EIGHT MATCHES, EIGHT VICTORIES

The Baku Fires Azerbaijani boxing team has set a record for the World Series of Boxing (WSB) with an uninterrupted series of wins. Having gained the maximum number of points in the matches held so far, Baku Fires rightly holds first place in its group.

It must be remembered that the World Series of Boxing was launched by the International Boxing Association last autumn. It is the only league in which boxers can earn the right to fight at the Olympic Games, competing by rules close to those for professional. The WSB is already hailed as a new era in the sport.

The World Series involves 12 teams divided into three continental areas: Europe, Asia and America. The Azerbaijani team competes in the Asian conference with teams like Astana Arlans (Kazakhstan), Beijing Dragons (China) and Pohang Poseidons (Korea).

At the first stage, the teams meet each other on the basis of the "home and away" principle. The group winners and the holders of the best second place result will compete for the championship in the playoffs stage in the Chinese city of Macau.

The tournament's main advantage is that professional boxers are given the chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London. The holders of the two highest rankings in each weight class will fight in the final with qualification at stake.

We talked to the team's head coach, Gamzat Agayev, on the tasks of the Azerbaijani team in the WSB. We should note that Gamzat Agayev, who is vice-president of the Boxing Federation of Azerbaijan, is known worldwide as the manager of our famous heavyweight boxer - world champion Sultan Ibrahimov.

- Baku Fires have been victorious in all their matches. Did you expect this before the tournament?

- No one can say who will win in the ring before a match. But I am glad that our team scored maximum points in eight matches. I think it's a fair outcome, as Azerbaijan has a strong team. Therefore, let no one be surprised by our victories. We have enough high-quality boxers, and we intend to fight in this competition to the very end.

- No one doubts now that the team will take first place in the group. What team would you like to encounter in the playoffs?

- There are another four matches before the end of the group stage. And it's a bit early to talk about the playoffs. Of course, with maximum points, Baku Fires' advance to the next stage will be a foregone conclusion. But we can talk about our next opponents only after the group matches.

- What progress will be considered success for the team?

- To be honest, we have set ourselves the goal of winning this tournament. That is, the main aim is to reach the finals and win. One of the strongest teams in the competition is Astana Arlans from Kazakhstan. If we beat them in three matches, then we can think about the final. I do not want to make predictions, but the club management expects the best results from us.

- In any case, Baku Fires will encounter a stronger opponent in the playoffs. Do you follow the performances of other teams?

- Sure. It seems to me that the team from Los Angeles is very strong. It will reach the semi-finals. In general, there are no weak opponents. Every team enters the ring to win. We are not afraid of competition. Let them beware of us.

- A feature of these competitions is the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games. At present, only two boxers are close to this in our team...

- Let me clarify. This concerns boxers in different weight classes - 54 kg and over 91 kg. But the heavyweight Mahammadrasul Macidov has a better chance. Having won all of his matches, he is first in the rankings. We are pinning great hopes on him. I believe that he will be the first to qualify for London.

- In September, Baku will host the world boxing championship. The Federation believes that the main purpose is to win as many qualifications as possible. Do you think the national team's potential will allow it to achieve its objective?

- After the competition, we intend to recruit three or four boxers from Baku Fires for the national team. I will not name names, but we have boxers capable of defending the honour of the Azerbaijani national team. They are capable of qualifying in the world championship. The Federation has set the national team the task of winning 10 places. I think it's realistic. The team is currently having a training session. We still have time until September. Hopefully, most of the places for London will be won in Baku. Then we can think about the Olympics.

- You are also known as the manager of the famous Sultan Ibrahimov. Do you plan to hold professional fight in Baku in the future?

- In the US, there is a strong boxer, Muhammad Abdusalamov, who flies the flag for Azerbaijan. He recently gained another victory. We plan to invite him to Baku in the future and introduce him to the fans. As far as matches are concerned - everything is possible. Perhaps, one of Abdulsalamov's professional fights will be held in our capital.