By Dmitry Mikhalchuk and Alexey Sukachev

Later tonight Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KOs), a Ukrainian light welterweight combatant, barely known beyond the boarders of his homeland, will have a chance of a lifetime to jump-start his career once again. The chance is really slim as Fedchenko, nicknamed Professor for his clever, sophisticated boxing style, will try to defeat one of the boxing’s greats – three-division and multi-time champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs) as they bid for thevacant WBO interim 140lb title.

A few days ago, WBO #5 Fedchenko, who turned 31 on April 10, spoke to Dmitry Mikhalchuk and revealed some of the secrets of his camp.

“Speed and technique are my strengths, not power or a big punch”, said Fedchenko. “And for sure I won't play Marquez's game. I won’t walk to him and get in his range of fire but I’ll try to impose my will on him and trick him into my own game. I hope to work from the outside, to be a counterpuncher against a counterpuncher. We shall see if I’m able to force the Mexican to go after me and to start attacks of his own. Marquez is a proud Mexican, no doubt about it, and fighting in front of the partisan crowd will force him to go forward and to slug it out, which isn’t his beloved style of boxing. And I shall not have additional pressure on me”.

“I understand clearly that winning the decision against Marquez on his home turf is next to impossible. Certainly, if I see a chance to win inside the distance I’ll do my best to secure it. But a knockout isn’t the final goal, and I don’t intend to chase after it. I shall do what every fighter tries to do to win a fight - I’ll try to be a better boxer than Marquez, a better fighter than him. If I catch him cleanly that would be perfect, if not – I’m content to get it done over rounds”.

“Marquez's best weapon is his timing, his ability to find a moment and to catch you cleanly on the attack with his counter right hand. His aim is great. As soon as you try to tag him, he connects with something in return. So the most important thing for us is to move. I shouldn’t be a stationary target as this will be extremely dangerous against such a great fighter as Marquez”.

“I have seen a lot of his tapes with my trainer Victor Demchenko, and we carefully took everything into attention. I know what to expect from him”, continued Fedchenko. “Those who try to go after him are tailor-made for the Mexican. He likes to be pressured, he feels at home when he's under fire. But his ability is questionable in tactical, stationary boxing. That’s why we shall try to make him go forward and to play with us”.