Talkin' Boxing with Sultan Ibragimov

Talkin' Boxing with Sultan Ibragimov By Scoop Malinowski Sultan Ibragimov is one of the most exciting top 10 heavyweight contenders in the world today. The unbeaten 2000 Olympic silver medalist fights with a ferocious fury, with devastating power and handspeed. The 31-year-old Russian gladiator is set to fight either John Ruiz, Samuel Peter or Ray Austin in an IBF Elimination bout later this summer. (Though Ruiz was named WBA #1 he has still not pulled out for the IBF purse bid set for June 3rd - and so at this time he is likely to be Ibragimov's next opponent - according to Warriors Boxing promoter Leon Margules.) Here's what one of the world's best heavyweight warriors had to say about some of his peers, his cousin's big showdown with Calvin Brock, and why he believes he will be champion soon... *************: Your cousin Timur Ibragimov is the underdog in his important June 24th battle of the unbeatens with Calvin Brock. Your comment on that? Sultan Ibragimov: "Good fight. I know that Timur win the fight. We were sparring rounds. He looked very good. I know he will win the fight." *************: Are you impressed by Brock? Sultan Ibragimov: "I watched him at the Olympics, against the Italian guy (Paolo Vidoz). I sparred with Brock in 2002 in Florida. He's a good fighter. He's got power. Good fighter. 29 fights, all wins." *************: Why are you so sure Timur will prevail? Sultan Ibragimov: "I don't want to tell you about his shape. He's ready for fight. How he's ready - I don't want to tell you. Just see the fight." *************: Is this true that you knocked out your two name sparring partners on the last day of sparring before the win vs. Lance Whitaker? What were their names? Sultan Ibragimov: "I can't tell you about my sparring partners. Because they helped me for fights. This is confidential information. I respect these guys because they help me very much." *************: IBF champ Wladimir Klitschko has looked awesome in his last two fights. He's big and effective but you don't seem overly impressed by Klitschko. Your comment. Sultan Ibragimov: "Klitschko is a good fighter. Lots of experience, good jab. He's got good skills. He showed he can come back from losses. We'll decide after my next fight. I feel very good. I feel I win over each fighter. I feel very good. I feel I beat everybody. After this next fight I'll be ready for Klitschko. I know I can beat him right now." *************: Are you impressed by John Ruiz, the man you might fight next? Sultan Ibragimov: "He's a former champion. Good fighter. Experienced. I respect him. If we fight it's gonna be a good fight." *************: Would you like to say anything to your growing fan base? Sultan Ibragimov: "I want to say thank you to who like my fights. So there will be a lot more good fights with me."

Comments (7)

The guy sounds like your typical boxer. Arrogant, obnoxious and full of himself. That is until he receive's his first beatdown and then starts making excuse's like your typical boxer. not sure where your getting that from. he showed respect for all other boxers mentioned and who doesnt say they think they'll win when questioned

20y ago

KDOGG

I didn't get the aarogance from him at all, it was just confidence. Actually he was almost too "media savy", because we didn't get any real good stuff I would attribute that to his being from a former Soviet state where secrecy was of the highest priority. It's a cultural thing.

20y ago

chidave

I didn't get the aarogance from him at all, it was just confidence. Actually he was almost too "media savy", because we didn't get any real good stuff

20y ago

KDOGG

Guys, quit being so hard on Sultan. Remember, he's not a media-savy American fighter. He's not being intentionally rude.

20y ago

enadeus

After reading that interview, it was like I never read it.

20y ago

Hous

The guy sounds like your typical boxer. Arrogant, obnoxious and full of himself. That is until he receive's his first beatdown and then starts making excuse's like your typical boxer. At least hes not talking trash, I would use the word confident before arrogant. A confident boxer is much more effective than a pussy, plus thy sell more tickets.

20y ago

ejk22

The guy sounds like your typical boxer. Arrogant, obnoxious and full of himself. That is until he receive's his first beatdown and then starts making excuse's like your typical boxer.

20y ago