Even the most experienced competitor may overestimate his abilities. Injuries, whether accidental or caused by overtraining, are received when least expected.
Sometimes, athletes recover from one injury just to pick up another. That’s the fate of champions. Real champions, however, always get over injuries and get ready for next season. It’s just that having learnt the lesson of experience, they choose only specific competitions to take part in. That’s what my favourite competitor –Arsen (not rightly called “Shrek”) decided to do.
Let’s go back to 2012.
ARMFIGHT #40 in Las Vegas.
Second match for ranking points in the super heavy category (+95 kg)
Arsen Liliev (Russia) vs Richard Lupkes (USA)
An amazing contrast between Arsen’s youthful smile and Lupkes’s dignified appearance. First round was easily won by the Russian competitor. Followed by a long setup, second round also ended with Arsen’s quick win. Lupkes was again beaten easily by Liliev in third round. The final result of the match was 5:1 for Arsen Liliev. 5:1 for Arsen Liliev!
The Championship of Russia, 9-10 March 2012
The results of the Championship of Russia (right and left hand) 90 kg
|
Name |
Left |
Score |
Right |
Score |
Total |
|
Arsen Liliev |
1 |
25 |
1 |
25 |
50 |
Next competition included:
Open Class Moscow Championships 2012 - the „dress rehearsal” before „A1” ended with the following results:
1 Arsen Liliev
2 Denis Cyplenkov
3 Khazimurat Zoloev
4 Andrey Pushkar
Do you remember the comments back then?
Early on, the clear favourites in the open class were Denis and Andrey. Only Mairbek Zloev was sure that Arsen Liliev would take 1st place. Of course Arsen Liliev and Khadzhimurat Zoloev became the heros of the evening with Khadzhimurat beating Andrey Pushkar and taking 3rd place, and Arsen Liliev facing Denis in the tough final match and taking 1st place. What was it like? During a telephone conversation right after the match, Arsen surprised our reporter saying that Denis Cyplenkov was exceptionally strong and even stronger than Liliev himself on that day! And it wasn’t false coyness of a champion. Arsen wanted us to realize how the combination of the four competitors influenced the final result of the match.
First absence
Arsen didn’t show up at ”our Polish” 2012 EuroArm Championships to defend his 2011 right hand champion title. Weighing around 100 kg, he already had a problem to fit into the under 90 kg category.
ARMFIGHT WORLD CUP, 6-8 June 2012 in Bulgaria.
Grand Final: SHREK vs Todd Hutchings
Quick attack, elbow foul and Arsen “Shrek” Liliev won first round without breaking a sweat. Second round also ended with Arsen’s easy win. The final result of the match was 4:2.
Moscow „A1”
+110 kg category
1. ARSEN LILIEV, RUSSIA;
2. ZELIMHAN ZANKARHANOV, RUSSIA;
3. NASIR HALIKOV, RUSSIA;
Open class, right:
1. DENIS CYPLENKOV
2. ANDREY PUSHKAR
3. ARSEN LILIEV
The last event of the 2012 season in which Arsen took part included World Championships.
The results:
100 kg category, right hand
1. KRASIMIR KOSTADINOV
2. ARSEN LILIEV
3. TERENCE OPPERMAN
During our conversation dated 2 March, Arsen announced his plans for 2013.
How are you, Shrek? How’s your left hand?
Arsen: Thanks, my elbow has already been healed, so did the strained ligaments. Yet, when I thought everything was all right I noticed some calluses, adhesion which is not good. Well, my left hand is “almost” ready, yet almost makes a difference.
In which events are you going to compete?
Arsen: First of all, I’m getting ready for defending my title at the Championship of Russia. Last year I won gold and I’ll win it again this year. Currently I weigh about 103 kg, so I’m going to fit into the up to 100 kg category.
I’m also competing in the “absolute” class just to prove once again that my win in 2012 was not accidental!
I’ve heard you’re planning to take revenge on Michael Todd for beating Pushkar in Vegas?
Arsen: If only PAL gives me such an opportunity, I’m ready to confront Michael Todd!
And what about “Krasi”?
Arsen: I‘m not afraid of him. I was already tired of the season in Brazil. I’ve won against him many times, and lost only once.
Why didn’t you compete in the World Cup in Warsaw?
Arsen: I felt utter exhaustion at that time. I spoke frankly with Igor Mazurenko and told him everything. We came to the conclusion that there was no point in me participating in the event. But this year I’ve arranged my schedule otherwise and you’ll definitely see me in Warsaw.
Shrek, Best wishes from fans from Poland and not only from Poland!
Arsen: Thank you! Best regards to everyone!
Arsen Liliev:
Age 25
Height 182 cm;
Weight around 100 kg;
Biceps – 51 cm;
Forearm – 47 cm;
PeSzy