Earlier this year Leva Kirakosyan came to Britain in a bid to become a two time European Super Featherweight champion it ended up being a successful trip for him. This Saturday Kirakosyan 36, will be looking to retain that title for the second time when he fights former world title challenger Stephen Foster Jr 27-2-1(17) in Bolton, England. Fighting away from home has never been a problem for the battle tested Armenian who is the ultimate road warrior fighting on enemy soil in 32 of his 38 contests posting an impressive 33-5(23) record. He’s currently ranked WBC 3, IBF 4 & WBO 3.
Hello Leva, welcome to 15rounds.com
Hello Anson
Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have a fight with Stephen Foster Jr coming up, what can you tell us about this fight and what are your thoughts on Foster?
Leva Kirakosyan – I’m looking forward to a tough fight; he has good pedigree and is a very slick boxer.
Anson Wainwright – The fight will take place in Britain you have been there 4 times going 3-1 and fought all over Europe in your career, presumably it doesn’t bother you fighting as the away fighter? What can you tell us about how you feel fighting away from home?
Leva Kirakosyan – I get inspiration from being the away fighter.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team? who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at ahead of this fight?
Leva Kirakosyan – I’m self managed Hatton’s will be promoting me from now on i’ve been training in Toulon at the punch group gym with Danny Bischerey i also have a training base at Wodensborough ABC England with Varuch Davyatan and Steve O’Rourke.
Anson Wainwright – Your ranked WBC 3, IBF 4 & WBO 3 if all goes well against Foster Jr presumably you will be looking for a World title fight what would it mean to you to finally get that opportunity?
Leva Kirakosyan – That would be a dream come true but i would leave that to Richard Poxon and Philippe Fondu at Hatton Promotions.
Anson Wainwright – Are you targeting anyone as your rated in the top 5 of three of the sanctioning organisations?
Leva Kirakosyan – Not really all i’m focused on at the moment is beating Steve Foster Junior and retaining my European title.
Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current World champions at 130 WBC Tajbert, WBA Uchiyama, IBF Fana & WBO Burns?
Leva Kirakosyan – Everyone of them are world class fighters.
Anson Wainwright – What fight would you say was your best performance so far?
Leva Kirakosyan – When i beat Onik Archakyan for the Russian title a few years ago the rivalry was immense but i came good on the night.
(Editors Note it was Kirokosyan’s fifth fight and he beat then unbeaten Archakyan via split decision over twelve rounds)
Anson Wainwright – Who is the best fighter you have fought so far?
Leva Kirakosyan – Urango who Ricky Hatton beat.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Gyumri, Armenia? How did you first become interested in Boxing?
Leva Kirakosyan – We were very poor Boxing was way out of the poverty my brothers were both Russian champions they took me to the gym when i was 8 years old and i never looked back.
Anson Wainwright – Your homeland has several fighters on the world stage currently including Arthur Abraham, Vic Darchinyan & Vanes Martirosyan. How proud does it make you to see others from your country doing well? Do you know any of those guys?
Leva Kirakosyan – I know all of them very well it makes me very proud that a country like Armenia constantly produces world class Boxers at amateur and professional levels.
Anson Wainwright – What interests and hobbies do you have away from Boxing?
Leva Kirakosyan – I like to relax to music i also like to dance a lot i cant believe i told you that! Haha
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Stephen Foster Jr ahead of your fight?
Leva Kirakosyan – God bless and may the best man win on Saturday the 2nd of October.
Thanks for your time Leva and good luck with your fight with Foster.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
