EVW 23 PRESS CONFERENCE

[7:28] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Cologne, Germany, here at the FIBO Power Expo. [7:34] And we are live from East vs. West 23. [7:38] If you look along the stage, right at the side of me, we have a collection of the very best arm wrestlers in the world. [7:45] And they are gathered here to see who is the man, who is the woman. [7:49] It will go down tomorrow night right here. [7:53] And you can get your pay-per-view right now and catch this spectacular show. [7:58] Headlined by Vitaly Lillettin, the Siberian Bear. [8:04] And he will be facing the Soldier Boy Superman from the frozen north of Canada, No Limits, Devon Larratt. [8:12] These guys met only a month or so ago on the left arm. [8:15] But today, or tomorrow I should say, it will be different. [8:19] It is the blue ribbon event, the right arm. [8:22] What has that got in store? [8:24] If that wasn't enough, we have multiple world championship titles to be contested. [8:28] And our core headliner is one of the most highly anticipated match-ups imaginable. [8:34] As four-time world's strongest man, Brian Shaw, makes his return to East vs. West. [8:41] And he will face Leonidas O'Connor. [8:47] Ladies and gentlemen, let's get right underway and introduce our first match on the prelim card. [8:52] Remember, three matches you will be able to see tomorrow in the prelims, completely free before we switch to the pay-per-view. [9:00] And we're going to start with the first of those prelim matches right now. [9:04] It is a battle of rising stars. [9:06] And the first of these athletes hails from and is representing South Africa, Duvan Bornman, is back at East vs. West. [9:15] And he will be facing the local man, Andrei Nakarenko, WAF champion. [9:25] And it is set to go off early. [9:29] We'll start with Duvan Bornman. [9:33] Duvan, big, big opportunity to come back into East vs. West here. [9:38] And there's been a great deal of talk about how you feel going into this match from the pressure side of things. [9:47] You're carrying a huge name. [9:49] You're carrying the weight of a nation on your shoulders. [9:52] I'd like to ask you tonight, mate, how do you feel about that? [9:55] How does the pressure affect you going into this match? [9:59] Man, I'm so happy to have this match with Andrei Nakarenko. [10:02] He's such a unit and strong person. [10:05] I actually gripped up with him on the left hand and he's solid. [10:09] He says he's right, he's 10% stronger, but I don't believe that. [10:13] I gripped his hand and I felt, yeah, this thing, I can break. [10:17] Yeah, but the pressure is real, the pressure is real. [10:21] And I really want to prove myself this time. [10:24] And I'd like to come to Nakarenko. [10:27] Andrei, you're facing a guy who is a walking height train right now. [10:32] He is very much on the rails and at full steam ahead. [10:36] Many people may not know about you, but you're here in front of your home crowd. [10:41] Is this an opportunity for you to derail the height train and take all of that height for yourself? [10:48] Yeah, first of all, I want to say thank you to my fans for support and for the German people. [10:55] I will fight for my home country and I'm really excited to pull Duvan. [11:02] Amazing match to kick us off on the prelim card on the right hand at over 115 kilograms. [11:09] A battle of the young rising stars. [11:12] And we move to our next match on the prelim card. [11:15] This is also on the right hand, ladies and gentlemen, in the 77 kilogram class. [11:20] And Alexei Zabrasvili of Georgia will face Artem Samson Oriabinski of Germany. [11:27] We'll start with Alexei. [11:31] Alexei, huge arm wrestling tradition coming out of Georgia. [11:36] Do you feel like you've got quite a tough act to follow? [11:39] The guy sat just to the side of me represents your home nation. [11:42] And it is wildly talented. [11:45] You're a newcomer to the East versus West stage. [11:48] But what a time to make a name for yourself tomorrow. [11:52] Pull in Artem Samson. [11:53] Alexei, you're a newcomer to the East. [12:24] You're a newcomer to the East. [12:26] First of all, hello everyone here. [12:36] And of course, this is a great opportunity. [12:38] This match is a great chance to show myself. [12:41] And I almost feel like I have to win this. [12:44] Like I have to keep the opportunity to keep coming on this great stage. [12:48] So I'll do everything in my power to win this match. [12:52] And let's move over to Artem. [12:53] Artem, you are on home ground. [12:58] And one thing we know