How are your preparations for Nemiroff ?

Everything is going according to plan, it’s even better than I expected. I think I will do fine, get good scores. My form is much better than the last competition. But in the end, the table will be the judge.

You are one of the most popular people in the oncoming World Cup. You defeated Larratt in an armfight, and he’s Cyplenkov’s only rival. What if Devon enters the Nemiroff?

If Larratt shows up for Nemiroff, he’ll have to compete. He’ll have to give his best, because the whole world would want to see if he’s as good as he looks to be. But I won’t make predictions, I’m not Nostradamus. If Devon isn’t really sure of himself, he won’t show up for Nemiroff.

If we set up 6 rounds, right now, Cyplenkov – Larratt, what would be the outcome? Would it be different than next year?

I can’t say what the outcome would be, but I know it would be an intense combat. This year, as well as the next. Denis is incredibly strong, but Laratt is very tough. It is, after all, the most expected match in the world of armwrestling.

Recalling your previous Nemiroff starts, could you tell us which victory was your greatest triumph, and which your biggest disappointment ?

Every win brings me joy, and every failure sorrow. I cannot really answer this question. I usually don’t remember the fights I won, but the people I fought. I’s nice to know that many top contestants in the sport remember me as the victor.

What does armwrestling need to get out of other disciplines’ shadow, to get more exposure, more fans and contestants? How to promote armwrestling?

Armwrestling needs more promotion and exposure, that’s for sure. Every major event needs to be seen in order to be spoken about. Armwrestling needs to be promoted so much so that every average pedestrian knows who Cyplenkov or Pushkar are, like it is with boxing. Right now we are hermetic, a small circle of people. Investments need to be made into advertisement and PR. Only this will generate income, millions of viewers and entrance into Olympic Games.

You have many victories. Which names are missing on your “defeated” list ? Who else would you like to defeat ?

There are many names, every contestant wishes to be the best! Right now I have another concern – getting back after the break. Only after a successful comeback can I start climbing up. So it’s a fresh start for me, and every victory brings me closer to the goal.

Do you think John Brzenk is able to get back to the top again?

I have no doubt about it. Brzenk was at the top for so long, that he must want to get back there. He is a role model for many armwrestlers. I’m sure he wants to get back and willing to do everything in his power.

Right now we know the lists of contestants from Russia and Ukraine. In your category there are Artem Taynov, Spartak Zoloyev and Dzambolat Tsoriev. Who is the most dangerous opponent that you’d like to fight?

I want to fight them all! I never feared anyone, and that hasn’t changed. Time will tell the rest. I’m ready to face anyone who’ll face me.
 

Artur Grigorjan