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Yury RomanovBoxer, European (EBU) lightweight champion
Country:
 Belarus |
Content:
- Yuri Romanov - The European Lightweight Boxing Champion
- Not Concerned About Texton's Record
- Amir Khan's Decision
- Neutral Judges in Texton's Home Country
- Fighting Style and Strategy Against Texton
- Sergey Lyakhovich's Defeat
- Lack of Skilled Sparring Partners
- Current Form and Future Goals
- Opinion on Heavyweight Boxing
- Thoughts on Sergey Lyakhovich's Success
- Belarusian Boxing's Position in the World
Yuri Romanov - The European Lightweight Boxing Champion
Yuri Romanov is a Belarusian boxer and the current European Lightweight Boxing Champion (EBU). On April 4, he is set to defend his title against British boxer John Texton. In an exclusive interview with Sports.ru, Romanov talks about his dislike for blood and meat, the enigmatic Sergey Lyakhovich, and the tough but progressing reality of Belarusian boxing.
Not Concerned About Texton's Record
When asked about Texton's previous defeat in 2002 and his subsequent winning streak, Romanov remains unfazed. He believes that statistics do not determine the outcome of a fight. Instead, he focuses on his own preparation, physical condition, and mindset, expressing his confidence in winning the upcoming bout.
Amir Khan's Decision
Romanov speculates that Amir Khan, another potential opponent, and his agents may be hesitant to take risks in boxing. He suggests that Khan's team may fear that Romanov could defeat him, which would impact Khan's image and ranking.
Neutral Judges in Texton's Home Country
Despite the fight taking place in Texton's home country, Romanov believes that the referees and judges will remain impartial as he defends his European title. Having previously fought in England, Romanov is familiar with the behavior of local fans and does not expect any new surprises that could affect his mindset.
Fighting Style and Strategy Against Texton
Romanov describes Texton as a somewhat slow but powerful fighter with a decent side punch. To combat his opponent, Romanov plans to rely on his speed, counterattacking whenever Texton moves forward and taking the initiative. He also emphasizes the importance of working on his own techniques.
Sergey Lyakhovich's Defeat
Regarding Sergey Lyakhovich's defeat against Nikolai Valuev, Romanov dismisses the notion that training abroad was the main reason for the loss. Instead, he suggests that Lyakhovich's decision to enter the ring with a pre-existing injury may have influenced the outcome. Romanov himself chooses to train in Belarus, citing the excellent facilities available near Minsk.
Lack of Skilled Sparring Partners
Romanov acknowledges the shortage of high-level sparring partners in Belarus as a challenge. However, he hints that progress is being made in this area, with promises of bringing in worthy opponents from Russia and Ukraine. In the meantime, Romanov trains with local boxers and relies on his own development.
Current Form and Future Goals
Romanov states that he is currently training intensively and feels in good shape, estimating his readiness to be around 80-90 percent. He plans to reach his peak form after reducing his training load. As for his critics who claim he has plateaued, Romanov points to his top ranking according to the WBA, positioning him as the first contender for a world title. He intends to challenge the current champion in the near future.
Opinion on Heavyweight Boxing
While heavyweight boxing receives more attention, Romanov does not believe that it is necessarily more popular. He mentions the renowned names in other weight divisions, such as Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. Romanov admits that he personally does not enjoy heavyweight boxing, as he believes it often focuses on blood and brutality rather than skill. He also comments on the lack of current superstars in the heavyweight division compared to the past.
Thoughts on Sergey Lyakhovich's Success
Romanov clarifies his previous comments about Sergey Lyakhovich, stating that he does not consider Lyakhovich as merely lucky. He believes that both Lyakhovich and himself were in the right place at the right time to win their respective titles. He questions Lyakhovich's decision to fight with an injury against Valuev, suggesting that it may have been motivated by financial needs. Despite this, Romanov recognizes Lyakhovich's achievement as the first Belarusian boxer to win a world title.
Belarusian Boxing's Position in the World
Romanov acknowledges the growth and development of Belarusian boxing. He points out that Belarus currently has two European champions, while Russia has none. He credits the hard work of individuals within the Belarusian Boxing Federation and emphasizes that progress takes time. Romanov expresses pride in the achievements of Belarusian boxers and their potential for further success.
