Vasyl Lomachenko interview at Big Bear

[PainfromUkraine]

New interview with rising star Vasyl Lomachenko from the Big Bear camp in California, talking about Salido, training and a lot more...



I translated the entire vid, here is the transcript I have put together:

0:17 - 0:37
VL: I am situated in the mountains of the 'Big Bear' camp in California, 2000 metres above sea level/surface elevation. Getting ready for my fight with Salido, 3 weeks today till the start of my training camp for the fight! It took us about 2 hours to get here from Los Angeles, we only arrived yesterday.

0:38 - 1:12
Interviewer - How did you arrive, did anyone meet you - Bob Arum? VL: No, no, no-one came to meet me - what - every time I come someone needs to meet me? The first time I came over was the real meeting because I was coming over specifically to sign my contract, but now I'm just coming to work, so...

1:13 - 2:32
Interviewer - How do you feel about Salido - a serious, respectable individual in boxing, but saying that, his fights are not main events - does he deserve this in your opinion?
VL: For this discussion there are specific, educated individuals who are involved in answering these questions, organising the fights...if they didn't do this then, maybe the bout won't be particularly popular, I don't know...Firstly, from his point of view he will be boxing with a scarcely known boxer, there are few who know me at the moment as a professional, specifically as a professional boxer, I'm not talking about the other fighters or the boxing world, but more the people that go to boxing to just...you know, have a look at some stars or celebrities or something - I guess you could count Salido as a star, but he is fighting a fighter who is not well known, for this reason they are not making this fight a main event. When there are two big stars facing off, then this should be, and usually is a main event.

2:33 - 3:23
Interviewer - What does Vasyl Lomachenko dream of?
VL: In terms of boxing? Or? Hmm...........requires some thinking. Could say something generic like having a garage full of cars...or immortality...general things - but really to say a specific dream of mine, I suppose...I dream that I will finish my boxing career undefeated.

3:24 - 3:37
Interviewer - Where do you see yourself after the end of your boxing career?
VL: Ah, I suppose I will aim to spread my time between being with my family, and also if possible, actively participate and spend some time doing my hobbies.

3:38 - 3:53
Interviewer - What literature do you read in your spare time?
VL: To be honest with you, I do not read at all - literally, honestly. If of course we are referring to books in particular...

3:54 - 4:36
Interviewer - Do you listen to music during your training sessions?
VL: I don't have such a situation where i'm constantly listening to music during my training, because for example if I am training here, there isn't an opportunity as such because in some halls here where there are various machines but there are usually lots of people training there, and in boxing gyms there is generally specifically things like sparring going on, and you wouldn't really be listening to music during this, right? Back home there are some old discs from around 7 years back recorded...not even by me but by some older guys who were training.

4:37 - 5:25
Interviewer - How do you rate the level of sparring partners in relation to the guys you work with when you are training for a fight back here in Ukraine?
VL: I have only sparred with two guys (so far), so I can't really compare, in Ukraine I fought lots of guys, at training camps there was a really large number of guys of our weight - at 60kg I fought, 64kg...69kg...It's really hard to compare, If I had the same level of extensive sparring here in the USA then I could make a good comparison. Doing comparisons from two fighters...that isn't right.

5:26 - 6:16
Interviewer - Who are these specific guys you fought in Ukraine?
VL: Hmm, I don't know...just some guys, that were training back in my gym...no idea, I don't even know their names. I just remember I used to arrive, say Hi, and that's it, we had sparring sessions...so I shook their hand, said thanks, did a few photos (at last sparring), and that's it, I can't say much more really. Now, the sparring partners I will have for my Salido training camp - I don't know as of yet ... who it will be, how they will perform etc. Closer to February, when the sparring begins, then everything should become more clear.

6:17 - 6:42
Interviewer - What exactly are you getting up to, here in the mountains?
VL - Well, this is preliminary training...running, strength and endurance. When I head back down I will be working on improvements and training of speed, other traditional boxing practice.

