In a recent interview, MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko revealed details about a highly anticipated boxing rematch with Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic that came tantalizingly close to happening before ultimately falling through at the last minute.
According to Emelianenko, the bout was set to take place in Japan, marking a return to where these two legends first clashed decades ago.
“There was talk about our rematch and not long ago one organization contacted me to hold our match in Japan,” Fedor explained. “They wanted to hold our match now, 20 years later, according to boxing rules.”
The event appeared to be moving forward smoothly with both athletes committed to the spectacle.
“It was as if everything was already going well and at the last moment it fell through. We signed the agreement,”
Emelianenko stated, emphasizing how close the match came to fruition. The disappointment was evident as he added,
“I’ve definitely already started making preparations and Mirko has probably started too.”
Despite the setback, Emelianenko remains optimistic about the possibility of future boxing matches. When asked directly whether he would still pursue boxing opportunities, he responded,
“God willing, it will happen. It’s difficult to organize, you understand. A suitable opponent is needed here.”
The Russian heavyweight revealed he has maintained excellent physical condition, crediting his training regimen with boxers at CSKA. Emelianenko has been focusing heavily on boxing fundamentals.
“He brings me others, that is, so that you don’t get hit, swing, he says: ‘I, well, you understand that this is a little bit not my thing, but he insistently tells me this: come on, come on, swing, swing and move,'”
Fedor described his training approach.
The rigorous boxing preparation has paid dividends for his physical conditioning.
“With all this swinging, everything just burned out for me. Everything went away from my stomach and sides. I saw my press,”
he noted, indicating the transformative effect of the boxing-focused training regimen.
Currently weighing between 106-108 kilograms, Emelianenko has also been dealing with shoulder rehabilitation following surgery a year ago. The comprehensive three-part operation addressed accumulated injuries including growths, arthrosis, and a torn labrum.
“Thank God, I had a wonderful doctor, yes, he did, well, my shoulder and thank God, now, yes, now I feel good,”
he shared about his recovery.
Regarding the specific opponent in Cro Cop, Emelianenko maintains mutual respect despite the collapsed negotiations.
“Mirko is in great shape,”
he acknowledged, suggesting that both veterans remain capable of delivering an entertaining bout for fans.
While technical reasons prevented this particular bout from materializing, Emelianenko‘s openness to future opportunities keeps hope alive for fans wanting to see the former PRIDE heavyweight champion test himself in the boxing ring against elite competition.
