DOUBLE STRIKE

Held in the Kazakh city of Almaty the XVII World Boxing Championship will be remembered owing to the impressive success of the Azerbaijani sportsmen. For the first time two representatives of the Azerbaijani national team climbed to the highest step of the podium, while another won a bronze medal.

Mahammadrasul Macidov (91 kg) and Cavid Calabiyev (56 kg) became world champions in this prestigious tournament, while Teymur Mam-madov (91 kg) won "bronze". Never before had Azerbaijani boxers attained such high results in a world championship. As a result, the Azerbaijan team came third in the team ranking with two gold and one bronze medals, only behind the teams of Kazakhstan (four gold, two silver and two bronze medals) and Cuba (2-2-1).

The world boxing championships are always marked by intense competition. Therefore, most countries in the world championship cannot taste the joy of victory. In this sense, the success of the Azerbaijani boxers can be considered historic.

In the weight category of 56 kg Cavid Calabiyev defeated in the final Vladimir Nikitin (Russia), while Mahammadrasul Macidov defeated Kazakhstani boxer Ivan Dichko.

We must especially note the clear advantage Cavid had over his opponent in the final. After winning all three rounds Calabiyev achieved the biggest success in his sporting career.

Mahammadrasul had to try harder to win. In the first two rounds in the final Ivan Dichko, who was performing in front of his fans, had the upper hand. But in the third round with powerful strikes Macidov sent his opponent into a knock-out (Dichko did not come into himself and will have to be treated for at least a year) and became the world champion for the second time running.

Twice world champion and bronze medalist of the Summer Olympic Games in London Mahammadrasul Macidov told R+ about his victory Mahammadrasul MACIDOV.

- Many considered you the clear favourite even before the competition began.

- As a rule, favourites are only there on paper. I had a string of difficult matches in the championship. There was some weariness. But when you rise to the top of the podium you forget everything. I am glad and happy. I dreamed of defending the title when I went to Kazakhstan. My dream came true. Indeed, I had to try hard, but my efforts were not in vain. 

- So far the Azerbaijani boxers have never become twice world champions.

- I know. I feel great to be such. I also know that each victory has its own time period. But next time I will again try to defend the title. I always want to be on top.

- The world championship was held without headgears. Was this a problem for you?

- In fact, this is easier without headgears. May be this comes from my attraction to the professional boxing. In addition, I have already accumulated quite a lot of experience by performing for the Baku Fires [boxing club]. I felt very comfortable on the ring, but I cannot say the same about my opponents. Without headgears punches are more effective. Some time is necessary after missing a blow to collect oneself. In this sense my opponents were not lucky.

- Which match was the most difficult one?

 - It is always the last one that is remembered. In the final I did not know that I am losing on points. I did not think about a knock-out. Simply, my punch went through and the opponent was knocked down. I was not about to pity him. It was my goal to be the champion. After the second missed blow he was in a knock-out.

- What goals have yet set for yourself?

- If there are no health problems, then I will always fight for "gold". I very much wish to again be the first in the competitions in 2014. The European Games will be held in Baku in 2015. I wish to win a gold medal for these. Naturally, my biggest dream has to do with the Summer Olympic Games. But it is too early to speak about them.

- There will be much more attention to you in the next world championship.

- It would be good to become the world champion for the third time. One must always try to score more victories. I very much wish to win. Each victory has its own charm.

- How do you assess the performance of the Azerbaijani team?

 - I congratulate all our people. The performance of our team was very successful: two gold and one bronze medal and the third place in the team ranking. Boxing is always developing across the world. For this reason the result our team showed must be considered a great achievement. In the final Cavid scored a brilliant victory over his opponent from Russia. Our other boxers also fought to the end. The results show that boxing is on the rise.