By Alexander Pavlov

The interim-WBA cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (23-1, 17KOs) has no fear of his opponent Shawn Cox (16-1, 15KOs), who promised to knock the champion out later today at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. In his last fight, Cox knocked out former WBC champion Wayne Braithwaite in the first round and promised to achieve the same result with Lebedev.

"Cox] is a puncher, and he throws hard and accurately. There is very little information about him, but it doesn't bother me at all. I had good sparring partners, and I worked to the max with them and I should win. I must admit that I was very surprised [that he stopped Braithwaite in one]. In my opinion, Braithwaite underestimated Cox. In principle, I am always acting cautiously in the first round. I do not react to threats. I've had a lot of opponents who threatened me. Let him talk, the ring will be the judge," Lebedev said.

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru.