Serik Sapiev on Astana Arlans' first loss in 5th Season

General Director of Astana Arlans Serik Sapiev has commented on the loss to Italian Thunder, Tengrinews reports citing Vesti.kz.

The Astana Arlans made it into the semifinals of the World Series of Boxing despite losing to the Italian Thunder on April 25 in Bergamo, Italy. Then it defeated the Russian Boxing Team on May 23 and 24 in Astana, Kazakhstan 9:1. Now the Kazakh team is going to face the undefeated Cuba Domadores in the finals.

So far the Italian Thunder was the only loss for the Astana Arlans in this season. Serik Sapiev shared his thoughts about the fights.

Serik Sapiev: Both teams had a chance to win and, possibly if it was a home fight, we would have won. (Hrvoje) Sep was boxing well. What can I say? They didn't give us our victory. The judges favoured the Italians, because they needed points and license for the Olympics. We are not upset with the loss, but we wanted to finish the group bouts with a clean victory.

Vesti.kz. Most experts and fans believe Sep did not lose and was much stronger than Manfredonia.

S.K. It is boxing, He had to…

V. He had to knock out the Italian?

S.K. Maybe, a knockout. He is certainly upset. It was a matter of principle. But losses like that can happen to anyone. It happens when you haven’t lost, but your opponent gets the victory.

V. Is Sep going to file an appeal against the judges’ decision? Does it happen in WSB?

S.K. Generally, it is possible to file an appeal. But we decided not to.

V. Is it his personal choice then?

S.K. We won’t prohibit him from doing it. Maybe, his personal trainer won’t let him. Or maybe the Croatian Boxing Federation will file an appeal when Sep goes back home. But as far as I know, he is not planning to. If he is ready for the play off, he will fight. Everything depends on his readiness.

V. AIBA Pro Boxing tournament fighters Ilyas Suleimenov and Anton Pinchuk participated in the training in the USA. Are they going to represent Astana Arlans?

S.K. No, participants of the APB cannot take part in the WSB or the World Championship in Qatar.

In the quarterfinal bouts, Italian Thunder faced Russian Boxing Team. The Russian team beat the Italians 9:1 in Moscow. Then the Russians faced the Arlans in the semifinal bouts in Astana on May 23 and 24 and lost 9:1.

This year, the Astana Arlans have to do the impossible and snatch the Championship title back form the Cubans. Last year, the Kazakh Wolves fought against the Cuban Tamers in the dramatic Clash of Titans and lost the Championship title. The Arlans are the WSB Champions of the 3rd Season. 

By Gyuzel Kamalova