Sport for Real Men
Speaking at the official ceremony of competition opening V. A. Sergachev, First Deputy of the Governor of the Belgorod Region, defined box as a sport for real men capable of overcoming any obstacles in life. Whereas S. A. Bozhenov, the Mayor of Belgorod, reminded to the audience the popular quotation that box is not a sport, but a science. As an example he cited Plato, a classical Greek philosopher, and an Olympic champion in pankration as well. It is this combat sport that gave rise to the modern box.
Among the honoured guests at the competition opening were Vyacheslav Vorobyov, Hero of Russia, Denis Lebedev, WBA world champion at the professional level, Aleksandr Gvozdik, the champion of Summer Universiade in Kazan. Following the tradition the best boxers of the region were awarded on the first day of the competition – those who distinguished themselves in Russian national and international competitions in 2013. The President of the Boxing Federation of the Belgorod Region V.M.Tebekin, a honoured couch of Russia, presented them cash prizes, badges and Master of Sports certificates. The champions' couches were awarded as well. G.A. Bobritsky, the Director General of Prioskolye Managing Company, wished new wins and achievements in sport to the competition participants. The company facilitates sport development customarily and, in particular, strongly supports the Belgorod boxers.
Being the host of the competition Belgorod team was the most numerous – 18 persons. After the official opening the leaders of the regional team entered the boxing ring one after another. The final fights in all weight categories took place on the 6th of July. The residents of Belgorod had a triumph: they won seven first prizes and four second ones in the championship. Our sportsman Vladimir Nikitin was acknowledged the best boxer of the competition. Evgeny Tishchenko was awarded the prize for the best technique training. All the winners were awarded medals, diplomas, prize money and other valuable prizes. In August the strongest boxers of this competition will take part in the Boxing Championship of Russia in Rostov-on-Don in a team of the Central Federal District.
