He used to fight with both arms, but he prefers left now. He’s been having trouble with his left shoulder for months.

Many times World, European and professional champion – yet he still has his equals.

My toughest opponent is Denis Tsyplenkov – says Andrey Pushkar, who will face Richard Lupkes on 12^th July, at Vendetta in Vegas. – I always win with side pressure, but if I can’t, I will try hook. Neither works on Denis. I’ve had some trouble with Michael Todd too, who isn’t super strong, but very difficult. His technique stops me from utilizing mine completely.

Andrey has had no official fights with Richard yet, but - as he reveals in conversational tones – he has beat him once backstage. Back then Lupkes was tired from his fight with Lilyev, and Andrey – with Todd. That’s why it’s hard to predict the results of this Sunday’s Armfight #43.

Pushkar is not making any special preparations for this fight.

I won’t do anything special – says Andrey. – I keep building my tactics and technique, raising my strength levels, my side pressure and hook – that’s how I plan to beat Richard. For me this will be a great way to spar before A1.

In short – Andrey goes to Vendetta not to fight, but to test himself. He’s not planning to get tired. But Igor Mazurenko, organizer of Vendetta in Vegas, issues a warning – Richard Lupkes is one of the most powerful USA fighters, a legend of armwrestling world.

He’s been fighting back when Andrey wasn’t even born yet – comments Mazurenko.

– We’ve seen him in great shape many times, like when he fought Denis, and Tsyplenkov could barely stand up to him, when Andrey couldn’t even make it with Denis. I also remember a great fight with Liliev. Richard lost 5:1, but Liliev was in top shape back then, and Richard not so much. Richard fought everyone in super heavy weight in USA. He had various scores, but in general he’s thought to be one of the best in USA, just like Andrey is on the other side of the ocean.

What are Mazurenko’s thoughts on the upcoming fight?

If Richard was fighting Tsyplenkov, I would say 0:6, but when it comes to Andrey – I would give advantage to him. But it’s also worth to remember that Andrey doesn’t do so well in six – round bouts, and Richard isn’t very resilient either.

Whatever the prognoses, one thing is for sure – Pushkar is in top form right now, he’s thought to be the leader in the upcoming fight. He’s got a big chance to win with Lupkes, but …

I remember a fight in 2012, when 90 percent bet on Andrey beating Todd – recalls Mazurenko. I know many would have bet a couple thousand on this fight, if they could. And yet, Andrey lost that fight. Whatever happens, we are counting on a fair fight, and the audience wants a good show. So I wish all the best to both fighters and await this fight anxiously.

Andrey Pushkar will face Richard Lupkes in superheavyweight category – 95 + kg.

Armfight #43 will take place on 12^th July, Sunday, 15 – 18 at the Vinyl Club, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

More: http://vendettainvegas.com/

Iza Małkowska