By Scoop Malinowski

Status: World Middleweight Champion.

Ht: 5-10 Wt: 160

DOB: April 8, 1982 In: Karaganda, Kazakhstan

Ring Record: 33-0 (30 KO’s)

First Memory of Boxing: “Long time ago [smiles]. I think eleven or ten. I remember it was fun, just good atmosphere for me and for my friends, and my brother Max.”

Boxing Inspirations: “My older brother.”

Last Book Read: “Just national history book.”

Pre-Fight Feeling: “Not very serious, just relaxing. Just normal.”

First Famous Boxer You Met Or Encountered: “Good question … I think … Marvin Hagler. (Where?) In Monaco. Great atmosphere for me and for my reaction. (Remember what he said?) Just good luck – and after the fight (he said) Wow, good style, good power.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “Wow … my pro debut. (Why that?) Because after Olympic Games, after amateur career, I finished. I finished boxing. And pro – it was a new start for me in the sport (KO 1 Gabor Balogh in Germany in 2006).”

Most Painful Moment: “Olympic Games – final in Olympics (silver medal in 2004).”

Funny Boxing Memory: “I can’t think of one [smiles].”

Strangest Fight Or Opponent: “No, all of my opponents were normal.”

Why Do You Love Boxing: “I don’t know … because it’s a sport that’s my life. Boxing is my life. I’ve been in boxing a long time. I love boxing.”

Favorite Sport Outside Boxing: “I like soccer, swimming, basketball, baseball. Every time it’s different, I like to see different sports.”

Favorite Movie: “Scarface.”

Childhood Dream: “Wow – I don’t know. I feel – big business or big sportsman.”

Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: “Michael Phelps. And Alexander Karelin. And Usain Bolt right now.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “Serious people, not very funny people, serious people. True people.”