Shaternikova: Usyk took a risk, agreeing to fight in Moscow

Vice-president of the National League of Professional Boxing of Ukraine Alina Shaternikova expressed the opinion that Alexander Usyk was very risky, agreeing to fight with Murat Gassiev in Moscow.

"In many ways, Usyk was a professor, and Gassiev was a student in this fight both tactically and functionally. It seemed to me at the end of the battle that Alexander could box another title fight, he was in incredible physical shape. He was maneuvering around the ring, he was faster than his rival. There are a lot of parameters. I think that the experience that Alexander had in Olympic boxing, gave him a lot, but Murat did not have it.

“I knew that Alexander was preparing with Anatoly Nikolayevich. What fascinates me about Usyk is that he knows how to listen and perform, to realize the tasks that the trainer puts to him. Usyk, probably, can be distinguished from the list of legendary boxers for the fact that he knows how to carry out the tasks of a coach as a computer.

“Fight in Moscow? I had split thoughts about it. I understood that in the career of an athlete there can be only one chance to have such a fight. Knowing all the complexities of organizing big fights in boxing, and here at stake were all four titles and The Ring belt. I understood why he took this decision. But I also realized that it was difficult for him, because he was going to a country that was unfriendly towards Ukraine and occupied part of our territory. It is difficult to talk about this. I put myself in Alexander's place and did not know myself what I would do. But every strong person is responsible for his decisions. I understand him and am glad that he took this decision. It was very risky. Losing there, what a stream of criticism he would receive and how his career will develop. Nevertheless, he ventured - went and proved to the whole world what he is the best.

“Theoretical it’s possible to organize his fight in Ukraine, but in practice it seems to me not. There are so many nuances," said Shaternikova.