„It is still not the right evening!” – Wlodzimierz Wysocki sang, and Andrey should have been singing this chorus on the plane on the way back from Las Vegas. It was hard to contact him even for Igor Mazurenko. He either did not answered the phone or mumbled to leave him alone. He had not expected such a defeat. He was pulling himself together for twelve days, trying to accustom with what had happened and he was looking for some solution. It’s really hard to believe , that such a guy, with such an experience and so “tough” – can take such a defeat to his heart. On the other hand, it has been his third, obviously wasted chance for the championship belt. Why can’t Andrey forgive himself that night in Las Vegas? Everything was ready after all! Everything was prepared “for” Pushkar. The opponent – of the adequate class, appropriately promoted, but the one that he should have managed with. I could even say that he must have. Most of the audience bet on him. Some even backed the score 6-0.

What now? What should be done? – “One more night!”. There’s no danger of that, Andrey is slowly tiding himself up and is up to speed. We’ve managed to dial into him a have a short chat.

Andrey, what has really happened?

Andrey Pushkar: I underestimated him! How could I? He surprised me. You know, after the first fight, when the strap cracked, something happened to my hand. I have never felt something like that. My arm was worn out, I could not feel the fingers. What a nightmare!

Wasn’t there anything else you could have done?

Andrey Pushkar: Listen, I have never been in such a situation. You should remember, you saw as I went to the corner and told the buys that I couldn’t feel my hand, my fingers, just like I was given a shock.

Yes, I do remember you talking to Liliev. What happened next?

Andrey Pushkar: The first, the second, the third and the fourth rounds were a horror. I did what was comfortable for him, can you understand that? I hit just where Todd was best prepared. Only once, in the fifth fight I went the way I could be a threat for him, but I was not resistant enough or he was just tougher than I was.

How do you feel now?

Andrey Pushkar: I stay calm, that was not the right evening, I do not throw down the cards. Do not strike me off! Let the fans and the PAL organizers know about that. I’m resting now, I’m not going to train for just a few more days. Then I’m starting again. Today, I feel that my left hand is as strong, as the right one, or maybe even stronger. In the right one I have a slight elbow ache…

Andrey, you’ve known you weak and strong points, and you are saying that you did underestimate the opponent. How’s that?

Andrey Pushkar: You see, I know me, and I know what I am capable of. I’m good enough for the World Amateur Championships, but not good enough for Las Vegas…

Do you want to forge?

Andrey Pushkar: Oh, yeah! I’ll take him away that damned belt, if I can only get a chance. Even this year! Listen Michael! Keep looking at the trophy, show it to you friends cause I’ll Take it away from you soon!

What are your next plans?

Andrey Pushkar: I’m getting ready for A1 tournaments in Moscow. Then, in June the next professional fights in Las Vegas are going to take place, and I’d like to take part. An then? I have to fight with Michael Todd again and win. I will win!

And something more form me: what a rush it’ll be, when the revenge duel takes place! I just can’t wiat!

PeSzy.