Dave Murphy, Ringnews24 writer
Marco, so many fighters who move up to heavyweight and then drop back down have problems with regaining their form when they lose the weight, Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver are two that come to mind, how difficult was it for you to drop back down to cruiser following the Povetkin fight?
It was quite difficult to begin with. But that wasn’t just due to the fact that I had to shed the weight again but more about a disappointing loss. I couldn’t find any motivation. That took a while.
Your coming off your third fight with Afolabi and going into your second fight with Arslan, could you explain to the fans the difference between preparing for an opponent you’ve already fought as opposed to someone you’ve never faced before?
Of course it is a huge difference. You just know your opponent so much better if you fought him before. You know what you have to do during training and what to expect come fight night. It is a lot easier than facing the unknown.
Your first loss was to Steve Cunningham in your first title attempt, how did that experience help you when you fought again for the world title nearly two years later?
I could have beaten Cunningham when it comes to my abilities. The problem was that I wasn’t mentally ready to face him. I was still young and underestimated him. I have grown up since then I take everything a lot more serious than before.
Myself and most people I’ve talked to, thought you clearly beat Povetkin when you moved up and challenged him for his WBA Heavyweight title, how disappointing was that loss and did it effect your preparation for the Afolabi rematch Draw that took place just three months later?
It was very disappointing because I saw myself as the winner against Povetkin and should have been the WBA Heavyweight Champion. That had a huge effect on the fight against Afolabi. I wasn’t motivated at all. Added to that it was only a few months after the Povetkin fight which cost a lot of energy.
Joe Ko!, boxing forum
It makes no sense leaving Germany to fight someone else because its so popular, would you consider going to abroad to fight a fellow belt holder?
I always said that I fight anyone anywhere. Of course it would interest me to take on the other champions. I love a good challenge. But of course the right money should be on the table.
George Jiminez, Ringnews24 writer
How did you rate your performance at Heavyweight against Povetkin and did he feel he won?
I did very well. Almost everybody said that I won that fight, so do I.
Super_hoops1967, boxing forum
Did the threats against you in the build up to the Povetkin fight affect you before the fight (positively/negatively?)
Of course it isn’t a nice situation to be in. I wasn’t so much concerned about myself but more about my family. You cannot just erase those thoughts when you enter the ring.
Would you consider fighting Tomasz Adamek in the near future?
I would if it was an important fight, and there was something on the line.
Will you have an eye on the loser of the Haye/Fury fight as a possible stepping stone back to a heavyweight title shot?
Haye, yes. He is a great boxer and would be an exciting challenge. Not against Fury. In my eyes he is just a big baby and doesn’t have any sort of class.
Mofo2, boxing forum
I wonder why you haven’t returned to fight at HW since the Povetkin defeat, have you plans to move up to the division to fight again? Or have you got your mind set on unifying the CW division? As it appeared to me having no weight restrictions made you quicker and stronger, what are your thoughts?
At the moment I am not thinking about the heavyweight division. In my eyes the cruisers are the place to be. There are so many good fighters and interesting fights to be made. Currently it is the most entertaining division. I would take on all of the belt holders. But who knows what the future holds.
Daniel Giesel, Facebook
What have you learned from the first fight Arslan and how preparation went? Did you have to change something in your routine, because the first fight was highly disputed?
I learned once again that I cannot underestimate any opponent. I didn’t prepare as well as I should have and that showed during the fight. I did deserve to win it but I could have made my victory more obvious.
BoztheMadman, boxing forum
How would you rate your punching power and hand speed? Do you feel you are a complete fighter technically?
I am an all-round boxer.
Iamasadlittleboy, boxing forum
Who has been the toughest fight of your career?
The toughest fight of my career is the fight against myself. I constantly have to motivate myself. I am a naturally gifted fighter, it comes easy to me. That’s why I tend to get distracted by other things. Once I learn how to not be distracted I will be even better than I am already.
Which fighter would you most like to fight after defeating Arslan?
I think that it is more a case of who to pick from all these guys who want to fight me. All the big names want to take me on. So we will see who comes next.
Andreas Blanke, boxing forum
What do you feel about fighting Guillermo Jones for a unification fight? Would that interest you?
Yes, definitely. That would be an interesting fight. Most people have written Jones off before he took on Lebedev. I was one of the few who actually said he would win.
Pietro Baio, Facebook
Would you be interested in fighting Eddie Chambers?
Don’t really know the guy to be honest. And after last weekend, what shall I say?
Are you open to a fight against Tarver?
Another interesting fight.
Otley Snr, boxing forum
Who is your inspiration in boxing when things get tough?
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Who is the greatest fighter who ever lived?
Muhammed Ali. Not just because of his achievements as a boxer but also what he has done outside of the sport.
James Tonks, Ringnews24 owner
What has been the best piece of boxing advice that you have had in your career?
Knock his teeth out!
Do you have a message for the fans?
All true boxing fans should watch my fights, no matter if they love or hate me. I always deliver and I always make exciting and entertaining fights. Not just because of my skill but also because I am an outspoken person and I tell the truth. I want to thank the fans for all of their support and I hope they will continue to support me.
