"I'M NOT FINISHED YET"

As world sport develops foreigners become attracted to various teams. There are very few countries today which rely solely on local people. Everyone knows that there is tough competition in Russia in both wrestling and boxing, with sometimes two-three boxers of the same class competing in the same weight category. But at international level only one boxer can defend his country's honour and the rest have to be satisfied with being reserves. It is this which makes these fighters take out the citizenship of another country. In recent years leading sportsmen turning out for Azerbaijani national teams has been a regular occurrence. Some take this decision in order to better themselves and others because of problems in their own country. One of these is the world and European boxing champion Albert Selimov. The main rival of Azerbaijan's boxers at major competitions, Selimov has signed a contract with the "Baku Fires" club. This winner of several titles has also been offered a place in the Azerbaijani national team. In an interview for R+ Albert Selimov spoke about the reasons behind his choice to join Azerbaijan.

- What will be "Baku Fires" aim in this season's World Boxing Series?

- We always strive to do the best we can. The first thing is to get out of the group, and then we'd like to reach the final. We will go about the job systematically. Right now our job is to win the group matches and increase our points total. Our club has already qualified for the quarter final and now we have to fight to reach the semi-final and then the final.

- You've said you would like to appear for the Azerbaijani national side. What stage has this matter reached?

- When Azerbaijan said it wanted to see me in the national side I agreed. I don't think there's anything to stop that. I told the club's main manager, Rizvan Gancijev, about my decision, so there shouldn't be any problems. I even said I wanted to take part in the Azerbaijani championship, which starts on 26 February, but because of important bouts I wasn't allowed to turn out in the championship. My aim is to get a licence to take part in the 2016 Olympics. I'm also thinking about taking part in the European Games in Baku.

- But the Russians said they wouldn't allow you to turn out for Azerbaijan…

- The Russians can say what they like. The AIBA (Amateur International Boxing Association) has its rules and after a three-year interval a boxer has the right to defend the sporting honour of any country. I defended Russia's honour for 8 years and became world and European champion. I have always been proud of the fact that I have carried the Russian flag. But I wasn't treated right. As soon as I signed the contract with "Baku Fires" they stopped paying my wages from the Russian team. No-one was interested in me. Some said that Selimov was past it, but that's not true. The Azerbaijani club supported me at a difficult time and I was invited to join the national team. The main thing is they believed in me and it is up to me to pay them back for all this. All my attention is now focused on the club, and then I will concentrate on the national team.

- Is all the paperwork ready for you to join the Azerbaijani national side?

- Of course. From next year I will be able to defend the honour of the national side in international tournaments. I shall continue training because one has to work hard to achieve one's goals. I never forget for a single moment that Russia is my homeland. But I have to thank Azerbaijan for giving me the conditions and for their faith in me. And this is only possible by winning and getting good results.

- Do you feel you have to prove anything to anyone?

- I respect everyone. All I want to do is to show that I'm not finished yet. I feel I can do it. I dream of making it to the Olympics. It doesn't matter if it is with the national team or with "Baku Fires". The main thing is to get a licence. I want to take part in the 2016 Olympics. I'll do the business there, and then think about ending my career.

- I can sense a bit of aggression in what you're saying. It's as though someone's upset you…

- I don't want to talk about that. Everybody has problems at some time or another, and that was when I needed support. I'm very happy to be with a club like "Baku Fires". We must achieve our goal this season. Everyone wants to win, and that includes me.

- Lastly, we'd like to know what you think about the state of boxing in Azerbaijan.

- Boxing in Azerbaijan is developing at a fast pace. I'm not saying that because I'm going to be in the national side. You country has always been known for its boxing. You had a strong side when I was with Russia. The Azerbaijani national team is strong now, too. It has European and world champions, and competition has got stronger. "Baku Fires" has also played a big part in the country's growing love for boxing. Our team has won the support of the fans because of its victories. We are getting closer to the final every year, and this year we should bring the main prize to Azerbaijan.