Nikolay Potapov: “I want a big fight next”

Bantamweight Nikolay Potapov (17-0-1, 8 KOs) won the WBO NABO championship by split decision (96-94 Potapov, 96-94 Nieves, 96-94 Potapov) over Antonio Nieves (17-1-2, 9 KOs) in the co-main event of the evening. What played out as a chess match had Potapov opening a cut in the corner of Nieves eye in the 6th round. The 10 round battle did prove that both fighters are very close in talent and are not far from each other at this stage in their careers.

- Congrats on your victory. Can you give us some thoughts on your performance?

-Thank You , I thought I fought well against a very well prepared and skilled boxer in Antonio.  I had a very good camp and my new training and lessons paid off.

- Was there anything about Nieves that surprised you?

- It was a difficult fight. Nieves was very well prepared and I am grateful to him for the challenge he presented. I feel like as a result of this fight I will get much better.  I was trying different things that I learned in the gym with Sugar Hill. I am happy with the result, the process and how everything worked out. 

- It was a very close fight, how confident were you that the decision was going to go your way after the final bell sounded?

- Nieves is a good fighter. I had to adjust during the fight.  My sparring was very good but different then what Nieves had to offer. I fight my fight, do my best and let the judges do their job. I feel like I won the fight with Stephen Young but got a draw.  I felt like the winner and was happy judges saw the fight my way. 

- What do you feel you could've done to make it a more clear cut victory?

- I believed in my victory and was happy with the challenge of this fight and the lessons I learned. 

- What are you hoping this victory leads to?

- This was my first camp camp in the US.  New trainer , lots of new material.  I need to train.  Next time I will digest even more information from the great lessons I learned from Sugar. I want a big fight next.

- What do you feel you need to improve on moving forward?

- I need time to digest new lessons learned.  Sugar is a great trainer and a very good person.  There is lots of work ahead and I am excited about the possibilities.

- Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

- I want to thank Salita Promotions, Showtime, PBL Promotions.  I want to thank Sugar Hill for such a great training camp.  Thanks to my fans and everyone that supports me, it's very important to me. You will see me again soon I am going to keep working hard and getting better.