Dmitry Pirog: record, next fight and profile →
We are a few hours away. Via it's local reporters, BoxingScene contacted a handful of world-known pugilists from the former Soviet Union, mostly former and even reigning world champions, to know their feelings and their perceptions in regards to the biggest heavyweight collision in almost a decade. Three questions were asked to each respondent:
It was quite a long time ago when we heard something new and something positive about a whole bunch of Russia-based fighters, guided by influential local promoter German Titov and his partner Kirill Pchelnikov. BoxingScene contacted Titov (2007&2008 Russian promoter of the year, according to the Professional Boxing Federation of Russia) to erase this white spot.
Sampson Lewkowicz, the adviser to middleweight Sergio Martinez, has fired back at some of the recently published comments from Banner Promotions President Art Pelullo, who handles the career of WBO champion Dmitry Pirog. Pelullo issued a statement after reading that Martinez had finalized a deal to face unbeaten Darren Barker on October 1. According to Pelullo, Martinez "has no interest" in fighting Pirog because of the danger involved.
Banner Promotions President Art Pelullo said, “I understand that Sergio Martinez is going to be fighting Darren Barker on October 1. I have known Lou DiBella, Martinez’ promoter, for over 20 years and we are personal friends. I have been in the fight business for over 25 years and I know how the business works.
Oppositely to previously reported news, WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14 KOs) could end up fighting his mandatory and fellow compatriot Gennady Martirosyan (22-2, 11 KOs) - not in the States or in Moscow - but in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. Pirog, the only active Russian pro champion, met local governor Alexander Tkachev earlier today as part of the international Children’s Day.
Russia’s only world champion Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14 KOs) continues his rest following a tough outing against Argentinean challenger Javier Francisco Maciel (18-2, 12 KOs) in late March. WBO middleweight champion Pirog didn’t look his best against determined and somewhat awkward challenger getting a not-so-convenient unanimous decision over twelve rounds. Konstantin Ustyantsev of Championat.ru contacted the champion and spoke with him regarding his future plans. And future changes in his entourage as well.
Following a lengthy voting period for the online fans of the sport, the Professional Boxing Federation of Russia has finally announced its prize-winners for the year of 2010. The results were a bit surprising but it’s necessary to note that fans’ opinions were also taken into account, which has radically changed an entire landscape of preferences.
Later tonight in Saint Petersburg, Russia, WBO #1 ranked middleweight Gennady Martirosyan (21-2, 10 KOs) is coming back to the ring for the first time in 2011. The WBO European champion will take on Argentinean journeyman Valentin Antonio Ochoa (20-18-2, 8 KOs) in a non-title ten-rounder in preparation for his future fight with fellow compatriot and WBO champion Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14 KOs).
According to promoter Lou DiBella, there are ongoing to discussions for a summer/fall bout between Peter Manfredo Jr. (37-6, 20KOs) and undefeated WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14KOs). DiBella is talking with Pirog's promoter Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions. Most of Manfredo's big defeats have taken place at the super middleweight limit or in the first season of The Contender reality show. Manfredo has won six bout since the 2007 knockout loss to Sakio Bika. Pirog is looking for a recognizable name to make his ring return in the United States.
On Saturday, March 26, Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14 KOs), the WBO middleweight titleholder and the only active Russian fighter to hold a credible piece of world championship in any of seventeen weight classes, had a hard night and needed to dig a little deeper for a difficult victory over uncharacteristically durable and resistant Argentinean Javier Francisco Maciel (18-2, 12 KOs).