is there is going to be a massive crowd. [13:01] Assembled tomorrow in the arena. [13:03] Over 3,000 tickets sold for the live show. [13:07] Not to mention all the people that be watching around the world. [13:12] You come into this match as a slight underdog. [13:14] How are you feeling? [13:16] How confident are you that you can deliver in your East versus West debut? [13:20] I can translate it, if you want. [13:23] First of all, you are, so to speak, at home. [13:27] You are выступing, so it's a great chance to show yourself. [13:31] And how many people are coming for you to fight. [13:34] More than 3,000 tickets were sold. [13:36] What do you feel about the fact that you are coming out as a small underdog? [13:41] And there is this weight of the выступation. [13:45] And how do you feel about it? [13:47] How do you feel about it? [13:48] First of all, I want to thank this organization for the opportunity. [14:18] It's great about the fact that I am an underdog. [14:22] I don't mind it. [14:22] I actually like it. [14:23] This means that I have nothing to lose. [14:25] He has all the pressure here. [14:27] I can let myself lose and have great time and show myself off. [14:32] Ladies and gentlemen, that is the second match on our prelim card tomorrow night. [14:36] Remember, you can view those matches free and it will be a cracker. [14:40] We're not done there. [14:41] The third prelim and the headliner on the prelim card is in the men's 95 kilogram class. [14:49] The middleweight division on the left arm. [14:52] And an exciting force rising from Israel. [14:56] Mayan Sterengas is back at East versus West. [15:00] He's told us that he wanted to face a super strong athlete. [15:04] Someone who may be able to put the brakes on him. [15:07] Be careful what you wish for. [15:09] He will face Zurab Tabaridzi of Georgia. [15:13] What a match to headline the prelim. [15:16] We're going to start with Mayan. [15:18] Mayan, welcome back to the promotion. [15:21] You're known to be an incredibly twitchy, fast athlete who blazes through your opponents. [15:28] Tomorrow may be very different. [15:31] If this match does stop and you get what you requested, what have you got ready for us? [15:38] Do you feel like you can power through the man from Georgia? [15:44] That's a great question. [15:45] Unfortunately, I don't have the answer for it right now. [15:48] But I do believe in my skills and my technical arsenal. [15:54] I think it's going to be a great match. [15:56] Zurab is a hyper talented and well decorated opponent. [15:59] And I'm here to prove myself just as last time. [16:03] I believe in myself. [16:05] It's going to be great. [16:08] I'm going to go over to Zurab Tabaridzi. [16:10] Zurab, you've been involved in some of the greatest, most entertaining matches that the promotion has ever seen. [16:18] Here, you're headlining against a very, very dangerous rising star. [16:24] Do you feel like this is a little step back for you? [16:28] Were you surprised when Mayan wanted this match, when East versus West offered you this guy, a new guy? [16:35] Thank you very much, Mr. Zorab, thank you very much for joining us today. [16:42] It's a surprise to you that you have to win a win, [16:47] you have to win a win, you have to win a win, [16:50] you have to win a win. [16:51] It's a surprise to you that you have to win a win in Mayan. [16:55] Thank you very much, Mr. Zorab, thank you very much for joining us today. [17:19] First of all, hello everyone here. [17:21] To be honest, first time when I got offered the match, I didn't recognize the name. [17:25] So I went on, I watched the matches, I watched the training, the results, I was surprised. [17:29] He's very strong. [17:31] This young guy, I respect him, I value him a lot, he's a great athlete. [17:35] So what I expect is a very tough battle from him. [17:38] Ladies and gentlemen, what an incredible match that is. [17:42] One of the most highly anticipated on the whole card. [17:45] And it will headline our prelim section of matches. [17:49] Maran Starengas of Israel, Zorab Tabarizzi of Georgia. [17:53] Headline the prelim and get us set and ready. [17:57] A little bit bloodthirsty for what is to come. [18:00] And at this point, things get a little wild. [18:03] We move to the pay-per-view and we move to the men's right hand. [18:08] In the super heavyweight division for an incredible battle. [18:12] Lars Ropawa, Rob Bakken of Norway is back at the table. [18:18] And he will try to put the brakes on one of the fastest rising stars in the game. [18:24] In South Africa's Rickert