From the scene: By Alexey Sukachev Inside the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow, Russia, the post fight press conference for "Not a Step Back" took place, with all of the main personalities*involved - including James Toney, Denis Lebedev, trainer Kostya Tszyu, promoter Vladimir Hryunov and several other key figures. On Friday night, Denis Lebedev dominated former three division champion James "Lights Out" Toney over twelve one-sided rounds to capture the interim-WBA cruiserweight crown. Hryunov: We have seen a great match-up between two legendary*personalities Denis Lebedev and James Toney. It was a major step forward in the popularization of the Sweet Science in Russia and the*neighboring countries, and it was really a huge event. I want to thank James Toney for his courage and bravery. As for Denis, he confirmed once again his elite status among the*cruiserweights of this era About Lebedevs future: We were ready to go after Guillermo Jones but this guy keeps fighting once*a year or so. I wonder why he hasnt been stripped yet for his inactivity. Now, there are a handful of possibilities for Denis, but our fight has just been finished and its too early to discuss other options. But one of the most probable opportunities is a fight with Antonio Tarver*in England. Our promoter Frank Warre This content is protected is positively interested in this fight, and we are ready to fight Antonio next. Lebedev: I want to thank everybody for their support. Despite some claims about*the easiness of this fight, it was a hard battle for me. James Toney, whose courage can hardly be overestimated, tried to set up some traps. He tried to invite me in and to punish me in close quarters, with his stinging counters. Im glad I was able to avoid these traps and to find a road to the victory. Toney: Denis Lebedev is a great fighter. But he never hurt me. Injury is what hurt me more than anything else. I*strained my knee*in the second round and this affected my performance tonight. I had no excuses though it was an honest victory. I also want to thank Agalarov Estate for its tremendous support and hospitality. About Denis Lebedevs next fight: I wish Denis would take on Marco Huck next. If not, it will be interesting to see him against the WBC champion. As for Antonio Tarver, Im positively*sure that Lebedev would knock*him out. About his own future: James Toney aint finished yet. Ill be back when Im healed. I have lots of things to do and a lot of people on my wish-list About what he kept saying to Denis during the fight: Ahmm, hello, Denis. Have a nice day! (smiles) About who is a better fighter Lebedev or Jirov: They are both rather tough but Denis has faster hands to go with. Tags: James Toney , Denis Lebedev , Antonio Tarver , Toney-Lebedev , Toney vs Lebedev , Tarver-Lebedev , Tarver vs Lebedev
Nice interview and respect from both men, Lebedev certainly appears smarter than he looks. Lebedev Vs Huck II is what I want to see, with a fair result :deal