6:43 - 7:29
Interviewer - What are your top 5 fights (which you fought in)?
VL - Erm, the Albert Selimov fight in 2008 Olympics (rematch, avenging only loss), 2008 European Championship final, European Championship semi final 08, 2009 World Championship final against Vodopyanov, World Series of Boxing fight with Valentino, and my pro debut.

7:30 - 7:48
Interviewer - And how about fights in boxing history?
VL - Arturo Gatti v Micky Ward, Roy Jones v John Ruiz, Castillo v Corrales, Marquez v Pacquaio IV and Sugar Ray Leonard v Marvin Hagler.

7:49 - 9:15
Interviewer - How is your work with the psychologist - what do you talk about?
VL - Well, he has sort of a secret regimen, similar to how they prepare astronauts for space - work on concentration, attention...speed of thinking, in general - things like this. I think, in the next few days, the work will begin.
Interviewer - Do you choose your own psychologist?
VL - Well, this is not essential anyway, in actual fact, I don't know to be honest any boxers who use psychologists - but for me personally, I know it helps me - but I have an existing guy, he has been with me for the 2011 worlds in Baku, the 2012 olympics, and the WSB, so we know each other pretty well now, and he is a very good specialist, and a really nice guy - Andriy Kolosov!

9:15 - END
Interviewer - Will you be preparing/managing for the Salido bout here?
VL - No, no. I will be here for 3 more weeks, and then there will be various comings and goings and the fight will arrive quickly.


DAMN THAT WAS SOME WORK, HOPE YOU GUYS APPRECIATE IT!

[SlySlickSmooth]

Interesting how they use a psychologist to help him mentally prep. Someone should send of sent that memo to Judah years ago.

[Porter's Dad]

Excellent interview, thank you.

[revs1227]

thnx for the translation

[PainfromUkraine]

thnx for the translation

Excellent interview, thank you.

Interesting how they use a psychologist to help him mentally prep. Someone should send of sent that memo to Judah years ago.

No problem, hope all of you enjoy the interview. I was originally going to just summarise the video but then I got into it and translated it in full because there was no other translation available on YouTube for the original video. It was worth it in the end, it's actually more clear now when translated into English because I changed the structure of his sentences slightly in some instances so that it would make more sense in English. Also, thanks for the green k guys, much appreciated!

[edgarg]

New interview with rising star Vasyl Lomachenko from the Big Bear camp in California, talking about Salido, training and a lot more...



I translated the entire vid, here is the transcript I have put together:

0:17 - 0:37
VL: I am situated in the mountains of the 'Big Bear' camp in California, 2000 metres above sea level/surface elevation. Getting ready for my fight with Salido, 3 weeks today till the start of my training camp for the fight! It took us about 2 hours to get here from Los Angeles, we only arrived yesterday.

0:38 - 1:12
Interviewer - How did you arrive, did anyone meet you - Bob Arum? VL: No, no, no-one came to meet me - what - every time I come someone needs to meet me? The first time I came over was the real meeting because I was coming over specifically to sign my contract, but now I'm just coming to work, so...

1:13 - 2:32
Interviewer - How do you feel about Salido - a serious, respectable individual in boxing, but saying that, his fights are not main events - does he deserve this in your opinion?
VL: For this discussion there are specific, educated individuals who are involved in answering these questions, organising the fights...if they didn't do this then, maybe the bout won't be particularly popular, I don't know...Firstly, from his point of view he will be boxing with a scarcely known boxer, there are few who know me at the moment as a professional, specifically as a professional boxer, I'm not talking about the other fighters or the boxing world, but more the people that go to boxing to just...you know, have a look at some stars or celebrities or something - I guess you could count Salido as a star, but he is fighting a fighter who is not well known, for this reason they are not making this fight a main event. When there are two big stars facing off, then this should be, and usually is a main event.

