VLADIMIR SHISHKIN

The super-middle contender speaks

When and why you started boxing:

I started training when I was 11 years old because I wanted the girls to like me!

Favourite all-time fighter:

Muhammad Ali was an extraordinary boxer. Currently, I think Terence Crawford is exceptional.

Best fight you’ve seen:

I’ve watched a lot of great fights over the years. I like to see a struggle during a fight, like in the Marco Antonio Barrera-erik Morales fights, the Shane Mosleyoscar De La Hoya fights and Terence Crawford vs Jose Benavidez Jnr.

Personal career highlight:

I don’t have a standout highlight yet, but my eighth fight, against Nadjib Mohammedi [w rsf 10 – October 2018], was important because it introduced me to a physically hard struggle in the clinches. That was a good introduction to professional boxing for me.

Toughest opponent:

Again, it’d have to be Mohammedi, simply because of the physical factor.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:

My best attributes are my discipline and strong will. I think that the worst attributes a boxer can have are laziness and arrogance, but I don’t have these.

Training tip:

Make sure you pick the right coach.

Favourite meal/restaurant:

I’m happy eating anything because I know what it’s like cutting weight!

Best friends in boxing:

I’ve got lots of good friends both back home in Russia and in the US where I’m based now.

Other sportsperson you would like to be:

I’d like to be me, but with a world championship belt strapped around my waist.

Last film/tv show you saw:

I don’t really watch TV in the US, but I used to watch the Sherlock Holmes TV series in Russia.

Who would play you in a film of your life:

I’d pick Leonardo Dicaprio.

Have you ever been starstruck:

I remember being in awe when I lived in Moscow for a year when I was 16.

Last time you cried:

I can’t remember the last time I cried.

Best advice received:

Rely only on yourself.

Worst rumour about yourself:

I think the worst rumour that I’ve heard about me is that I’m selfish.

Something not many people know about you:

Something not many people know about me? I’d rather show it, not say it.

Age: 29 Twitter: n/a Nickname: n/a Nationality: Russian From: Detroit, MI Stance: Orthodox Record: 11-0 (7) Division: Super-middleweight Titles: WBA Continental Next fight: Following two wins in 2020, Shishkin is aiming to progress further up the super-middleweight rankings in 2021.

’THE WORST THINGS A BOXER CAN BE IS LAZY AND ARROGANT’