There’s not much information about Top 16, but many people want to participate in it. How do you think what is the phenomenon of this project?

I think Top 16 is really phenomenal because it is the first competition where the most deserving people, very strong athletes invited. And they prepare and spare no effort.

Each participant must prepare thoroughly. It often happens that armwrestler prepares for some competition and keeps in shape for it. But here, as I understand, we have series of fights and we must be ready all the time – it's a slightly different type of sportsman.

And anyway, I know Igor Mazurenko’s way and what he does; I can say that Top 16 is a new word in armwrestling. It has never been done before. Everything is on the right commercialization – maximum of entertainment, emotion, burly men who rolled each other to a pulp (laughs). Here were involved huge as for armwrestling finances. There’s different approach for every wrestler to make him well-known. So Top 16 has all chances to become a legend!

Why did you agree to participate in the project?

In my opinion, for a person who lives in armwrestling there’s no another way. It's an opportunity to fight with the most powerful sportsmen. Abandon this is simply impossible.

Participating in the project about nothing is known can be risky. Do you like to risk?

Of course! Just cannot understand – what's the risk? It becomes a very different stage – it’s job. As known, hobby is the best job. Especially if you devote to this hobby 12-15 years of your life.

Do you think getting involved in the Top 16 – it is a reward and an opportunity to get higher?

Naturally yes. This is one of the highest awards for one’s work. In addition, it is an opportunity to elevate yourself to the next level. Because here are the best of the best. This is not a nationals or worlds where we could see strong athletes just of certain locations or half of all sportsmen simply could not get there. Top 16 is a gathering of monsters ! (Laughs)

If not Top 16, then what?

Than nothing. How, for example, you can replace Bentley?

We have published a list of potential participants. Who do you think is not enough, and who is placed unjustly?

I did not even think about it. Naturally, in the world armwrestling there are many worthy people. But armfight – is simply type. And this slaughter... Of course I’d like to see some disqualified wrestlers. I think some of them could compete with dignity.

You know a list. How do you feel among those sportsmen?

I must prepare.

There are some rumors about Top 16 in Internet. Have you heard something interesting?

I have not heard anything. All are waiting in anticipation. This event is something very steep. Probably like a Klitschko – Povetkin fight.

Will Top16 be a spot of return of Alexey Voyevoda?

Frankly, I hope so. Alexey is a great athlete and deserves great respect. I watched his videos even when I was green and just started training. I studied, copied. And so I think that Alexey succeed.

As they say, in there’re no ex-armwrestlers. And I respect those athletes who for some reason are gone, but were able to return. It requires the courage. And Voyevoda can be called a legend.

There’re no weight classes at the Top 16 it's kind of OPEN class. What do you think, is it fair when we select the strongest?

It is a rule.

Anastasia Kisilyova