Tervel Pulev: I expect APB to be a big show!
23 September 2013
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In a doff of the hat to the AIBA Women’s Youth and Junior World boxing Championships which is currently underway in the Black Sea coastal town of Albena, Bulgaria, AIBA Pro Boxing dedicated a week on facebook to the great Bulgarian boxer Tervel Pulev. The 2011 Ankara European Championships silver Medallist and the London 2012 Olympic Bronze Medallist is without a doubt one of the most recognized athletes in the country. However, judging by the excitement of fans on APB’s social media channels his appeal isn’t just limited to his homeland. Questions for the boxer came from all over the world and formed the basis for this interview with him.
Tervel, do you remember how and why you started boxing?
Yes I do. I took my first steps in boxing back in 1996. It was thanks to my father who was my first coach.
How did you feel about coming back home from the Olympics as a real star in your country?
Obviously, I felt really proud about it!
Have you got used to the constant attention of the media and public?
I don’t notice the media attention anymore as I’ve gotten used to it. But it has also died down a little now as the Games were over a year ago.
Did any serious injuries or your nose surgery ever make you think about quitting boxing?
Yes, I thought about quitting boxing as I was having difficulty breathing normally. You know, I had three nose injuries in total. But luckily it didn’t stop me. Thanks to hanging in there I brought one of Bulgaria’s two medals home from London 2012. I’m happy about my choice and my sacrifice.
You look like a hard nut! Is it just your image in boxing or do you have the same “all-or-nothing” attitude in your life outside the ring?
It is not possible for a boxer not to be a “hard nut”, both physically and emotionally. Other than that my style of boxing is very logical, perhaps together that reflects my life outside the ring.
How does your family feel about your choice to be a boxer?
In my family boxing is put on a pedestal. Thanks to Venko Pulev, my father, everyone in our family understands the choice I’ve made.
Have you thought about starting a career in show business after boxing?
Yes, while thinking about what to do when I quit boxing, the thought has passed through my mind!
Now that you have joined APB, what do you expect from this project?
I expect APB to be a big show and to attract the attention of a much larger audience than any other competition.
Who is your role model in Pro Boxing?
The person I admire no matter how immodest it may sound, is myself. I have confronted serious difficulties from the beginning of my careerand have overcome challenges in my personal life to fulfil my dreams. despite the three nose surgeries.
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