Alexey Semerenko did not enter the Ukrainian Championships this year. He’s focusing all his energy on preparing for the TOP 16. In the year 2014 he fought only once, in the armfight with Artem Taynov.

What are his reasons?

Many years of strength training proved that it’s better to focus on a tournament which brings about fame and money than on contests that bring only medals.

Does this mean that we will never see you in European and World Championships again?

Back in 2009, after I was disqualified, I said I won’t start in European or World Championships ever again. Especially now, when there’s real money to make, a career to proceed, a media image to create anew. I know that you’ve been planning TOP 16 for a long time now. I remember when you said to me in 2007: Alexey, there will come a time when armwrestlers will be treated on par with famous boxers or MMA fighters. Now there’s a chance for this to be true. Will it? Time will tell.

How are your preparations for the TOP 16?

I have only one problem – I have no one to spar with. Despite being a European and World champion, I lack practice at the table. And there’s no one who can face me on equal terms now.

Any ideas how to fix that?

The Kremlin fight gave me one idea. I went there to fight with Artem Taynov. I meet Andrey Pushkar from time to time, but generally I just ask two or three mates to pull my arm with a rope, while I do resistance work. It’s not the best solution, but it’s better than nothing.

What has changed since 2009?

A lot. I’ve gained muscle mass. Today I weigh about 116 kg, my bicep is 52 cm in girth, my forearm 45 cm. With those parameters, my strength has also increased. I’m working on my shape now.

Igor Mazurenko