With the Nemiroff World Cup 2013 around the corner we decided to talk to Denis Cyplenkov and see what he thinks about his preparation for the World Cup.

You’ve announced your participation in the Nemiroff World Cup 2013. Do you think you will be able to win again?

My main goal is to show armwrestling fans technical proficiency they expect from me. The rest is not that important.

Who is going to be your biggest rival at the World Cup?

As usual it will be Andrey Pushkar. Many will say he is not the competition for me, but I cannot agree with that. Andrey is making progress, he’s getting better and better and I think he may surprise us. Besides Pushkar there are a few other opponents, but Andrey will be the toughest competition.

Looking back, which match at the Nemiroff has given you the most positive emotions and why?

It was my win over John Brzenk. When I met him for the first time, success was beyond my reach. I wasn’t properly prepared mentally to fight with my idol, the legend of world armwrestling. After the first failure I trained hard in preparation for another match. On the day when I defeated Brzenk I was filled with utter joy. The very realization that I beat my idol warmed my soul and was a reward for my hard work.

The athletes taking part in the Nemiroff come from various places, but most of them are from Russia and Ukraine. Do you know that there are many good armwrestlers from Belarus, Kazakhstan and other countries of the former Soviet Union, who will also be competing in the Nemiroff?

There are a lot of strong guys around the world, but I remember well Dmitriy Trubin. Very rapidly developing, this athlete is in good shape and has a great fighting technique.

John Brzenk is gradually recovering. His left hand is still very weak, but the right one is getting better. Do you think you’ll be able to face the armwrestling legend after his return?
I believe that the physical return may be easier than psychological... Let me just say that I will be watching his matches with great interest.

What are your chances in the match against Devon Larratt, if he competes in the Nemiroff? Everyone knows that armfight six-round matches are his strong point. Perhaps this is why he may not come to the tournament, fearing that he will not reach the final?

Yes, six-round matches are Devon’s strong point. However, the competition at this year’s cup will be really tough and endurance is not enough to win. I think Devon would not be able to win at a regular tournament as there is a great risk he would lose his matches. And in his case, losing the match means losing the title of one of the strongest armwrestlers in the world. You’d rather talk him into competing in a six-round match than in any other event.

Whose matches do you like watching the most? Who do you support?

Unfortunately, I cannot watch all the athletes. I spend a lot of time training and recovering after workouts, so I only watch the top armwrestlers, they don’t escape my attention. They are in the centre of most important events in the world of armwrestling.

Many armwrestling fans believe you’re not interested in competing as there are no worthy opponents for you. Is that true?

I’m always interested in competing. Especially after a long break when I realize that my opponent is one step closer because of my “absence.” It scares me to think that I may be far away from the podium. It is fear that motivates me.

Igor Mazurenko said that the match Cyplenkov vs. Larratt will take place next year. Are you going to prepare for that match in a special way or you’ll stick to your current training program?

I’m not going to do anything special. I know I’m going in the right direction. I’m sure I’m doing what’s necessary for that match against Larratt.

We may only wish Denis luck. We’re looking forward to your matches and further successes.

Arthur Grigoryan © Gra