07.03.06 – By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: The trend of ex-Soviet fighters continuing to make their mark on the world of professional boxing has as mentioned many times before, been rather significant. Just this past year three separate CIS fighters attained the status of “World Champion.” Even more like Klitschko, Dzindziruk, and Dimitri Kirilov are on the verge of getting their shot at attempting to grab a major world title..
ESB spoke with Ukrainian hopeful Vitali Tsypko, another ex-CISer, who wishes to join the list mentioned, and possibly take on the winner and fulfill his championship dreams.
Slava: Vitali Greetings! How did you spend the new year?
Tsypko: I spent new year’s eve with my family, my wife and son.
Slava: Tell us a bit about them?
Tsypko: I am married three years now. My wife’s name is Alexandra and my son’s is Nikita.
Slava: When is your next fight gonna be and against who? Where do you like to prepare for your fights and why? Are you happy with your current management and promotion?
Tsypko: I hope to fight sometime in April. I prefer to train at home, and do the main, last portion of training in Germany. I have no issues with either my management or my promoter. (Note: Vitali’s manager has informed me his next fight is slated for April 22 on a Sauerland fight card.)
Slava: I hear that you proved to be very brave against the Frenchman Chanet even though he ended up winning. Can you tell us about the fight and why you couldn’t come out on top? What was your hardest earned victory, who was the toughest opponent you beat?
Tsypko: The mistake I made against the Frenchman was boxing incorrectly from a tactical standpoint. Also I was fatigued by travel before the fight. My hardest victory was the one against Brian Magee. He turned out to be very akward and uncomfortable to fight.
Slava: Did you have a chance to spar with anybody famous? Which famous boxers are you friends with, both from the Ukraine and abroad?
Tsypko: I had a chance to spar with Ottke and Beyer. I know the following guys pretty well: Sergei Dzindziruk, Vladimir Sidorenko and Andreas Kotelnik.
Slava: At what age did you start boxing and why? Who was your favorite boxer as a child? Who do you like now and why? Who do you think is the p4p king right now?
Tsypko: I started kickboxing at 12, then switched over to boxing. My favorite fighters as a kid were Ali, Viktor Savchenko and Kostya Tsyzu. Now I still like Kostya and the American Winky Wright. I get true satisfaction from watching their technique and the manner in which they fight. That said I still have a hard time picking one boxer who I would call “the best.”
Slava: Tell us about your amateur career. How many fights did you have, what titles did you win, and did you fight anybody relatively famous as an amateur?
Tsypko: I had around 130 amateur fights. I became Champion of Ukraine, and a winner at the Cup of Europe. I didn’t fight anybody who is currently a pro as an amateur.
Slava: What do you like to do in your free time?
Tsypko: I like to watch movies, mostly comedies. I need them to relax and to forget about the ring and fights etc. So I never watch action films, I prefer comedies like say “Police Academy.”
Slava: Tell us about the political situation in the Ukraine?
Tsypko: To be honest I don’t really concern myself with politics too much.
Slava: Do you think Klitschko can became mayor of Kiev? Do you think he has enough support in the country?
Tsypko: I think if he became mayor it would serve to benefit the citizens of Kiev, but I have my doubts as to whether it will happen. Still he does have a substantial amount of supporters. I think he instills trust in people.
Slava: Do you think your country’s Soccer team will have any success in the World Cup?
Tsypko: I think it depends on how you define “success” for the Ukrainian national soccer team.
Slava: What do you want to say to your readers and fans in closing?
Tsypko: I wanna wish everybody luck. I hope to leave my fans pleased with my future victories.
ESB wants to thank Vitali Tsypko for his time, as well as the cooperation and support of his manager Yevgenia Borshevska. As always thank you to Sauerland events and Heiko Mallwitz.