Famous boxer Alexander Gvozdik said what he thinks about the football career of his colleague in the sport - Oleksandr Usik, who, we recall, recently signed a contract with Zhytomyr "Polesie".
Alexander Gvozdik- Your friend, Oleksandr Usik signed a contract with "Polesie". Tell me honestly, were you surprised, because friendly games are one thing, but professionals are quite another?
- Taking into account Sasha's friendship with Butkevich (Gennady Butkevich, the president of "Polesie" - editor's note) - I am not surprised at all. But how serious it will be and whether Usik will be able to benefit "Polesie" in the championship is a question. I think, Sasha will be released in friendly matches or not the key games of the championship.
Although, maybe he is seriously thinking about starting a career as a footballer. Moreover, he has experience, he has been involved in football. To be honest, I don't know what his football career will turn out to be.
- Butkevich said in an interview that he will fulfil Usik's dream and let him make his professional debut.
- There are all the prerequisites for this. Sasha has an understanding of football, he will not be an invisible player on the field and will be able to bring benefit to the team. But I doubt that he will play 90 minutes in key matches. I don't think he is considered as the main player of the team. But to play 10-30 minutes is no problem.
- Usik with his build plays not a defender, but a striker. Do you think the forward position suits him?
- Why not? In friendly games for "Polesie" he showed himself well in this position.
- Football is a rather traumatic sport. Will it not affect Usik's boxing career?
- It is unlikely that he will play in the period of preparation for the fight, for example, as now to Dubois. And there will be no problems with running in football after the fight.
- Now in Ukraine the level of football has fallen, a lot of legionnaires have left. Do you think that in these conditions Usik will be able to score a goal for "Polesie" in UPL?
- I am sure that Sasha will be able to score. He will be able to open up and get into position, and he can shoot. If Usik gets a good pass at the right moment, he will be able to cope. It's not like to put me on the field, who has never seen a ball in his life. Usik has been involved in football for more than one year and understands what needs to be done. So far we can not talk about Sana as a professional footballer, but he will 100 per cent be able to roll the ball into the goal.
- What boxing skills can help Usik in football?
- Firstly, it is functional readiness. We [boxers] also run a lot, though less than footballers. Secondly, he has flair, agility and sports anger.
- You have participated in many training camps and know quite a few boxers. Who other fighters like to play football, except Usik?
- In martial arts there are game trainings. It is a good way to run and switch. Personally, I prefer basketball, someone likes football. Sometimes I played football too, but my level leaves much to be desired in this sport:) I know that Shelestyuk, Khitrov and Lomachenko play quite well. I can also remember Berinchik.
- Football is football, but a few days ago Usik said that after his boxing career he intends to run for president. What do you think about it?
- It is a great idea! Sasha has all the qualities for this. He has incredible charisma. I wish him good luck and will definitely vote for him. Would he be a good president? The comedian turned out to be a good president, why is Sasha worse?
Andriy Piskun
