Denis, 2009 was a successful year for you. Are you satisfied with yourself?

Yes, indeed. I won my three fights, all of them within the distance. I fought against a top 10 boxer with Taras Bidenko. I also secured an Intercontinental title and successfully defended it once. In all the sanctioning bodies I am positioned within the top 10. It’s a good perspective for 2010. I’m hoping to become the #1 rated contender. I would take a shot at a world title at any time. Let’s wait and see. I have trust in my promotor Universum. Mr. Kohl has already made a fantastic job with the Klitschko’s, Chagaev and Dimitrenko. He has a lot of experience with the heavyweight division.

You will start into 2010 this Saturday against Kevin Montiy in Magdeburg/Germany. Will this be the kick-off a successful year?

Yes, definitely. Montiy is 6′5! So much taller than me, but I’m not having any problems with taller opponents. I want to knock him out. I want to climb higher in the rankings so it’s important that I will win clearly.

How difficult was the change from Fritz Sdunek, who had cut down his training, to Arthur Grigorian?

Fritz Sdunek is always in my heart and on my mind. He had called me today although he is on holiday. Arthur is doing the hard work now but Fritz still writes my training plans. I’m looking forward to the future. 2010 will be an incredible year!