Sato and Kyshenko Post Fight Interviews
written by Monty DiPietro

The two of them talk about their fight, their plans for 2009 and about vodka and green tea.

Yoshihiro Sato

Your thoughts about the fight?
Yoshihiro Sato: I took some heavy punches. He's a tough opponent and has a heavy punch. All his attacks lead to his punches. His kicks, on the other hand, weren't that strong.

Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko, Dynamite 2008

Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko, Dynamite 2008

Do you think your chances for a match with Masato have been reduced?
I just have to win my way through the tournament. I'm really upset about tonight's loss.

Your plan for next year?
I've fought the world's best all year and it's been a good experience. I'll just have to take that experience and use it to get a win in next year's tournament.

According to Kyshenko, you owe him a drink?
Sure. Even though I lost, I don't have any negative feelings about Kyshenko. In the ring, I'm really fighting against myself.

Artur Kyshenko (Winner)

Your thoughts about the fight?
Artur Kyshenko: I'm really pleased with the fight. Sato is a strong fighter, but the better fighter won.

Artur Kyshenko

Artur Kyshenko

And what do you think of your opponent?
First of all, he takes too many punches. His main problem was he let me dictate the fight. I expected him to use more kicks, but he was trying to match my punching game. I've always respected Sato. As fighters I think we are very much alike. I respect him even more after this fight.

(Sato comes in and offers Kyshenko a green tea)

Kyshenko: You owe me a drink of vodka together.

Sato: I can't drink alcohol after a fight for at least a week.

Kyshenko: If you drink the real Russian stuff, you can become strong like me.

Sato (jokingly): I don't want to be like you.

(Sato leaves)

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