Vadim Akperov is quite a dynamic wrestler. He acqiured mastery, he showed many fights exceeding other people's expectations. He proved he can win.

What will Akperov show at the Nemiroff? For sure the effects of long and hard work. The audience will judge everything from their own perspective. It will be interesting to see if Akperov is among the World Cup winners.

How are your preparations for the Nemiroff going?

I've just started preparing. I still don't know if I'm going to the Nemiroff or not.

Do you think Denis Cyplenkow will defeat everyone again, or maybe someone will finally beat him?

I think Denis will be beyond anyone's reach. What I saw at A1 is indescribable. Many people believe that Larratt can handle Cyplenkov, but I disagree with them.

Do you think John Brzemk will come back to the top?

John Brzenk is a legend, I'm sure everyone will agree with that. But I believe his time has passed.

Which contestant in your class is your biggest threat?

I think Amolins is a dangerous and well-qualified wrestler, I respect all my opponents and that's why I see a potential threat in all of them. The weak ones don't take part in the Nemiroff.

Everyone is looking forward to Wojewoda's comeback. Will he regain the world class armwrestling champion title?

I don't know Wojewoda personally, but I've seen a lot of videos from his training and fights. I believe he's got a chance. It'll be hard but he can succeed. He's young and has the capacity to regain his former position in the world of armwrestling.

Which of all your fights has given you the most joy and which has been your biggest failure?

I'm pleased with all my fights. I'm pleased that I fight at a high level and can compete with champions. I felt quite bad in Poland at the World Championships when I suffered an incomprehensible failure. Clearly it was unfair refereeing: first I had won and then I was called back to the table. The most important thing was that the video – the evidence in this case – was not even taken into account.

What does the Nemiroff lack for all the stars of world armwrestling to want to take part in it?

It's hard to say. I think it's the money. Few people want to spend their money to come to the Nemiroff just for the title, especially, if they already have one.

How do you motivate yourself to win?

I don't go for any rituals or superstitions. I just focus on a good result and come to the table.

What's your opinion of a situation when one player gives up without a fight, on the pretext that his opponent is much stronger?

If I fight against Cyplenkov, that's a different story. Obviously, it's worth to give up and fight in a lower class. But if it's in the same weight class then I don't think it's right. I believe that it's always worth trying, at least to get some experience, test yourself. You can always give up, but it's the domain of the strong to give it a try.

What's your attitude to recording fouls? Is such system necessary at professional tournaments?

Very negative. I can say that at the World Championships in Gdynia I didn't see a single interesting fight. I believe there could have been plenty! It'd better be like in the old days. You just need competent referees.

Artur Grigorjan