By Maria Bezchastnaya

 

Russian middleweight prospect Dmitry Pirog (14-0, 11 KOs) has discussed the situation having to do with British fighter Matthew Macklin, and about his future meeting with Aaron Mitchell. The winner of this bout will become the official contender for the WBO title that is currently held by Kelly Pavlik. Pirog-Mitchell fight takes place on February 6 in Moscow.

“If Macklin wanted to fight me, we could have met on February 6 in Moscow”, - told Pirog to AllBoxing.ru. – “But Matthew is a “home” fighter who is used to local judges. We offered him several alternatives. Even the fight in England was possible, but only on the conditions of the strict observance of rules and the presence of a WBO supervisor. After we offered that his team broke up contact and didn’t react for several months. Finally we had to start looking for a new opponent."

"My fight with Aaron Mitchell will be an eliminator bout for the right to fight for the WBO belt. If I win in Moscow, why should I fight the European belt holder when I can go to America and meet Kelly Pavlik? That’s the answer. It’s Macklin who needs me, not vice-versa. If he wanted to fight me so much, where had he been earlier?” "

Dmitry says that Mitchell despite of his 40 years of age is not an easy opponent. That’s why it’s too early to think about the fight with Kelly Pavlik.

“Aaron Mitchell in fact is very dangerous”, - says Pirog. “He lost only one bout at the beginning of his career. Out of 27 victories he has 21 by knockout. It’s a good record. And don’t let his age deceive you. Right now there are no Pavliks and Macklins before me – only Mitchell. I must show a great fight and that’s the only thing I’m thinking about at the moment. Everything will be decided in the ring on the 6th of February”.