NG: Can Sergey win this armfight?

AP: I think so. It all depends on Sergey’s form, his preparedness. Lupkes is a “granddad”, but he’s hard to read, we can expect anything.

NG: You’ve known Sergey for a long time now. What is his advantage over Lupkes, in your opinion?

AP: Sergey has better technique, he is more resilient. Although I think Lupkes is technically better than he has ever been before.

NG: You fought Lupkes recently.

What do you think his advantage over Sergey might be?

AP: He has a bigger hand, a long lever, good frontal pressure, and his pull is also good. This means a lot.

NG: Do you think they have an equal chance in this fight? Or does one have a meaningful advantage?

AP: I think they are equal opponents. This will be a real fight. The organizers chose a great matchup. I cannot predict 100% what the result will be, but I think Sergey will win.

He’s younger, he has the technical advantage. But if Richard comes prepared, he will show what he’s got. The table will tell the truth. I wish Sergey the best of luck in this armfight.

Nastiona Gonczarenko