Let the whole world know, I am not going to back down and I’m not afraid of anyone – Angelina Lukas
Kazakhstani boxer Angelina Lukas is gearing up for her sixth professional fight in the hopes of becoming the Vice WBC World Silver Champion. In order to claim the coveted title the Kazakhstani athlete has to defeat Chilean Daniela Asenjo (14-3-3) on October 29 in Istanbul. Lukas sat down with Kazinform correspondent Anel Kassymova to talk about her training ahead of the fight and the role of family in her career.
Angelina, how do you feel after your recent fight? How is the rehabilitation period going? Don’t you have a feeling it’s way too short?
Yes, I did have a fight recently on August 25. It was a ten-round fight right after which I went for a jog in Istanbul and I felt great. In fact, a lot of people question why the fights are held back-to-back, isn’t it too early to get back into the ring? My response will be: no, it’s not. I haven’t stopped training for the past 14 years, this is basically my lifestyle. I’m always training, I’m always in shape. Life gave me a chance to fight for the WBC World Silver Champion. This title will open doors to other titles. That is why when the WBC came up with the proposal I said yes in a heartbeat and started training immediately.
The process of training ahead of fights is always long and enduring. Can you share what kind of training you prefer? What part of trainings do you find the most valuable for success?
If you are a professional athlete, you can’t break sweat in the gym for two weeks in a row and then spend the next two weeks buggering around. This is not acceptable. This isn’t a path toward big results. Your working out routine should always be your lifestyle. Period. Even when I have a one-week break, I jog, I exercise, I stretch, I don’t go clubbing. If you are persistent enough in your training, if you are disciplined, if you follow a healthy lifestyle, you can beat even the most talented and physically gifted opponents. Good sleep, a sparring partner and a coach are essential in the training process. All these aspects together lead you to success.
Your opponent [Daniela Asenjo] has her own peculiar style. How would you describe her as a fighter? Do you think she has a couple of aces up her sleeve?
Yeah, my opponent is quite experienced, she has had about 20 pro fights. She has her own style. I watched her bouts and couldn’t help but notice that she changes her tactics throughout them. I will do my best by showing the true Kazakhstani style of boxing, my skills. Do I see myself winning? I have a winning mindset, I am ready to carve my way to victory for myself, my team and my beloved country. I want to take this belt home no matter who stands on the other side of the ring. I want the whole world to know I am ready to fight and win.
What tactics have you picked for the upcoming fight? What special technics are you going to use to win?
As I’ve already mentioned, I’ll do my best. Perhaps, my opponent has a plan in her head, but I’m dead set on winning this fight. I will push through, I will box in my own manner, aggressively. This is my 6th pro fight and I already know what pro boxing is. The punches are quite tough.
Have you become more ambitious after a myriad of mind-blowing victories? What can we expect from you in the nearest future? What are your ultimate goals?
All I do is train and I’ve set my sights on taking all titles in Kazakhstan and eventually becoming the all-round world champion. Right now I’m doing my best to achieve that. In my 4th pro fight I stunned former world champion from Mexico Ana Arrazola. I defeated Stumai Muki from Tanzania in the 5th pro fight. I will face Chilean Daniela Asenjo in the 6th fight. This is an important fight in my career. I am planning on fighting for titles in the future too. You see, every fight I have, I fight for a title. It takes years for WBC boxers to get a chance to have a big title fight. They get up to 10-15 fights against strong opponents. Of course, there are those who fight weak opponents in their 10th, 15th fight. This is not for me. Let the whole world know, I am not going to back down and I’m not afraid of anyone. I’ll fight everybody, if I’m given a chance to fight, I’ll do it, if it’s God’s will.
You are quite active on social media and share a lot of personal moments with your family there. How does your family support you in your career?
My family has always supported my, since they know me well. If I set the goal, it’s no use talking me out of it. They can only support me. Of course, they give me a piece of advice and I always try to listen. I totally understand that they are worried about me, since it’s a professional boxing. But I made up my mind, I made this choice when I was 13. They have accepted my choice and wish me the best. My mother and brother always try to attend my fights. Unlike my dad, who is scared to watch the live broadcast of my fights because he is too worried.
Your younger brother is an athlete too. What kind of relationship do you share?
He is 17 now. He dedicated seven years of his life to swimming, he was on the national swimming team. We keep in touch all the time. He entered a university this year to major in Cyber Security, but he continues to go in for sport. He is my rock. My family is my fortress. All members of my family went in for sport since childhood that is why the only thing we chat about at home is sport.
Thank you for the interview!
