Abdumalik Khalokov spoke about Strandja tournament, the situation with Vsevolod Shumkov's coach and his opponents

Abdumalik Khalakov's Instagram profile

Abdumalik Khalokov, one of the brightest talents in the world of amateur boxing in Uzbekistan, also successfully participated in the Strandja Memorial tournament in Bulgaria and became the winner of tournament. 

It should be noted that on the way to the championship he faced serious rivals. Nevertheless, Khalokov was able to defeat them with his beautiful and purposeful actions. 

We asked him a few questions about the tournament and other topics. 

-   Congratulations on winning the Strandja tournament!

- Thank you. 

- What is your general impression of the tournament?

- To be honest, after the World Championship we were seriously preparing for this tournament. The fact that it is called the "Small World Championship" also shows how influential this tournament is. In short, the competition was very strong. The national team of Uzbekistan also had a strong squad, and in the end, we took first place. 

- What do you think about the opponents in the tournament?

- They were all serious boxers. In my first fight, I met the finalist of the European Championship. The next opponent was the champion of Kazakhstan. The third was Vselod Shumkov from Russia. You know him well. In the final, I came across a boxer of Cuban origin who represented Bulgaria. As you can see, they were not ordinary competitors. 

- Now, do you regularly participate in the weight category -57 kg?

- Yes, I work in the weight category -57 kg. After my brother Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov received a license for the Tokyo Olympics, I competed in the weight category -60 kg. You know, 60 kg is not in the Olympics. Therefore, from now on I will move at -57 kg again. 

- Was this your fourth fight with your Russian opponent Shumkov?

- Yes, I won the 4th battle and all of them.

- Did you have a hard time fighting him this time? 

- Of course, it was always very difficult with him. As I said before, Shumkov is a very awkward opponent for me. It turned out that this time he studied me again. In the first round, it was very dangerous. Thankfully, in the remaining rounds, following the instructions of my coaches, I was able to beat him again. 

- After the fight, there was a small conversation with Shumkov's coach. What did he tell you?

- He always told me and my coaches that we would win you. He was a little nervous and upset after losing his boxer. Simply, that's just what he said. 

- Thank you Abdumalik and we wish you to always be among the winners!

- I'm glad to hear that.