Fans this summer are already accustomed to the fact that Russian athletes are happy to take part in show events in non-core sports.
Figure skater Alexandra Trusova jumped long, wrestler Alexander Karelin played basketball, gymnast Nikita Nagorny ran a hundred meters.
Therefore, the news that Alina Zagitova wants to take part in a boxing master class on the Day of Moscow Sports in Luzhniki on June 25 was surprised only by the choice of discipline.
Still, heavy gloves and a fragile Olympic champion do not really fit together.
Of course, the athlete’s decision was immediately criticized.
As in the case of the recent statement by Alexandra Trusova, the State Duma deputy, and in the past the legendary figure skater Irina Rodnina, was the first to react to the news.
“Whatever the child amuses, if only she does not cry.
The girls no longer know what to do, they are like a chain.
Either one surprises with its desires, then the second.
I proceed from the fact that they didn’t play enough in childhood, ”Rodnina said in an interview with RBC.
In less than a few hours, commentator Dmitry Guberniev excited the public.
He said that, according to his information, the singer and TV presenter Olga Buzova will become Zagitova's sparring partner.
“I think girls should be in swimsuits and fight as long as possible.
Ten rounds and extra time.
And it will be good!
People are looking for positive emotions for themselves, opening up new horizons.
I can only welcome this.
And as a ring-fight, I will go out and show signs with rounds, ”the journalist said with his usual humor.
The idea was inspired by the promoter Vladimir Khryunov.
He expressed a desire to take part in the organization of the fight, and also offered to sprinkle the gloves of his opponents with gold.
But it quickly became clear that the information about the fight of the girls was not true.
Buzova joked on her Telegram channel over Guberniev: “But Dmitry can’t do everything without me.”
A day later, a new portion of rumors appeared in the media, much more plausible.
According to her, Tokyo Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev was allegedly supposed to take part in an exhibition fight with a figure skater.
And he even confirmed it.
“I support Alina’s decision to test herself in an exhibition fight and I am glad that one way or another I will act as her coach.
I wonder how figure skating skills will help her.
As for the fight itself, we will work beautifully and for the benefit of both of us - after all, this is not a battle for the championship.
But I will not give respite, ”said the athlete.
However, the boxer's coach Eduard Kravtsov opposed the participation of the ward in the event, citing his injury.
“There will be no sparring or open training.
Albert has an old injury and for this reason he withdrew from the Intercontinental Cup.
With the participation of Albert on June 25, nothing will happen.
Such moments should be agreed upon, and not just like that…”, — quotes the words of Kravtsov “Match TV”.
So the name of Alina's partner or rival for training on June 25 is still open.
Although new candidates continue to emerge.
So, the popular adult film actress decided to remind herself
Elena Berkova, starting her career in pop-MMA.
“I don’t know if Alina will be scared of me, but I know for sure that she won’t want to have a rematch after the defeat.
I don’t want to say anything bad about her fighting qualities, because she is an Olympic champion, but the difference in skill level will play a role, ”Berkova said in an interview with Sport24.
Fans of figure skating would certainly not refuse Zagitova's duel with Evgenia Medvedeva, whose relationship after the Games in Pyeongchang is far from ideal, but some people liked the idea of Guberniev in the ring with the Olympic champion Buzov much more.
So Khryunov said in an interview with RT that he plans to organize a duel of girls, but not on Moscow Sports Day, but later.
“I don’t know what will happen on June 25th.
I am not involved in this event.
At the moment, we are discussing the fight between Alina and Olga.
We are negotiating with teams.
And I think we will surprise you very much.
The very idea is attractive, since there are many fans of everything that Zagitova and Buzova do.
And there is such a handsome man, like me, who decided to gather everyone at one point.
Let's show happiness.
We have beautiful girls and the opportunity to create a model of a sporting event that will be visited by a large number of spectators.
And they will definitely talk about it.
Is it embarrassing that this is women's boxing?
Working with me, 11 people became world champions, and five became dollar millionaires.
You will see, it will be very interesting,” Khryunov emphasized.
Moreover, the promoter is not going to shelve the matter.
According to him, the first news about the fight can be expected next week.
“I think that Alina has already done a lot in sports.
And he is able to generate interest in any of his fights, regardless of the opponent.
Now we are studying her schedule.
She is very busy in the ice shows of Tatyana Navka, ”explained Khryunov RT.