«It was so unexpected and rather risky to fight a boxer whose name I came to know just one day before the fight», – Vitaliy Rusal said, new IBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight champion. «But the fighter whom I was originally expected to clash with – Jozsef Nagy suddenly had problems with passport and he was not allowed to leave Hungary. New opponent, another Hungarian Laslo Hubert all over sudden appeared to be a southpaw and I had to adjust myself straight during the fight. However, I am very glad with my win by early stoppage and I am happy to capture the title. Thanks to Odessa – I really felt the support from the fans. I am so glad to have the champion’s belt – I do not want to part with it even for a minute!».

-When did you understand that you are winning the fight?


- In round 4 when I managed to land some clear punches to the liver. I saw that Hubert started to breathe heavily and I understood that he won’t last long although he boxed quite vigorously – I must admit it. After that I switched my attacks alternately from body to head and back and finally I managed to win by TKO.

«In fact we found out that Jozsef Nagy was not allowed to leave Hungary one day only before the fight», – Alexander Krasyuk, General Director of «К2 East Promotions» explains. «That’s why we faced a difficult choice: either cancel the fight or accept the clash with a southpaw for which Vitaliy had not been preparing. However, we even did not have to discuss it – Vitaliy said he’s ready to fight anyone.

I would like also to make a declaration concerning Vitaliy’s future. As all of you know on July 12 Wladimir Klitschko will fight Tony Thompson. On the undercard of this event there will be a title fight for IBO champion’s belt with Johnathon Banks participating. We all hope that in case Banks is victorious we’ll manage to come to an agreement with him that in his next fight he’ll clash with the IBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight champion».