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Boxing

Ukrainian world champion explains why he has to fight abroad

Ukrainian world champion explains why he has to fight abroadEd Mullholland/Matchroom
The undefeated world champion puts his title on the line soon.

Artem Dalakian is the unbeaten WBA flyweight champion, but two reasons have forced him to fight outside his adopted home country of Ukraine.

On Tuesday he will face Seigo Yuri Akui in Japan (live on ESPN+ in the US) as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record and retain his title.

Speaking to BoxingScene.com, the veteran explained that as a result of the coronavirus epidemic and then the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he has had to fight abroad - but he enjoys the experience.

“I like fighting on the road,” Dalakian told BoxingScene.com. “I like to travel, to see other countries and cultures, and to show off my boxing skills to a new audience.”

He continued: “It doesn’t bother me.

“Of course I would love to fight at home and more often, but Covid and the war in Ukraine forced me to make some hard decisions. I wlll make the most of this opportunity and look forward to retaining my title and making new fans in Japan.”

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