Exclusive Interview with Kharon Zapolskii: Boxing's Rising Star

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_{Kharon Zapolskii, a Candidate Master of Sports in boxing, has rapidly become a force to be reckoned with in the ring.}

_{His recent victories have solidified his position as a promising athlete in the professional boxing arena.}

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Congratulations on your recent victories! How does it feel to have achieved such significant wins in your professional career?

_{Thank you! It’s amazing to see these results because a lot of work has been done, and it feels great to reap such fruits. It inspires me to move forward!}

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Your fight against Amer Ghaneem ended in a draw. What was your strategy going into that fight, and how did you adapt during the match?

_{It was a tough fight, as I only found out about this event a week after an amateur competition. The preparation was extremely intense. I didn’t really believe in the success of this adventure, but we took a chance, and as a result, we didn’t regret it. I wouldn’t recommend doing it that way to other boxers, but exceptions do happen.}

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Becoming the CIS champion by defeating Dmitry Atrokhov must have been a major milestone. Can you walk us through the preparations and mindset leading up to that fight?

_{This was my first time boxing a southpaw in the pro ring. It was a new experience, and I had to prepare for it in a different way. Working on the stance against a southpaw is a bit different; the details of the preparation aren’t drastically different, but the specifics are definitely there. I’m glad I accomplished that goal. This experience is of great value to me.}

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The knockout win against Mahesh at the Live Arena in Moscow was spectacular. What do you think were the key factors that led to your victory in that match?

_{The mindset of my team and my own. We knew about the fight a little bit beforehand compared to the previous one, which gave us an advantage, so to speak.}

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With such a large number of amateur fights under your belt, how has your training evolved as you've transitioned into professional boxing?

_{In general, the training process doesn't change much with the level of the fight. The main thing is to study the tactics of your next opponent.}

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Can you share some insights into your training regimen and how you prepare physically and mentally for your fights?

_{Sleep, nutrition, and training—these are the three simple key ingredients of a boxer. Psychological mindset is an individual factor; everyone has their own. I prefer to maintain focus regardless of whether I'm preparing for a fight or relaxing. I’m a very focused person in general. This doesn’t mean I don’t know how to relax. I just prefer to always stay sharp.}

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How do you approach developing strategies for your opponents, especially those with different fighting styles and strengths?

_{It's a team effort with my coach and manager. We carefully study each fight of the next opponent, watch the footage, and analyze it. It's like a game of chess. Boxing matches are very interesting to break down.}

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Looking back at your journey from an amateur to a professional boxer, what have been some of the biggest challenges and lessons learned along the way?

_{Every fight is always a challenge. I can't pick one in particular. As for lessons learned, I can say for sure that it's important to stay calm in any situation. Even if things go south all of a sudden, one must continue doing their job.}

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What are your short-term and long-term goals in your boxing career? Are there any particular opponents or titles you're aiming for next?

_{I don't like to reveal my plans; it's confidential. Although, I can say that my plans are maximal, but as God wills. I’m determined to do everything that is in my power.}

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How do you balance your training and fighting schedule with your personal life? What keeps you motivated and focused?

_{My motivation is my family. I also have my dreams and goals, and all of this helps me keep moving forward. My loved ones are aware of my occupation and respect it, which also helps me maintain focus and stability.}

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Boxing is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. How do you maintain your mental toughness, especially during challenging times?

_{Like any person, it is important for me to be able to recover. I know how to do it. There are stages when I rest between fights. During this time, I allow myself some indulgences in food, I can take a trip, spend some time with my family. This is how I recover.}

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Who have been your biggest inspirations and mentors in the sport, and how have they influenced your career?

_{It all started in my early childhood with my father bringing home UFC (mixed martial arts) VHS tapes, and ever since then I have looked up to fighters like Vitor Belfort and Don Frye. I was impressed by their skills. I watched every episode with great interest. Later on, boxing came into my view, and along with it came Mike Tyson. He set an example for me. In my childhood, my father and I used to analyze his fights. Perhaps my acquaintance with his "art" brought this sport into my life. As for now, a great example for me is our legend, Marat Balaev. He is the coolest athlete, in my opinion.}

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What advice would you give to young aspiring boxers who look up to you and dream of achieving success in the ring?

_{Train hard and believe in your success. No matter what others say, keep moving forward.}

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The atmosphere at Live Arena with 10,000 spectators must have been electrifying. How does fighting in such large venues impact your performance and experience?

_{Certainly, such fights give a powerful energy boost! I was immensely energized by the audience; they turned out to be very appreciative. I am grateful for the support of the audience, especially my loved ones.}

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What do you enjoy doing outside of boxing to unwind and relax? Any hobbies or interests that help you stay balanced?

_{Right now, I have a lot of work, so I am mostly busy with that, and if not, I relax. My relaxation is very simple: sleep and spending time with loved ones. I don't have any hobbies at this stage of my life. Right now, my whole life is revolving around boxing.}

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_{As Kharon Zapolskii continues to rise in the ranks of professional boxing, his dedication, strategic mindset, and passion for the sport are evident. With a strong support system and a clear vision, Kharon is poised to achieve even greater heights in his career.}

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