2:33 - 3:23
Interviewer - What does Vasyl Lomachenko dream of?
VL: In terms of boxing? Or? Hmm...........requires some thinking. Could say something generic like having a garage full of cars...or immortality...general things - but really to say a specific dream of mine, I suppose...I dream that I will finish my boxing career undefeated.

3:24 - 3:37
Interviewer - Where do you see yourself after the end of your boxing career?
VL: Ah, I suppose I will aim to spread my time between being with my family, and also if possible, actively participate and spend some time doing my hobbies.

3:38 - 3:53
Interviewer - What literature do you read in your spare time?
VL: To be honest with you, I do not read at all - literally, honestly. If of course we are referring to books in particular...

3:54 - 4:36
Interviewer - Do you listen to music during your training sessions?
VL: I don't have such a situation where i'm constantly listening to music during my training, because for example if I am training here, there isn't an opportunity as such because in some halls here where there are various machines but there are usually lots of people training there, and in boxing gyms there is generally specifically things like sparring going on, and you wouldn't really be listening to music during this, right? Back home there are some old discs from around 7 years back recorded...not even by me but by some older guys who were training.

4:37 - 5:25
Interviewer - How do you rate the level of sparring partners in relation to the guys you work with when you are training for a fight back here in Ukraine?
VL: I have only sparred with two guys (so far), so I can't really compare, in Ukraine I fought lots of guys, at training camps there was a really large number of guys of our weight - at 60kg I fought, 64kg...69kg...It's really hard to compare, If I had the same level of extensive sparring here in the USA then I could make a good comparison. Doing comparisons from two fighters...that isn't right.

5:26 - 6:16
Interviewer - Who are these specific guys you fought in Ukraine?
VL: Hmm, I don't know...just some guys, that were training back in my gym...no idea, I don't even know their names. I just remember I used to arrive, say Hi, and that's it, we had sparring sessions...so I shook their hand, said thanks, did a few photos (at last sparring), and that's it, I can't say much more really. Now, the sparring partners I will have for my Salido training camp - I don't know as of yet ... who it will be, how they will perform etc. Closer to February, when the sparring begins, then everything should become more clear.

6:17 - 6:42
Interviewer - What exactly are you getting up to, here in the mountains?
VL - Well, this is preliminary training...running, strength and endurance. When I head back down I will be working on improvements and training of speed, other traditional boxing practice.

6:43 - 7:29
Interviewer - What are your top 5 fights (which you fought in)?
VL - Erm, the Albert Selimov fight in 2008 Olympics (rematch, avenging only loss), 2008 European Championship final, European Championship semi final 08, 2009 World Championship final against Vodopyanov, World Series of Boxing fight with Valentino, and my pro debut.

7:30 - 7:48
Interviewer - And how about fights in boxing history?
VL - Arturo Gatti v Micky Ward, Roy Jones v John Ruiz, Castillo v Corrales, Marquez v Pacquaio IV and Sugar Ray Leonard v Marvin Hagler.

7:49 - 9:15
Interviewer - How is your work with the psychologist - what do you talk about?
VL - Well, he has sort of a secret regimen, similar to how they prepare astronauts for space - work on concentration, attention...speed of thinking, in general - things like this. I think, in the next few days, the work will begin.
Interviewer - Do you choose your own psychologist?
VL - Well, this is not essential anyway, in actual fact, I don't know to be honest any boxers who use psychologists - but for me personally, I know it helps me - but I have an existing guy, he has been with me for the 2011 worlds in Baku, the 2012 olympics, and the WSB, so we know each other pretty well now, and he is a very good specialist, and a really nice guy - Andriy Kolosov!

9:15 - END
Interviewer - Will you be preparing/managing for the Salido bout here?
VL - No, no. I will be here for 3 more weeks, and then there will be various comings and goings and the fight will arrive quickly.


DAMN THAT WAS SOME WORK, HOPE YOU GUYS APPRECIATE IT!

