Aleksey Egorov: “What I love about APB is the idea of having a Champion and a contender. You cannot escape the battle.”

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As the undefeated Heavyweight (91 kg) Champion of APB, Russia’s Aleksey Egorov has established a deserved reputation as one of the greatest fighters on the planet.

The 24-year-old entered the competition as the 2013 European Champion, and quickly adapted to APB’s pro boxing format with a decisive unanimous victory over Chouaib Bouloudintas (ALG).

Egorov has also defeated the powerful Emir Ahmatovic (GER) in this competition, but his two most famous, and profitable successes have come against the legendary Clemente Russo (ITA).

Despite facing the two-time AIBA World Champion in Italy across both of their bouts, Egorov won each of the matches to considerable acclaim.

Their first meeting was a six round tactical affair, before the Russian claimed the Inaugural Heavyweight Championship in their eight round rematch.

“My first two matches with Russo were not easy at all,” remarks Egorov to AIBAProBoxing.com

“The audience was very supportive for him and I had to overcome the pressure, which I eventually did. Fighting in Italy isn’t much different than fighting anywhere else, and I got used to it. During the second fight, I even had supporters in the Italian audience.”

Due to Russo’s excellent recent form, the Italian is once again the number one contender in the Heavyweight division, and will fight Egorov tomorrow night across 12 rounds.

Unlike their first two matches however, the trilogy bout will take place in Egorov’s home country, and Russian boxing is currently booming with three APB World Champions.

“The boxing level in Russia is indeed quite high thanks to excellent training and facilitated access to quality training,” he confirms.

“A boxer’s personal trainer is also a key to success. My trainer Dmitry Vezentsev is like a father to me. To become a trainer, one has to study the sport, but they also need talent, perseverance and patience. Only then you can judge a good trainer by the results, and in my case, the results show the quality of my trainer.”

Egorov is a vigorous competitor, who admits that his a typical day in the gym is “not very fancy, it means two words: training and resting.”

Known for an incredibly industrious work ethic, his phenomenally high punch output is fuelled by formidable physical conditioning that allows him to keep coming forward throwing punches.

Despite the outstanding performances he has produced over the past year, the Champion is humble regarding his ample attributes.

“I don’t really like to talk about my qualities,” he says. “I rely on other’s people’s judgement!”

Inspired by the likes of former Heavyweight stars Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, and Rocky Marciano, Egorov shares a key similarity with all of those iconic boxers – a desire to fight the best, and be the best.

“What I love about APB is the idea of having a Champion and a contender. You cannot escape the battle.

“My career has not been very easy. I’ve faced strong and tough opponents and I had to find a way to be better and stronger than them to become the Champion. I think I’ve deserved it.”

All four of Egorov’s APB victories have come via decision, and the lure of a knockout finish in his next bout is one which appeals to the powerful star.

“I never pursue knockouts but it’s an awesome way to end a match, I would not be against ending the fight with a knockout.”

With just one day to go until he defends his coveted title for the very first time, Egorov is relaxed and ready to delight his fans in Moscow.

“I’m looking forward to this fight. I have been training hard and I’ll be ready to succeed.”