By Ruslan Chikov

In a recent interview, former 140-pound champion Andriy Kotelnik discussed some of the recent happenings in his division and last month's decision loss to WBC/IBF champion Devon Alexander in St. Louis. Kotelnik still feels the judges took away a victory from him in the champion's backyard.

"I controlled the pace and studied the actions of my opponent and adapted to his style of fighting. Basically, Alexander has had fights with boxers, of which nobody has heard of. Maybe there were two or three good fighters on his record, but it does not compare with the boxers with whom I stepped into the ring with. On the eve of battle I read the stories in the press. People who assessed my chances did not know the sport of boxing. I do not understand how they reached a point to make such conclusions," Kotelnik was quoted by Golzka.  

"This fight proved that at the moment I am the best boxer at 140. I never refused any serious fight that I was offered. I think Alexander is quite predictable. Many said that I was already old and could not resist a 23-year-old boxer. If the fight was held in another place, he would not have won."

Kotelnik would like a rematch with Amir Khan, but doesn't think the British fighter will meet the challenge. He gives Khan the edge to stop mandatory Marcos Maidana on December 11. Kotelnik is the only man to beat Maidana, but the fighter from Ukraine was later beaten by Khan.

"Khan is looking for opponents who are unknown. For example, he would knock Maidana out," Kotelnik said. "My fight with Alexander was a good fight, but I believe that my best fights are still ahead. After my match with Alexander, Emanuel Steward, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Evander Holyfield said that I won. This can be confirmed by Don King."

Kotelnik predicts that Alexander will beat Tim Bradley in their unification fight scheduled for January 29 of next year.

"He beat me and took 10 steps back. Now everyone knows who Kotelnik is. I think that Alexander will beat Bradley because Bradley is an easier opponent than I am," Kotelnik said.