By Alexander Pavlov

Rudy Hernandez, the trainer of Nobuhiro Ishida (24-7-2, 9KOs), believes WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (19-0, 15KOs) is the best boxer at 160-pounds. Later today at the Sport Complex Krylatskoe in Moscow, Pirog will defend his title against Ishida, a former WBA interim-junior middleweight champion.

Hernandez gives his fighter a very good shot to win. He views the fight as a 50-50 encounter.

"He is a versatile athlete who has all the qualities necessary for a fighter. He shoots extremely powerful blows to the body, which I think are the key to its success. I think the main advantage Nobuhiro is his will to win. In boxing a single punch can change the situation. We will make every effort to win each round. But we also understand that we are going against the best boxer in the world in this weight category," Hernandez said.

"Many believe that if you're tall, then, you possess an advantage. But in my view, the advantage in height does not give you any guarantees. Perhaps it will be more convenient for Ishida to work at close range. In any case, we came to fight. We, like Dmitry, have a plan for the fight. I think the chances for each fighter to win this battle is the same."

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru