The first Star of the NEMIROFF WORLD CUP, after whom all fans were crying is Alexey Voevoda. He appeared in 2002, when our tournament was called “Zloty Tur Cup” yet, and took place in Gdynia. Next in 2003, during the 4^th Zloty Tur and the first World Professionals’ Cup he won +95kg class followed by Kokoev and Sharkov. In the open class he fought a spectacular duel with a 50kg lighter Taimour Tsakhilov who went down on history, as one of a few men who managed to disrupt with Alexey. Alexey won the Cup in right arm open (then only the right arm fights were held). In 2004, at the first NEMIROFF WORLD CUP, Alexey, weighing 118kg then, beat John Brzenk, who weighted 95 kg at that time. I remember it very well: Alexey was walking to the table along a red carpet. Tall, strong, handsome. He kneeled down and crossed himself. A shout “Go Russia, go!” could be heard. It was a performance, a show that you remember till the end of your life.

2005 came and we couldn’t see Voevoda in Warsaw. Why? He started a brand new chapter of his sports life as a Russian bobsleigh representative, which made him got medals of the Olympics, World and European Championships. Andrey Pushkar from Ukraine won  +95kg class then. The first in the open class was Travis Bagent from the U.S.

Alexey has recently ensured his fans that he’ll come back, that Armwrestling’s always in his heart. So speaking school language, his absence was “excusable”.

And what about Denis?

He debuted at the 9^th Zloty Tur Cup, 6^th World Professionals’ Cup - Nemiroff World Cup 2008, in Warsaw. The competitions were then held on both arms. In +95kg class on the first and the second day he won irrevocably. In the open left arm class he was unparalleled. Whereas on the right arm he had to recognize John Brzenk’s preponderance.  

His domination in the +95kg class on both arms started from that time. From 2008, he was always winning. In 2008, the second on the left arm was Christian Binnie and on the right arm - Tim Bresnan (USA). In 2009, 2010, 2011 Andrey Pushkar ranked second. Denis output in the open class is divided.

In 2008 and 2009 he got “only” the left arm cups. The second was taken by John Brzenk. 2010 was crucial both for Cyplenkov and the NEMIROFF WORLD CUP. As the first and only men he got both cups. In 2011, Andrey Pushkar took Denis away the left arm Cup.

Hard autumn of a local activist

Denis Cyplenkov lives in Moscow, in one of the district surrounding the huge centre of the huge city. The athlete thinks of his future and the time which (hopefully as late as possible) will come, when the age makes his presence felt. As it is said, he got in local politics. You know yourself what’s happening in Russia now. Even as a local councilor, Denis has a lot of work and can’t take a leave.

However he announce while talking to Igor Mazurenko, that he’s not giving up sport! – “I’ll come to Poland some time!” – he said. “If you have any ARMFIGHT proposal for me, I’m taking it! But not this autumn, as now I have to involve in my business.”

It was all confirmed by Kote Razmaze, Cyplenkov’s trainer, who also added that Denis would really like to meet Devon Larratt at the table. He was preparing especially for him. Maybe they’ll manage to fight at ARMFIGHT for ex ample in winter or early spring 2013. We’d all like to make it happen.

In a telephone conversation Denis told us that it was not about money or any other issue, including disinclination to organizers. His duties are the only reason he can’t come.

-“Listen Igor, and tell fans! I’ve did a lot, here at the World Cup, my scores are record-breaking, and I’m already a part of the history. I’m sure, I’ll come here one day and win. Now new competitors will come, and fans will come also for them. And I’ll check what they can some other time! I wish luck to my opponent Andrey Pushkar!”

After this conversation Igor Mazurenko saw some new scenarios of the NEMIROFF WORLD CUP – “Alexey Voevoda promised to come back. It’ll happen after the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Then, I can see no other solution, he’ll meet Denis! Will anyone else be able to joint his rivalry? We’ll see!”

PeSzy