Bantamweight Gairbek Germakhanov of the Baku Fires has made a
sensational start to his career in this new WSB season, winning all
three of his bouts so far. Two victories coming against difficult
opposition in away matches against Istanbul Bosphorus and Paris
United, whilst his most recent came against the Mexico City
Guerreros.
We were keen to get to know the mood in the camp so we put a few
questions to the unbeaten Azeri fighter who will be once again
taking to the ring this weekend in Macau against the Beijing
Dragons.
Starting with your last contest against the Mexican
Aaron Alameda, what were your impressions following the
bout?
I was satisfied with my performance. I had a game plan and did
not execute how I would have wished. I was ill in the build-up to
the fight which affected my overall performance. Nevertheless on
the positive side, I still managed to defeat my opponent. I know
however that I need to work hard to get back to the required levels
needed in this tough competition.
Did you expect such a resilient performance from
Alameda?
He was an unknown quantity but appeared a very accomplished
boxer. Being a southpaw he gave me hard time and made this contest
very difficult. Mexicans have a great tradition when it comes to
Bantam and Lightweight boxers and Alameda confirmed this once
again. Luckily I was able to take the victory in this bout.
Which of your three WSB bouts has been the most
memorable for you?
My fight with Alexandr Riscan of Paris United was the most
challenging for me as he is very fast and very experienced. It was
an extremely close contest but I found the reserves to make the
difference in the end.
Tell us about the TKO against the Istanbul
Bosphorus.
For a first bout, it was a pretty straight forward win as the
Turkish boxer Murat Temir was not very aggressive. I was pleased to
get the TKO. I want to stress however that boxing in away matches
is always tricky.
What do you think of the team's standing in Group
B?
We are pleased so far with where we are but the hard work has
not even started, we want to win the WSB trophy so we need to
continue and not lose focus or momentum. I am concentrating
first on my match against the Beijing Dragons then again away
against the Mexico City Guerreros which will be a very difficult
one. However so far we are proving that the Baku Fires are the
strongest team and we will continue to try and win all our
matches.
The Baku Fires look certain to reach the quarter-finals.
What teams do you look forward to facing in play-off
matches?
You would always prefer to avoid the stronger teams (laughs)
however you need to beat the best to be the best. We have a very
strong outfit and the atmosphere in the camp is great, we are all
good friends and get on really well. With that spirit we stand a
good chance of winning this WSB season.
Your outstanding results demonstrate at the Russian
National Championships and in WSB show you have a bright future in
boxing. What are your thoughts?
I was a bronze medallist at the Russia Championships three
times, in both the 48 kg and 51kg categories. I was also ranked
third at the European Cup. I am very proud of my achievements so
far but WSB has given me a taste for more, I am now focused on
helping the team win the competition and who knows if I can qualify
for the Individual Championships, I could bag myself a belt, but it
is still early days.
What do you think about your development in
Azerbaijan?
I started boxing for Azerbaijan only last year. Right now I am
far from the finished article so if I can continue my progress and
work hard I hope I will be able to do a lot for Azerbaijani boxing.
I am very grateful to the management, coaches and the fans for
their warm welcome. Azerbaijan is a great boxing nation and
following the spectacular AIBA World Boxing Championships, the
nation can boast its World Champion in Magomedrasul Medzhidov.
There are so many boxers with huge potential; we could become one
of the leading nations if we continue to work hard.
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