Bornman. [18:27] Let's start with a question for both athletes. [18:31] Guys, whenever we look at arm wrestling, everybody expects there to be some needle. [18:38] Some real venom and back and forth. [18:40] And yet you two guys seem to be getting on like a house on fire. [18:44] You've been almost best of friends throughout this week. [18:47] We're now one day away from your meeting at the table. [18:52] Has anything changed? [18:58] First of all, I want to say good day to all the beautiful people of Germany. [19:02] Papa, mama, arm wrestling fans all over the world. [19:06] Thank you guys for being here. [19:08] Thank you for tuning in. [19:09] Neil, that is the absolute truth. [19:12] Lars is such a nice guy. [19:14] You know, when I think of Lars Ropaken, I look up to him. [19:18] He inspires me. [19:19] He's a hyper athlete. [19:21] A guy that goes out of his way to make life hard for himself. [19:25] But I think the rumor is going to get quiet tomorrow night. [19:30] And you will see fire at that table. [19:32] Because I think Lars Ropaken didn't accept this match wanting to lose. [19:37] And I think we'll see fire at that table. [19:40] But I can promise you guys that tomorrow you'll see fire in this young man. [19:45] Because I'm the future of this sport. [19:49] Lars Ropaken, same question, mate. [19:53] You've been the best of friends throughout the week. [19:57] Is there a little more intensity now? [19:59] Do you feel slightly different as we're only one day away? [20:03] Yes, I can ensure even for your friends. [20:07] Tomorrow when it's on, it's really on. [20:09] So don't worry about us being two good friends. [20:12] I know this will be a really crazy war. [20:15] As he said, he's the future star. [20:18] And I won't let him put me down right yet. [20:21] So I will do everything I can to win this match. [20:24] So don't worry about we are two good friends. [20:28] I want to also ask you two guys a question relating to should you succeed in this match? [20:38] It's very unusual for two guys to be targeting one particular opponent as their next match. [20:45] And it came to pass the other day when I asked you this question. [20:48] Both of you seem to have the ginger dread man. [20:51] Big Daddy Jerry Cadaret firmly in the crosshairs. [20:55] If you are to win Ricca Borman, is that the guy you want the most? [21:00] Yes, Neil. I think that's the biggest test possible at this time and age. [21:06] And Lars, don't even worry about answering this question. [21:09] It's just going to waste your breath. [21:11] So yeah, when I win this match tomorrow, I want East versus West to give me someone that I'm going to lose to. [21:20] To really taste me. [21:21] And I think that's the only way that I'm going to grow in this beautiful sport. [21:25] And learn how to fight every single style there is. [21:29] And Lars Robacken, same question, mate. [21:36] If you are to win this, is it Jerry? And if so, why? [21:40] It doesn't need to be Jerry. It could be Corey West. [21:42] Or it could be the crazy monster sitting down there. [21:47] It's a very tough man to beat. [21:50] You got a little wave from him there, Lars. He gave you a little wave back, Alex, there. [21:54] Yeah, but as Ricca told me, if or when I win this match, give me a one that will be very hard to beat. [22:03] Do you feel like you're the toughest opponent that this young man has faced? [22:06] You're a very unusual guy to arm wrestle against. [22:09] I think I have some weapon that I haven't faced yet. [22:12] And I think I'm pretty strong now. [22:14] So, yes, I think I am. [22:16] Ladies and gentlemen, you can feel the intensity in the air. [22:20] There is no disrespect, but there is massive confidence. [22:24] Both men truly believe that they will leave Germany with the victory here. [22:30] What a match to start our main card. [22:32] Lars Ropauer Robacken of Norway, Ricca Bornman of South Africa will start the main card here at East versus West 23. [22:42] And we move to the left hand in the ladies open division. [22:46] And this match will feature one of the all time greats of female arm wrestling who will be pitted against a new rising star from Turkey. [22:57] We will start with that athlete, Azra Sarri. [23:00] Welcome to East versus West 23. [23:03] And what a way to start your career. [23:07] Azra, I know you are not lacking in confidence, but right out of the gates, you're getting to pull a lady who is in the conversation for the greatest of all time. [23:18] How does that feel to come here with such a huge test in front of you? [23:23] Hi, I'm