Vice president of Union Boxing Promotion Dmitry Eliseev, the representative of Efimovich, told how he managed to agree on this fight, about the training of his boxer and the strengths of his rival.
Tell us how you managed to agree on the fight?
We talked with the British side about this fight because Efimovich has defended WBA Europe title several times and he deserved this fight. He has the right to challenge the world title. We have been working with WBA since mid-July and received confirmation that such fight can take place. Scott Quigg is a former world champion and his promoter Eddie Hearn wanted to compete in featherweights. We started negotiations and the contract was signed. This will be a 12-round eliminator in the featherweight division.
Has Oleg already begun training for the fight?
Yes, he has already passed the first stage of preparation, next Monday will be the second stage. We are already fully involved in the work. We were preparing in Kiev at the Olympic base in Koncha-Zaspa, now we will go to Western Ukraine, to the mountains.
And how was Monaco chosen as the venue for the battle?
This proposal came from the British side. They are holding an event in this city and they wanted to include our fight in it. There will be four title fights. Derek Chisora will fight for the title of European champion, Dmitry Bivol of Russia also will be there, Trent Broadhurst from New Zealand. And world champion Jamie McDonnell will fight against Liborio Solis. So, there will be four title fights and, I think, some more other ones.
It seems that Quigg and Efimovich will enter the ring, and the fight will be held in Monaco, but it is clear that this is the side that organizes. I think, on the contrary, it will be easier for Oleg to box in the UK. We understand that Oleg is already an aged fighter but this is a tremendous chance for him to enter the world championship scene. It has never been raised so high. Yes, Efimovic was the European champion by EBU and defended this title six times. Efimovic understands the responsibility that falls on him in this fight and he will try his best to win.