There is a large age gap between those two, but both are top armwrestlers. On 12^th July they had a chance to face each other, at Armfight #43. Pushkar gave no chances to his opponent – he beat Lupkes every round.

- I felt good before the fight, I trained hard – says Lupkes. – During the fight, in round one, I tried to pressure Andrey, but I have never experienced something like this. This guy is so strong, it’s a little scary. I wrestled many people in my 40 years of career, but Andrey is way stronger than any of them. Even in my top form, back in the 80’s, I’m not sure I coul have beaten him.

Even though Lupkes prepared himself thoroughly for the Vendetta, he had no chances.

- I watched videos of his fights, I knew what he was going to do, I tried stopping his side pressure in the first round – nothing doing! – says Lupkes. – Round two - I tried slipping out of his grip, but his fingers were too strong for me to move. I felt helpless. HE;s very, very good.

Like hooking up to a truck – this is how Lupkes sums up fighting Andrey.

- He’s number one for a reason, I have loads of respect for him – says Lupkes. – fighting him was fun, but I felt like a little child.

The fight went 0:6 to Pushkar, but Lupkes is too old a fighter to mourn.

- I’m going back to the drawing board – he says. – I hope Igor invites me to PAL again some time, I love this organization! Vendetta is a great show, I want to stay with you guys! I love armwrestling, I just have to get an opponent not as great as Pushkar!

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

Iza Małkowska