Sirenko Reveals How Many Fights He Must Have Under Queensberry

Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Vladyslav Sirenko (22-0, 19 KOs) shared details about signing a contract with Frank Warren's promotional company, Queensberry Promotions.

– In September, you signed a contract with Queensberry Promotions. Who was the negotiating party from your team and from Queensberry?

– My manager, Kit Connolly, handled that. When the offer came in, he informed me. We discussed it and decided to cooperate with this promotional company.

– I take it you didn’t think long about it?

– Absolutely not, because, let’s say, I was probably expecting an offer of that level. I believe it will help me unlock my potential better as a professional athlete and get the high-quality fights I dream of. So I didn’t think too much about it.

– How many fights or how long is your agreement for?

– I need to have at least 5 fights under the auspices of this company.

– I understand there is some option for extension?

– Yes, there are timelines for extensions, and it’s supposed to be 5 fights. Of course, there are many options for prolongation. I can’t disclose all the contract details because it wouldn’t be appropriate from a business perspective, but I can definitely say I will have at least 5 fights.

– What overall goals have you set? What do you want to achieve with Queensberry in these 5 fights? Have they promised you anything or have you planned something together?

– So far, we don’t have specific goals because you have to understand we’ve never worked together before, and I might still be a somewhat unknown figure from Ukraine to them. But I will do my best to present myself well, and then I think we can start having conversations about clear goals and plans. Of course, the contract has many details regarding fights and so on, but again, I can’t discuss that publicly.

– I will name the Queensberry Promotions roster in the heavyweight division and ask you to choose one fighter you would theoretically like to face next, if given the chance. Here’s the roster: Tyson Fury, Dubois, Parker, Zhang Zhilei, Joe Joyce, Derek Chisora, Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma, David Adeleye, Solomon Dacres. Who would you choose for your next fight if you had the opportunity?

– I would probably want to face the most famous and accomplished opponent. Because when you fight someone of that level, you will always be the underdog. Of course, when you win, it opens up many opportunities for you. When you fight a talented fighter who isn’t as well-known, it’s a great fight, but you don’t get as many benefits as when you beat a former champion or a current champion. So, of course, I would want the top name. The top name on that list is definitely Tyson Fury. My logic is very simple.

– And why not Dubois, considering he has a title?

– Dubois, too. But, to me, Dubois is a more aggressive and difficult opponent than Tyson Fury. That’s how I feel. Plus, I’ve sparred with Dubois, so I understand.

– What makes Dubois so formidable, in your opinion?

– He has a very powerful punch. I can say that because I’ve sparred with him, I know. And of course, his last fight was extremely aggressive, which can be a problem for many fighters. Not everyone likes constant pressure; it can be an issue.