I remember him from this gold medal fight against Gutiérrez. Gutiérrez won, but it was a very good fight: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOCEVISZKxs[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf33zuwMbto[/ame]
He was already in his 30s from what I remember when he won the gold medal, so past his prime to go pro anyway. I think he stayed in the amateurs chasing his dream and it happened to take away his best years had he gone down the pro route, and then he stopped boxing to spend time with his family cause he'd been travelling around all his life. He was a good fighter - technically very solid with a decent punch. Boxing culture in Russia is still different than in the west, especially for Gaydarbekov's generation. Not every young guy who was good saw amateurs as a preparation for the pro game. Things are changing now, but even then, there's no developed professional boxing industry / promoters etc. So for a young guy, turning over isn't the natural option..
Gaydarbekov is a muslim. And for some reason Russian muslims don't like to go pro or even like boxing all that much. In the Eighties the Russian muslims were drafted for the Soviet boxingprogrammes. So when Russians could go pro the great majority chose to remain amateur or go pro to make some money and retire. Sultan Ibragimov is a great example. He could have done great things. But he called it a day after hs first big payday. A respectable choice.
These Euro-level legends care about their legacies. Oftentimes, it is not about the money for warriors like Gaydarbek Gaydarbekov. Plus, roadblocks often prevent these Euro-level superstars from leaving their countries, and pursing professional careers. Often, many have simply had enough by the time they are finished with their amateur careers, and prefer to move on from the sport.
I wonder if Gaydarbek Gaydarbekov has good Gaydar. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-4-gLlF0uw[/url]
He didn't destroy Golovkin, Golovkin was beating him clearly for two rounds before Gaydar turned it into the ugliest clinchfest ever witnessed in the ring. Very biased judging in the last two rounds gifted Gaydar the win, but Golovkin did the better fighting without a doubt. And Golovkin didn't destroy everyone before that, his fight with Dirril was pretty even.
I have this thread beat by a whole year! :tong [url]http://www.boxingforum24.com/showthread.php?t=190422[/url]