Q & A: UBO International Champion Yosif Panov

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JUNE 28, 2023 / BY BY UBO PRESS OFFICER

While waiting for news on his next fight, the 27-year-old from Pleven took time out to answer a few questions about his life and career.

You lost three of your first five pro fights, against undefeated opponents abroad. Since you have won all your fights. How did you become a contender, and not a journeyman?

When I turned pro I didn’t know much about it, and I just wanted to fight. But after I lost a few fights I felt motivated and dedicated myself to training hard and develop into a great fighter. Working with my coach Aleksander Vladimirov, and my manager Vasko Vasilev, paid off.

They helped me a lot with the right advice. Now I have a great team and I continue to develop into a better fighter.

How did Yosif Panov become “The Viper”?

Once in training I made a strange move like a snake. One of my sparring partners said “Oh you are fighting like a viper”. From then they called me the viper and I like that nickname. I also had a tattoo made of a viper.

What is the toughest part of being a boxer?

To find the right team. I am very grateful to my coach and my manager. It’s really difficult to find the right specialists in boxing. Also the finances is a hard part, but without a team and success you cannot ask for financing, so both things go together.

What do you like to do in your spare-time?

I love to dedicate it to my family. To go for a walk in the park with them, eat pizza, watch them play.

Where will you be in 10 years?

First I am looking to reach my full potential and win as many titles as possible. Let God decide what I can do and what I can win in boxing. In 10 years I see myself as a coach helping my current coach in our club “Mizia Pleven”.

I believe I have already learnt a lot in boxing, and I can teach young boxers how to achieve their dreams. I also already have proposals for a regular job with nice payment, so I believe I can handle both coaching and a regular job.