Jukembayev's side speak about situation regarding Ergashev bout
Right now there seems to be as much action outside of the ring as there is inside of it with various dramas being played out. One of those drama's involves the future of Batyrzhan Jukembayev (18-0-0-2, 14) [Батыржан Джукембаев].
Originally it had been reported, by Jukembayev''s promoter, that he had turned down a bout with unbeaten Uzbek Shohjahon Ergashev (18-0, 16) [Шохжахон Эргашев], which was in negotiations for November. Originally it seemed that that was due to Jukembayev not wanting the bout but now it seems that the reason for Jukembayev turning down the bout is more complicated than that.
Vesti.kz have done an interview with Jukembayev's trainer Andrey "Bupas" Ivichuk, in which it was revealed that situation isn't as simple as just turning down the fight, and Ivichuk got a chance to explain their side of the situation.
Ivichuk explained that the fight had to be turned down to allowed himself, and Jukembayev, a chance to get US visa's, explaining that both men would need to travel to get visa's for the bout, and that that was currently going to be almost impossible to do in time for a mid-November date.
Ivichuk explained "Ergashev is not an easy opponent, and this fight requires good preparation" and seemed to add that wasn't possible which would have resulted in an "...unjustified risk for us."
When told about the reports of Ivichuk himself spending 3 days trying to convince Jukembayev to take the bout the trainer answered:
"Batyr did not refuse to fight, he asked him to postpone it at the end of the year and give him an intermediate battle now. Also consider all this incomprehensible visa situation and tight deadlines."
Despite, seemingly, having a good reason not to take the bout it does sound like there is problems between Jukembayev and Camille Estephan, with Ivichuk quotes as saying:
"I think it takes a little time for everything to cool down. It is impossible now to take any steps on emotions. Batyr has high ratings in all reputable organizations, and Camile knows it. A little time will pass, and I hope they will talk and find a mutual solution!"
The full interview, done with Serik Noyan, can be read here in Kazakh and is much, much more indepth than the quotes we've used.
Note - All quotes are translations.
Originally it had been reported, by Jukembayev''s promoter, that he had turned down a bout with unbeaten Uzbek Shohjahon Ergashev (18-0, 16) [Шохжахон Эргашев], which was in negotiations for November. Originally it seemed that that was due to Jukembayev not wanting the bout but now it seems that the reason for Jukembayev turning down the bout is more complicated than that.
Vesti.kz have done an interview with Jukembayev's trainer Andrey "Bupas" Ivichuk, in which it was revealed that situation isn't as simple as just turning down the fight, and Ivichuk got a chance to explain their side of the situation.
Ivichuk explained that the fight had to be turned down to allowed himself, and Jukembayev, a chance to get US visa's, explaining that both men would need to travel to get visa's for the bout, and that that was currently going to be almost impossible to do in time for a mid-November date.
Ivichuk explained "Ergashev is not an easy opponent, and this fight requires good preparation" and seemed to add that wasn't possible which would have resulted in an "...unjustified risk for us."
When told about the reports of Ivichuk himself spending 3 days trying to convince Jukembayev to take the bout the trainer answered:
"Batyr did not refuse to fight, he asked him to postpone it at the end of the year and give him an intermediate battle now. Also consider all this incomprehensible visa situation and tight deadlines."
Despite, seemingly, having a good reason not to take the bout it does sound like there is problems between Jukembayev and Camille Estephan, with Ivichuk quotes as saying:
"I think it takes a little time for everything to cool down. It is impossible now to take any steps on emotions. Batyr has high ratings in all reputable organizations, and Camile knows it. A little time will pass, and I hope they will talk and find a mutual solution!"
The full interview, done with Serik Noyan, can be read here in Kazakh and is much, much more indepth than the quotes we've used.
Note - All quotes are translations.