My friend Valery Alekseev brought his student, European Champion 2006, Andrey Balanov to Chicago, where he was captain of the Russian team. I’ve known Andrey from his first days in boxing. He did not qualify for the Olympics in Chicago, but I hope he will qualify this March in Italy.

Left to right: "Outstanding Boxing Coach of Russia" Nurik Talibov; Russian movie star Dmitry Smirnov; and Michael KozlowskiLeft to right: "Outstanding Boxing Coach of Russia" Nurik Talibov; Russian movie star Dmitry Smirnov; and Michael Kozlowski

I have not seen my friend Nurik except for on TV in the last two Olympic Games when he was representing the Azerbajan National Boxing Team. In Chicago, his student, Albert Selimov, won the gold in 125 lb category. He will represent Russia in China.

With "Outstanding Boxing Coach of Russia" and head coach of the under-19 national team Oleg MenshikovWith "Outstanding Boxing Coach of Russia" and head coach of the under-19 national team Oleg Menshikov