personally, thank you so much, Germany. [23:30] I love you, German people, because Germany my second country. [23:35] Thank you so much, guys. [23:39] Yes, this is my first AS West. [23:44] I am so ready for this match. [23:47] And Ekle, same age my mom, and she is very old right now, and she knows. [23:58] I respect, I am so respect for she, but this is my time, not your time. [24:06] Your time is finished. [24:07] Wow, huge amount of confidence from Azra Sarri. [24:16] Ekle, you heard what this young athlete said. [24:20] This is not your time, your time is done. [24:24] Now is my time. [24:26] Those are very, very big words to say to someone with your accolades and resume. [24:33] What is your response, Ekle? [24:35] I think it's just her opinion about my strength. [24:43] I will show her power level, world power level. [24:47] Ladies and gentlemen, you could see the look in the eyes of Ekle Bekute as she addressed her opponent there. [24:58] Truly felt a little bit of burn coming in this direction. [25:03] And a big smile cracks on the face of the Lithuanian. [25:07] What a way to start the ladies section tomorrow. [25:10] Ladies Open division has a new star, Azra Sarri. [25:14] And she has the opportunity to show it off against an all-time great in Ekle Bekute. [25:20] Make sure you get your pay-per-view, ladies and gentlemen, and check that one out. [25:24] It is about to go off. [25:26] And the legends keep on coming in our next matchup as we move to the 95-kilogram section on the men's left arm. [25:36] And this one is a world title eliminator here at East versus West 23 as the legendary multiple national European and world champion Rustam Babaev of Ukraine makes his debut on the left hand here. [25:54] And he will be facing the former East versus West champion of the world in Betkili Oniyani. [26:03] We will start with Rustam. [26:05] Rustam, you have won so many titles. [26:09] You have achieved so much in this sport. [26:12] It shows as a mark of respect that your very first match on the left arm is against Betkili Oniyani. [26:22] That is a very difficult man to start your campaign against. [26:26] How confident are you that you can leave Germany with the win? [26:30] You have amazing achievements in arm wrestling. [26:33] And this shows the level of respect to you when your first opponent actually debut on the left hand. [26:39] It's Betkili Oniyani. [26:41] How do you believe in yourself? [26:42] Because your opponent is extremely strong. [26:44] First of all, hello. [26:47] Honestly, I've already used to say that I have only such opponents. [26:56] In general, they never give me weak. [26:59] Well, according to what I've ever played before, they won't give me. [27:04] They won't give me. [27:05] Well, in fact, I've prepared well, I've prepared well, I've prepared well. [27:11] And although it's my debut, I'm more or less confident in my strength. [27:18] And that's why I'll see how I'm not mistaken. [27:23] Honestly, at this point, I'm pretty much used to having very tough matches. [27:39] By the results that I had before, I'm pretty sure I'm never gonna get an easy opponent. [27:43] But I've trained really hard. I feel pretty good on the left arm. [27:47] So, yes, I do have a strong opponent. [27:49] But I'm fairly certain I have enough abilities to win this match. [27:53] But let's see if I'm wrong. [27:54] I prepared really hard and I did everything that I could. [27:57] Ladies and gentlemen, Rustam Babaev, a man of few words, but massive accomplishments. [28:04] Let's go to Bet Kili Oniani, former world champion here at EBW. [28:09] Bet Kili, it's been a while since we've seen you here in East versus West. [28:14] And many people have been interested to understand where you have been. [28:19] Where is your level right now? [28:22] And are you ready to step back into the fray against a man of the caliber of Rustam Babaev? [28:29] It is you, the guy who says what he told you about right now. [28:32] He said, he's a champion. Do you think he has a champ or not? [28:37] What's that champion? [28:38] What's that champion? [28:40] He has a champion who has a champion. [28:43] He has a champion. [28:45] He is a champion for a champion. [28:46] He's in every race. [28:48] He has a champion for a champion, every other champion, every other champion. [28:50] I want to be a champion for a champion, [28:58] First of all, hello everyone here, and as for my shape, it's very stable. [29:26] It's been a bit more than a year, but in this time, I'm very stable. [29:30] I'm feeling really good for this