Denis Shafikov and Trainer Abel Sanchez Interview: Talking Boxing
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
In a Real Combat Media International Exclusive, southpaw lightweight contender Denis Shafikov and his trainer Abel Sanchez, at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania on July 2, 2016, from their training camp in Big Bear, California, talked boxing after Denis Shafikov’s tenth round stoppage win over 15-0 Jamel Herring. Shafikov, a two time world title challenger. Shafikov, 37-2-1 with 20 knockouts, Miass, Russia, is currently in position for a third world title shot. Abel Sanchez, best known as the trainer of World Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, got taken into deep waters, the tenth round in the bout with Herring, a late stoppage win for Abel.
Denis Shafikov: “I like your gold chains!”
Robert Brizel: “Thank you. You came in not knowing anything about this guy (who you fought, Jamel Herring). What did you learn from this fighter?”
Denis Shafikov: “He is definitely a very tough fighter, a good boxer. He is definitely a very tough fighter. He held on through everything, all respects (respect for him) for taking this fight.”
Robert Brizel: “It looked like he injured his hands, one in the second round, and one in the fourth round. Did you sense the hand injuries, and (as a result) he was unable to hit you with any power at that point? Did you sense the hand injuries which Jamel Herring had (claim, because) early in the fight he had no power?””
Denis Shafikov: “I felt (gauged) the power of his punches from early in round one, so I didn’t feel he could hurt me with those punches. “
Robert Brizel: “You obviously have been in (some rough bouts), you’ve been in a number of ring wars. Did you expect that this fight would go into the tenth round?”
Denis Shafikov: “I was prepared to fight the entire fight. In this fight I was prepared to go the distance. I needed to try to put this fight away early. If it went to ten (rounds), it went to ten (rounds). I was prepared to go all the way (the distance).”
Robert Brizel: “You were winning rounds. Much from the fifth, six round on, this guy (Jamel Herring) kept trying to get inside, holding you when(ever) you landed. Did he frustrate you very much?”
Denis Shafikov: “I was prepared for this (happening) I (was) comfortable with this (tactic by my opponent). I’m not going to get frustrated in the ring. I have to do my job. “
Robert Brizel: “Now, where we are with this fight, in the lightweight division, Abel Sanchez, you are at 135 pounds. There obviously is a lot of talent there, Terence Crawford included. What would you like to do with this fighter next? He obviously isn’t the only champion caliber fighter you have. Would you like to put Shafikov into a world title fight (again) in his next fight?”
Abel Sanchez: “The only reason why Leo is his manager and Eugene put him into this fight was to get him (Denis) into position back into that slot to be able to fight for a title. We just have to wait for them to talk to Leon Margulis, and his advisor, Mr. (Al) Haymon and see what’s next for us. There is an opportunity, now that he looked (good) like this, I’m sure there is an opportunity coming (for another world title bout opportunity).”
Robert Brizel: “Being also the trainer of GGG (Gennady Golovkin), you understand the concept of size. Shafikov is an inside fighter. He obviously is a smaller fighter. Does that put him at a disadvantage over fighter who know how to use their reach, based on the way that you teach?”
Abel Sanchez: “Absolutely not. He (Shafikov) has been short all his life. All his career, he’s been the shorter of the two (fighters) inside the ring. After 40 (pro) fights now, he’s learned how to adapt, he’s learned how to do (the) things he needs to do to be successful, and as long as he continues to press (his opponent), to slip (punches) and to counter (punch), he’s going to get that opportunity he wants (to score punches and win). That could be an advantage to him……..that he can get up underneath the taller guys.”
Robert Brizel: “Denis, how do you feel? Do you feel like you are ready to take another fight in eight weeks?”
Denis Shafikov: “I feel great, but it was a very long training camp. We had to wait for this fight. I want to take a couple of months off. Then (I will) let my team and my management team decide what is the next best thing for me.”
Robert Brizel: “Are you ready to go into a world title 12 rounder? How would you feel if the opportunity suddenly presented itself, and you had to go back into training for a world title (right now)? Are you ready?”
Denis Shafikov: “I’m ready to do what my management and my promoters ask me. It is my dream to fight for the world (lightweight) title again, and I will not pass up on that opportunity if it presents itself.”
Robert Brizel: You have heard all the discussion about the Olympics (upcoming) and performance enhancing drugs (controversy involving Russia). Does that prevent you from fighting in Russia? Would you still like to fight over there (back home)?”
Denis Shafikov: “If it would be possible, it would be a dream to fight for the world (lightweight) title (at home) in Russia, in my region where I am from there is a great stadium there. (At the end of the day) I’m a professional fighter, I’ll fight where I have to fight.”
Robert Brizel: “Abel, what do you think about (WBO World Super Lightweight champion) Terence Crawford versus (WBC World Super Lightweight champion) Victor Postol fighting each other (at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 23)?”
Abel Sanchez: “I think that’s a great fight!”
Robert Brizel: “Would you like to fight the winner of that fight?”
Abel Sanchez: That’s a 140 pounder, that’s a 140 pound title bout (Shafikov is at 135).”
Robert Brizel: “I know (that) but it’s still an exciting fight! (opportunity for Shafikov to fight the winner of that bout for the unified WBC and WBO 140 pound world titles).”
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