Ukrainian light heavyweight Alexander Gvozdyk after a TKO victory over the American Craig Baker last weekend was able to talk with Boxingtalk.com Gregory Leon and tell him about the past fight and his wishes for future battles.
- Congrats on your victory, can you give us some thoughts on your performance?
- Thank you. I don't know, I just did my job, I think it was just a regular performance for me. - It's funny because we were just talking about how Lomachenko had to open up more to make the fight exciting as the main event against Marriaga, and then Baker fights you as reluctantly as Marriaga fought Lomachenko. Did that make it difficult for you to get into your rhythm? No, I was actually expecting it to be like it was. I was ready for it so I just took my time, established my jab and got him out of there when I saw the opening to do so.
- Was there anything about Baker that surprised you?
- Not at all. I never took any punches or was in trouble, I just did my work. It was actually a very easy fight and reminded me of a sparring session.
- Before the fight you didn't want to say if Baker was a step up or down from your last two opponents. What do you think now that the fight is over?
- Of course he's not as good as my previous opponents, but I had to take him seriously like it was a fight for the world title. This is my job and I train the same for every opponent, I can't look at one guy as easier than the other when I'm getting ready for a fight.
- When are you hoping your next fight takes place? Who do you want to fight next?
- First of all, I'm going to take a little bit of rest, but I am ready to fight for the title. Now it's up to the champions and my promoters to get it done, we will see what happens.
- I spoke to Egis and he said if you can't get a title fight you're going to look to make a final elimination bout to become the mandatory challenger. Do you agree with that plan?
- I agree with him, I leave that to Top Rank and Egis. I will do my job and of course, I want to fight for the title, but I will fight anybody to become the #1 contender so they have no choice but to fight me.
- Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?
- I am thankful for all of my fans and their support. The title fight is coming and it's coming soon so be ready!"
