Sirenko: "I sparred with Usyk many times, it helped me grow as a boxer"

Ukrainian super heavyweight boxer Vladyslav Sirenko (21-0, 18 KOs) shared his thoughts on the absolute champion in this division Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs).

- I think you felt a lot of pride when you saw Oleksandr Usyk win the absolute heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury?

- Yes, of course, this is the pride of Ukraine. I'm very happy that we are doing well in Ukrainian boxing, especially in the heavyweight division. Before it was the Klitschko brothers, now it's Usyk. And I'm looking forward to also leaving my mark in the history of Ukrainian boxing.

- You must have sparred with Usyk before?

- Yes. The first time I sparred with him quite a long time ago - I think in 2012 or 2013. For me, a young guy, it was a great experience.

Of course, during his career I sparred with him many more times. It was a great experience for me and that's what helped me grow as an athlete, as a boxer.

- Did you already guess back then, in 2012, that he would become a great boxer?

- He's a very talented guy. Of course, even back then, even before he went pro, I saw that he had a lot of potential. He had a great amateur career, he became an Olympic champion - that says a lot.

- He also seems like a really fun guy.

- Yeah, he's having fun, he's enjoying what he's doing. That's great.

- Do you think he'll win in a rematch against Fury?

- I think he will. I don't know, it's very hard to predict how that fight will go. To be honest, I think in their first fight the ref should have stopped the fight.

Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what it looked like on TV. Maybe it looked different in real life. I really don't know what will happen in the second fight, but it will be another great fight.