Russians are Crazy about Boxing

Radzhad Butaev (left) received loud cheers from the Russian home crowd during his bout with Denys Berinchyk, which he won by decision

KAZAN – The Russians sure do enjoy their boxing. It’s even more obvious when a Russian is standing victorious in the middle of the squared circle.

Russian patriotism has been in full force since the 2013 Universiade kicked off five days ago. We saw the explosive reaction the Russian team received at the Opening Ceremony and we see the Russians atop the medal standings in the early going. 

Yet the reception Radzhab Butaev got when he was announced as the victor via decision in the men’s light welter division (64kg) was booming. And that was only during the decision.

Chants of ‘Russia, Russia!’ echoed during the bout, there were cheers when Ukrainian fighter, Denys Berinchyk, was docked a point, and even louder cheers when he was knocked down after a right jab from Butaev.

“Russia is a good boxing country, but Ukrainians are bad,” one fan said to his Ukrainian friend with a smile. Even the Rocky entrance theme made the arena shake as the fighters walked to the ring.

Russian flags could be seen to be waving, while some people brought horns with them. Not a single seat was unfilled in the Boxing Center in Kazan, Russia. The Russians came with pride and they left prouder. And likely with a sore voice.

Matt Tidcombe (CAN), FISU Young Reporter