match. [29:33] You know, it's been a long time that I wanted to pull Rustam, and I believe the fight will [29:36] be equal. [29:37] What I'm hoping for with Rustam is we'll show a great fight with him. [29:41] Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure that will be the case. [29:45] One of the most highly anticipated matches on the card, without a shadow of a doubt, Rustam [29:51] Babayev of Ukraine, Vekili Oniani of Georgia on the left hand, world title eliminator. [29:59] What a match in store there. [30:00] And if you didn't think the excitement dial was wound up quite enough, get ready for [30:07] our next match. [30:08] This one is in the men's 105 kilogram class on the men's left hand, and we welcome back [30:16] the wild horse, Mask of Canada, and he will be facing Aymeric Pradeens of France, who has [30:24] been a silent assassin here in the weight class. [30:28] And this one should be hellfire. [30:30] We will start with the man from Red Deer, Canada. [30:34] Matt, welcome back, mate. [30:39] Howdy. [30:40] Howdy. [30:41] You are an athlete that many people know as a right arm dominant arm wrestler. [30:48] And yet, your results recently on the left arm are extremely impressive. [30:56] Where is the balance on the right and left arm, Matt? [31:01] I really have no fucking clue where it is compared to my right. [31:07] I don't know. [31:07] Somehow, someway, all the arm wrestling gods keep shining down on me every time they call [31:12] my name to the table. [31:13] I somehow manage to show the fuck up. [31:15] Now, you're facing a guy who flies under the radar a little bit. [31:23] This may not be the most well-known man in the room, and yet he is a killer. [31:29] He is a left arm specialist, and he is pretty close to home. [31:34] How much do you know about Aymeric Pradeens? [31:38] Ah, fuck, call this SD. [31:41] The fucking, tell that tabernacker that fucking, he's never met a motherfucker like me before. [31:47] So, when he gets up to the table, it's my fucking show. [31:50] This is going to be my fucking house tomorrow. [31:53] I'm going to give you something you ain't never fucking seen before. [31:57] It's going to be a nice little gift you get to take home to France. [32:00] The old Presidente can wear that around his fucking collar and parade it out around the country. [32:05] Yeah, you will learn some French tomorrow. [32:09] Yes, yes, I'll teach you some more tomorrow, too. [32:12] Ladies and gentlemen, the silver-tongue cavalier of Alberta, Canada, is in the house, and he is alive, alive. [32:19] Oh, we will come over to Aymeric Pradeens. [32:22] Aymeric, you've been impressive. [32:25] You've pulled very, very well in the promotion. [32:28] Your match against Brida was very, very impressive, but you still have managed to fly under the radar, [32:33] not get that notoriety. [32:35] However, now, you're pulling such a vibrant arm wrestler. [32:39] Matt Mask is a huge name. [32:41] Yeah. [32:42] Is this the match that finally gets some respect on your name, if you can take down this man? [32:49] Yeah, I think, yeah, I think it's a great, great opportunity for me. [32:53] Yeah, Matt, it's a legend of the sport. [32:57] But I will be ready tomorrow for face the wild horse, le cheval fou. [33:05] Does that sound confident to all you motherfuckers out there? [33:09] Eh, I didn't fucking think so. [33:11] Yeah, I'm more confident in French. [33:13] I will kill you. [33:14] In French. [33:15] Je vais t'exploser, man. [33:17] Mais tu vas rien comprendre demain. [33:19] It's better? [33:19] It's better in French, no? [33:21] Hey, all I got to say is old portrait. [33:24] Don't let that fucking door hit your ass on the way out, motherfucker. [33:27] Eh, je vais t'enculer aussi. [33:31] Mais en français, tu vas voir, ça passe beaucoup mieux. [33:36] Ladies and gentlemen, how to make friends and influence people by Matt Mask. [33:42] It's on the wild horse. [33:44] Super relax. [33:45] And Aymeric Pradeens will go down tomorrow in the men's 105-kilogram class. [33:51] And as you can see, it may get a little bit tasty. [33:55] We move to our next match on the card, which is on the ladies' right hand. [33:59] And it is a 60-kilogram world title match between two savage competitors. [34:05] Melek Sahin takes her battle here at East vs. West 23 against a super popular athlete from Japan, Ayane Takanaka. [34:19] What a match in prospect. [34:21] And I wanted to start with a question, really, for both ladies. [34:25] And we'll pass it to Melek first. [34:28] Melek, a lot of people feel like this match is only