Q&A: Dmitrij Nikulin. «I think I shall have to sweat hard for the victory»

On this coming Saturday, December 19th unbeaten Ukrainian light middleweight Dmitrij Nikulin (19-0-0, 5 КОs) will claim his first title in a clash against tough Uzbek fighter Abdulaziz Matazimov (10-3-0, 4 КОs). Both with fight for vacant WBO European light middleweight title.

The Dmitrij Nikulin vs. Abdulaziz Matazimov bout is scheduled to be a co-event together with Zaur Baysangurov vs. Frank Shabani fight at a big boxing tournament «World Boxing in Zaporizhia. Champions league».

On December 19th in local Sport Palace «Yunost» Zaurbek Baysangurov (22-1, 16 KOs) will defend his WBA Inter-Continental light middleweight title in a clash against Frank Shabani (18-1-0, 6 КОs).

The upcoming fight card is organized by «K2 East Promotions» promotional company of Klitschko brothers with the support of world famous brand «Nemiroff» and «Inter» media-group.

On the eve of the most important bout in his boxing career Dmitrij Nikulin spoke with us dwelling upon his training camp, his tactics for the fight as well as shared his opinion about Abdulaziz Matazimov.

About future opponent: «I had a chance to watch videos of some of Matazimov’s fights. I could see that he is a fast, smart boxer with awkward style. He is firm, with a strong character. I believe he likes to counterpunch mainly. We have to take into consideration that when he boxed as an amateur he was a member of Uzbek national boxing team and there never were any weak fighters in their team. However, I prepared for a hard fight – no one told me that the bout would be an easy one».

About Dmitrij’s plan for the fight: « Matazimov is very similar in style to me. He likes to counterattack and counterpunch. That is why we both will be inconvenient rivals to each other I think I'll have to sweat hard for the victory. I will have to be a smarter fighter in the ring and set some traps for him. But if it is necessary I am able to attack, to put pressure on him – together with Sergey Gordiyenko who is my trainer we thought over such a plan as well. I never make predictions for my fights but, no doubt, I shall do my best to give my fans a spectacular fight and to win by KO. But if I fail to stop him in the fight I am ready to go the full distance – I have been training for this as well».

About his training: «I have been training for two months as for a 12-rounder. During first month I paid more attention to physical training and then during the second month I sparred mainly. I had more than 120 rounds of sparring sessions with Maxim Bursak, Alexander Benidze, Konstantin Rovenskiy and with some fresh professionals. I had very nice training camp and I am eager to step into the ring as soon as possible».

About his fans: «Any title fight is a great responsibility. And I am happy that I will fight in my first title bout in Zaporizhia – not far from my home town of Melitopol. A year ago I boxed at another tournament in Zaporizhia and I was pleasantly surprised when I was given a very warm welcome there. Many fans came to Zaporizhia from Melitopol in order to support me. I am very grateful to all those who attend my fights, who support me. They create special atmosphere in the arena which is the best stimulus for me. I do hope that this time my relatives and friends, my fans will come to Zaporizhia too to give moral support to me. And I will not let them down».