3 August 2003, Gdansk, Poland. That's when the first pro bout between Marcin Kreft (PL) and Vasily Kuznecov (RU) took place. According to contract rules, they fought five bouts.

Almost everyone can armfight at tournaments. Bigger and smaller tournaments take place regularily, but nor everyone can have a full-on pro fight. That's how it was back in 2000. Armwrestling in poland was barely beginning, new fighters came onto the scene, strong and game, but with little experience. But then the day came when Polish armwrestlers gained a new level and could take on the best.

In 2001, a Lębork citizen, Marcin Kreft, gained a lot of attention. Marcin was a great fan of armwrestling, he fought in many local tournaments.When Poland received the contract to host the XXII World Championships, Marcin took a year to prepare, to prove to others that he was the best. This start turned out to be a turning point for his career. The young Polish team couldn't stand up to experienced fighters from Russia, Uraine, Kazakhstan, Canada or USA. Only Marcin took a high 4^th place among 30 fighters in the up to 110 kg category.

This success gave him strenght and will to fight on. By 2002, he had no competition in the OPEN category.

After Marcin's success it became clear that the time has come for him to try his hand in pro category. Marcin's promoter, Igor Mazurenko, suggested a fight with Vasily Kuznecov, Russian champ, winner of the International Golden Bear contest and coach of Sankt Petersburgh team at the time. Vasily accepted the fight, but he approached it cautiously. He didn't know Marcin and he did realize that Polish fighters were on a high level.

On 6^th August, during the St. Dominic's Fair in Gdańsk, the main stage of the event saw some 2000 people, who came there to see the biggest event in Polish armwrestling so far – a pro fight between polish champ Marcin Kreft of Lębork's “Zloty Lew” club and Vasily Kuznetsov – Russian champ. The fight was to consist of 5 bouts, and raised many speculations and emotions in the world of armwrestling. Kuznetsov (then 31) was a Russian celebrity. President of Sankt Petersburgh Federation and Vice-president of Russian Armwrestling Federation, winner of the prestigious “Golden Bear” tournament in Russia.

Marcin was 8 years his junior, but a natural-born armwrestler, he went into the fight fully concentrated and tense. The fighters had a long fight, with themselves and the refs, working on the best grip, testing each other. After GO, they immediately had a break-up.

After another long set-up in straps, it's GO time again and … Marcin makes a mistake (elbow off the pad foul). Another set-up, GO, arms keep going left and right, a hard bout, and Marcin wins! It's 2:0 now. The audience is extatic. Kuznetsov turns out to be within Marcin's reach. Marcin gets relaxed, he seems like he already knows the outcome of the fight. But the Russian is no push-over, he's a world-class showman.

Before the next bout, he takes off his t-shirt and throws it into the crowd. He gets a huge applause for that, especially from the ladies in the audience, as he's very well built. Marcin is a little surprised, but he keeps his white Poland shirt on. The audience is divided between two equal camps, each cheering one of the opponents. The fighters approach the table, with Kuznetsov almost jumping to the fight. The audience likes the pitbull attitude. The set-up commences, then it's GO again! And another break-up. 2:0 for Marcin. One more fight and he wins. But the Russian doesn't seem to be scared. They go at it again! Sweaty palms slip, but none wants to receive fouls for letting go. Marcin tries to pin the Russian, holding on to his thumb only. But the Russian fights on, milimeters from the pad, in a position that would break a mere mortal's harm in two. Another moment and Kreft finally pins him! The crowd goes mad! It's 3:0 for POLAND!!!!

But the contract was 5 rounds. After a break, they come back to the table. Marcin is completely relaxed, Vasily tries to get the audience to cheer him again. He may have lost the main event, but he's still king of the media! The audience likes it, they get carried along. In the 4^th fight they have another break again, and it's straps time. After GO, Vasily gets a foul. After another GO, Marcin attacks, Vasily tries to block with bicep (all 43 cm of it!), he holds for some time, but Marcin pumps up with his arm and pins Vasily again. It's 22:00 o'clock now and 4:0 for Marcin.

Round 5 – another hard fight, Vasily gets an elbow foul! Set-up again, GO … and another foul by Vasily! It's 5:0, flawless score for Marcin. The LION has beaten the BEAR.

This was the first Vendetta bout.

PP