of unsportsmanlike behavior during your career?

- At one time in the USA there was one story during sparring. There, people tune in to them like a real battle. Of course, you are boxing in a helmet, but you are striking at full strength. They deliberately beat me in the groin several times, but I severely punished for it.

  • Grigory Drozd about unsportsmanlike behavior in the ring

- Returning to sporting events, tell us what kind of fights you would be interested to see in 2020?

- I would like to see the battle between Dmitry Bivol and Arthur Beterbiev. In my opinion, he has every chance to take place. In addition, the confrontation between Alexander Usyk and Anthony Joshua is interesting, but I do not think that it will happen in 2020.

- Some time ago, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his return to the ring. Do you think a 42-year-old American is able to perform at the same level?

“I'm good at Floyd.” His return is a good story. If a comeback is successful, then it is always very beautiful and memorable, if not, it is sad.

- In your opinion, will he set himself the task of again winning the world title?

- I don’t think it will be interesting for him to become the best boxer in his weight category again, to develop this sport. In my opinion, this is an opportunity to make good money. No more. But so many boxing fans want to see Floyd in the ring. I can assure you that I will definitely see his next fight. I will be interested.