KIRIL PSONKO
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who has fought in 13 different countries as a pro
When and why you started boxing:
I started kickboxing when I was 14 years old, and then became a professional boxer in 2008 [at 21]. I got involved in boxing because it’s a sport for real men.
Favourite all-time fighter:
My favourite fighter ever is Mike Tyson, because he was a fast, strong, aggressive and athletic boxer.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I very much liked watching the first Sergey Kovalev-andre Ward fight. There are a lot of good fights nowadays.
Personal career highlight:
My best achievement in boxing so far is when I beat Kelvin Young [via eighth-round stoppage in November 2014].
Toughest opponent:
Almost all of my opponents during my career have been tough.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My weakness is the fact that I get nervous before my fights. My strength is that the more rounds I have, the more flaws I find in my opponents.
Training tip:
The best advice I can give is to train with good people who really help and support you. And of course, you must train with pleasure.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite meal is barbecued meat with fried potatoes. Best friends in boxing:
My best friend in boxing is my coach, Dmitrij Baranovskij.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I am already what I want to be – a boxer.
Last film/tv show you saw:
[TV series] Apostol.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I don’t mind, as long as it’s someone who’s a positive hero.
Last time you cried:
I can’t remember when I last cried, and I wouldn’t like to try to remember either.
Best advice received:
Just live like you live, and everything will be OK.
Worst rumour about yourself:
The worst rumour I’ve heard about myself is that I’m a rich businessman!
Something not many people know about you:
Something that most people don’t know about me is that I’m a very straight and responsible person.
‘I GOT INVOLVED IN BOXING BECAUSE IT’S A SPORT FOR REAL MEN’
‘THE WORST RUMOUR IS THAT I’M A RICH BUSINESSMAN!’