By Vladimir Begun Jr., allboxing.ru

WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog will make a voluntary defense of his belt on March 11 in Yekaterinburg. We caught up with Dmitry to discuss the details of the forthcoming fight. After winning the title last year with a sensational knockout of Daniel Jacobs, Pirog wanted to unify with the champions, Sergio Martinez of the WBC and Felix Sturm of the WBA. The fights didn't happen, but he wants those fights in the near future.

"I consider it my duty as the reigning world champion to hold at least one title fight in Russia. This is a huge plus for the promotion of sports and boxing in Russia," Pirog said. "After winning the world title, I immediately wanted to hold a unification bout. It is very important."

"The boxers have their managers and promoters, and each of them, to some extent, tries to make the most convenient path for themselves and their athlete. But we must not forget that there is a strong army with millions of fans who want to see these kind of fights. Real, beautiful, big fights. Champions vs. Champions. And we should strive for this as boxers."

"We put 100% into our efforts to organize a unification bout or a big fight with one of the famous boxers in the United States. Our party tried with Pavlik, Martinez and others. We sought such battles, and they did not take place - but it's not our fault. And since trying to make a big fight in America did not happen, then the next reasonable step is a voluntary defense in Russia."