"THE NEW AGASI WILL BE STRONGER"

Boxing is one of Azerbaijan's most revered sports and Azerbaijani sportsmen returning from prestigious international competitions, including the Olympics, have popularized it further. 

Agasi Mammadov, has already written his name in the history of this sport, being the only Azerbaijani to have won a world boxing title. Fate decreed that this experienced athlete had to interrupt his career in his prime - just after the Olympic Games in Athens at which Agasi won a bronze medal. A serious car accident jeopardized not only his career, but also his life. Fortunately, his life was preserved, but he was forced to bid farewell to the sport.

Just recently, there was sensational news - Agasi Mammadov is returning to the ring! How could this be possible, what dictated his desire to rejoin the national team, will the athlete be able to regain his former glory, and what are his chances of success after a severe accident and a long break? Agasi answered all these questions in an interview with our magazine.

- Welcome back, Agasi. To be honest, we did not expect...

- Yes, my decision was a surprise for all. But after much deliberation, I realized that I had the strength to return to the ring. I resumed training six months ago, although in secret. But since you know, that means I cannot keep secrets (laughs). Unlike previous years, I am now planning to fight in the 60 kg weight division.

- When will we see you in the ring again?

- I am happy with the standard I have reached now. I feel that I can fight just as I would wish. My return to the ring should happen before the summer. Allah willing, it will happen.

- Will the fans see the old Agasi?

- The old Agasi is no more. But the new Agasi will be stronger. If sports are developing, the competitors are also getting better. So I just have to be in better shape.

- Was it not difficult to don the gloves again after such a break?

- Everything depends on the person. If you set a goal, you must make it happen. In May, Baku will host a boxing tournament. I plan to participate. I think that by distinguishing myself there, I will be able to return to the national team.

- You said "if sports are developing, the competitors are also getting better". How does Agasi Mammadov assess the current state of boxing in Azerbaijan?

- The national team is taking shape anew. Therefore, it would be wrong on my part to talk about the national team. I can only say that in recent years, the team has not pleased us very much. But I am sure that in the near future, everything will be okay. We have fairly strong boxers. It is just that some of them have no titles yet. And when an athlete has no title, there is less trust in him.

- In September, Baku will host a qualifying world championship. The National Federation has set our boxers the task of taking the maximum number of Olympic places, that is, 10. Is that realistic?

- It's in our hands. In sport, nothing is impossible. The World Championship being in Baku will be an additional incentive for the team. I believe in it and I think that we can earn 10 places. Going to London with a large team is a realistic goal.

- What about the professional Baku Fires club?

- Our team getting through to the semi-finals made me very happy. The World Series of Boxing is a spectacular contest. It is said that boxing is a sport for the poor. That is to say in tennis and soccer, for example, there is a lot of money. Athletes receive a good income during the year. In our sport, this is not the case. The World Series of Boxing gives athletes the opportunity to earn. Boxers win and earn. Although getting in the ring without a helmet is very difficult. Some even believe that in this competition, the risk of injury is much greater. But I think that we should not exaggerate. Few sports go without injuries.

- Is that why there is a growing interest in foreign boxers today?

- I am positive about foreigners. But local youth should use their time effectively. In Azerbaijan, sports and sportsmen receive attention which is not given in other countries. Why do young people not do sports? It's also a way to support oneself financially. So, do not blame foreign players if they raise the flag of Azerbaijan. We should blame ourselves. We are not working on ourselves, but somebody has to win medals. And foreigners are doing this for us.

- At one time, Azerbaijan's national team included such boxing stars as Ali Ismayilov, Sahin Imranov, Vuqar Alakbarov, Agasi Mammadov and Ruslan Khairov. What prevents a new generation from replacing them?

- Believe me, we have stronger guys than the boxers you named. It's also true that when the sportsmen you mentioned were here, many were afraid to get in the way of Azerbaijan's national team. But young people must be given time. Much depends on the athlete himself. Personally, I am trying to return to the national team. I know that, to this end, I must prove that I am strong in my weight class.