Well...I appreciate it anyway-double. I was much impressed with his modest and absolutely normal approach to himself. No glorifiaction, no boasting, no buffoonery, just plain, sincere, NORMAL attitude.

I think that the reason we find the Eastern European-in fact most Europeans in general- boxers to be clear, unambiguous and honest, is that they must have had a far better schooling in the tasks of growing up, as well as having scholastic education well soaked in.

They are just in a different class.

[_original_]

Great interview, I really like this kid's mentality and approach to the boxing game.

[PainfromUkraine]

Well...I appreciate it anyway-double. I was much impressed with his modest and absolutely normal approach to himself. No glorifiaction, no boasting, no buffoonery, just plain, sincere, NORMAL attitude.

I think that the reason we find the Eastern European-in fact most Europeans in general- boxers to be clear, unambiguous and honest, is that they must have had a far better schooling in the tasks of growing up, as well as having scholastic education well soaked in.

They are just in a different class.

Very nicely put, my friend. Indeed, I am very impressed with Vasyl's attitude to his profession and to himself, he is confident for sure but he is humble and relaxed, and you are correct - it does seem to be a trait of predominantly Eastern European fighters. One thing I notice in particular in relation to the lack of crude behaviour or actions and general respect comes from the way they are taught, not only in terms of boxing but also life (as you say), I can vouch for discipline being a huge part of Soviet family system, well - of course to a degree this is still the same for the Independent States but society as a whole does seem to be declining in that regard so it does begin to creep in. However, the discipline and respect holds them in good stead to carry themselves, especially in public light careers such as that of a prizefighter.

Another thing to mention, I don't know how it is in the U.S in terms of atmospheres in boxing gyms, but I think it is fair to say there are occasional instances of hostility or tensions arising from rivalries or such situations as this. I occasionally observe young guys training (whether it be boxing, kickboxing, or other martial arts) when I'm in Ukraine, and from what I hear from these boxers' experiences - they are all there to train, to better each other. There is a mutual respect and a degree of calm, friendly citizenship - you don't have to be close friends, but if you are there to work you work, and you respect everyone - there is a complete focus and a real building of integrity and character that some fighters just lack. The code of the warrior let's say, is seemingly stronger in European fighters, especially these days.

[SlySlickSmooth]

Very nicely put, my friend. Indeed, I am very impressed with Vasyl's attitude to his profession and to himself, he is confident for sure but he is humble and relaxed, and you are correct - it does seem to be a trait of predominantly Eastern European fighters. One thing I notice in particular in relation to the lack of crude behaviour or actions and general respect comes from the way they are taught, not only in terms of boxing but also life (as you say), I can vouch for discipline being a huge part of Soviet family system, well - of course to a degree this is still the same for the Independent States but society as a whole does seem to be declining in that regard so it does begin to creep in. However, the discipline and respect holds them in good stead to carry themselves, especially in public light careers such as that of a prizefighter.

Another thing to mention, I don't know how it is in the U.S in terms of atmospheres in boxing gyms, but I think it is fair to say there are occasional instances of hostility or tensions arising from rivalries or such situations as this. I occasionally observe young guys training (whether it be boxing, kickboxing, or other martial arts) when I'm in Ukraine, and from what I hear from these boxers' experiences - they are all there to train, to better each other. There is a mutual respect and a degree of calm, friendly citizenship - you don't have to be close friends, but if you are there to work you work, and you respect everyone - there is a complete focus and a real building of integrity and character that some fighters just lack. The code of the warrior let's say, is seemingly stronger in European fighters, especially these days.

Probably one of the coolest things you notice about attending a boxing gym. At least my gym was like that. As opposed to when I hear of my friends' gym stories usually including arrogance from someone in the gym or people just talking about plain idiots in weight lifting gyms.

[PainfromUkraine]

Probably one of the coolest things you notice about attending a boxing gym. At least my gym was like that. As opposed to when I hear of my friends' gym stories usually including arrogance from someone in the gym or people just talking about plain idiots in weight lifting gyms.

Damn right there