By Alexander Pavlov

WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (19-0, 15KOs) is really taking Nobuhiro Ishida (24-7-2, 9KOs), although the former WBA interim-154-pound champion is a serious underdog in the fight. Later today at the Sport Complex Krylatskoe in Moscow, Pirog will defend his title against Ishida.

"I'm happy with the choice of Ishida as the opponent. In particular, because for me this is a new kind of ordeal. I have not boxed with tall opponents who throw a lot of punches. It will be a great experience. He has high-profile victories. He never lost prematurely. He is very straightforward. However, this quality is usually not harmful to him. He works fine with his legs and does well from a far distance," Pirog said.

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru