An important cruiserweight clash between two top-rated Russian combatants Ruslan Fayfer and Alexey Papin is just days away. Despite being far less experienced (at least, on paper) 32-year old ex-kickboxing star Papin (11-1, 10 KOs) is a favorite both among experts and bookmakers, while Fayfer (25-1, 16 KOs) is viewed as a considerable underdog for the WBC 200lb eliminator.

Don’t tell this Fayfer, 29, who is fully confident in his abilities and is quite skeptic about his nemesis.

“I don’t consider Papin a favorite; those odds are crazy, they are set by those who doesn’t know anything about the prizefighting," said Fayfer. “I’m of a different level than my opponent. My biggest advantage is my technique; I’m more educated in the Sweet Science and more versatile. All in all, nothing bothers me on the eve of the fight.

“After my win over Alexey, my next opponent should be [WBC cruiserweight champion] Ilunga Makabu. If any delay occurs, I’ll be interested in the fight with Dmitry Kudryashov. Dmitry is a popular personality here in Russia, and there’s a demand for such a fight. Still my primary option is Ilunga Makabu”, concluded Fayfer.

Ruslan Fayfer vs. Alexey Papin takes place in the main event of a huge card, which is set to happen on August 22 in Kazan, Russia. The show will be promoted by A Angels and Ratel Pro Fight with a support of the Russian Boxing Federation and StoLotto brand.