going to go one way. [34:33] It will be straight into the hook and all about the power. [34:38] Is that what you plan? [34:39] Is that what you want? [34:41] Diyor ki, seninle büyük bir maç bekleniyor. [34:46] İşte patlayıp senin herhangi bir maç fikrin var mı? [34:49] Güçleriniz çok yan yana gibi. [34:51] Güçlerimizin yan yana olduğunu düşünüyorum. [34:55] Yanı sıra benim gücümün ondan daha kuvvetli olduğunu düşünüyorum. [35:00] Melek thinks, Melek say, my power is so much for her. [35:08] Any, no, any plan, just power for she. [35:14] Say. [35:16] Eşit bir maç. [35:18] Yani eşit bir güç var. [35:21] İyi olan kazanır. [35:22] Yeah, good luck for she. [35:26] Good one is win. [35:30] Yes. [35:31] And let's go to Ayana Takanaka. [35:35] Ayana, you've been involved in some very dramatic matches. [35:38] Every time we see you go to the table, we see your spirit, we see your fire. [35:43] Do you believe you are the stronger girl in this match? [35:46] Are you the stronger lady and will you be able to overcome Melek tomorrow? [35:51] lar Olmuzoğlu. [36:01] Al-Omuzoğlu. [36:02] Orada olmalı. [36:05] Say. [36:05] Say. [36:06] An-A-Kun. [36:06] An-A-Kun. [36:08] An-A-Kun. [36:09] Sağ. [36:09] An-A-Kun. [36:10] Yer-i. [36:11] An-A-Kun. [36:11] grew. [36:12] An-A-Kun. [36:13] An-A-Kun. [36:14] An-A-Kun. [36:15] An-A-Kun. [36:18] An-A-Kun. [36:19] Now, for your earlier question, she answered, [36:36] I don't expect this to turn into a hook fight, which is her specialty, while a hook fight [36:43] would give her the advantage. [36:45] I would not let it unfold that way. [36:58] It is a massive match in every sense of the word. [37:01] In the men's left-hand super heavyweight division, [37:07] Alajan Moratov will face Ertom Morozov, the king of Kazakhstan, will be decided. [37:16] And let's start right there, and we'll go to Ertom Morozov. [37:22] So much on the line here, Ertom. [37:25] You guys are from the same country. [37:29] This is a match in East versus West. [37:31] But is this for the king of Kazakhstan? [37:50] There's only one king of Kazakhstan. [37:52] I'll show you. [37:57] It says, Alajan Morozov is the best. [38:03] I'll give it to him real quick, so he can keep it at his place. [38:07] Show it to me real quick. [38:08] Show them who is the king of Kazakhstan. [38:22] It's a magic. [38:26] Now, let's go over to Alajan. [38:29] Alajan, this is not your native weight class. [38:34] You operate at a lighter weight division. [38:36] And yet you're facing a man who is the former super heavyweight number one. [38:42] Do you plan to stay in the super heavyweight division if you are able to overcome the Terminator? [38:49] Actually, for you, it's not your native weight class. [38:54] You're mostly playing with the lower class. [38:56] In this time, your opponents are super heavyweight. [38:59] And the former champion of the world. [39:01] If this match will go to your advantage, you will win it. [39:04] Do you plan to stay in super heavyweight weight? [39:06] Yes. [39:08] Hello, everyone. [39:09] Hello, everyone. [39:10] Welcome to East versus West 23. [39:12] Thank you for supporting us. [39:15] Absolutely. [39:16] Absolutely. [39:17] I have two teams. [39:18] I have two teams. [39:19] I have 105 and 115 categories. [39:21] And I am actively performing in the pluses category. [39:26] If I win Morozo, I will write the best loser here. [39:34] First of all, hello, everyone here, and welcome to East versus West. [39:47] Yes, I do pull in lower weight classes. [39:50] I have the belt in 105 and 115. [39:52] But if this match goes my way and I win it, first of all, I'll change the sign. [39:57] I'll say, Alejan Morozo is the best loser. [39:59] Hang it in my office and keep it. [40:01] And if I win, yes, I will continue pulling in this class. [40:04] Let's go over to Steele Morozo. [40:08] Ertom. [40:10] Yes? [40:11] You know how strong this man is and you are the bigger man. [40:14] Do you feel like in some ways the pressure is all on you because he is lighter? [40:19] You, Ertom, more. [40:21] And because of this, there is a feeling that your opponent, you understand how strong he is. [40:26] But there is a feeling that if you are more than your opponent, there is all this pressure on you. [40:32] Like a sportsman who is more. [40:34] Well, of course, there is a pressure on you, but I am confident in myself. [40:39] In principle, I think... [40:40] I'm even higher. [40:41] If I was a little lower, I would weigh like Alejan, I think. [40:45] There was a question for Alejan. [40:49] Can you please repeat once? [40:51] I'm a wolf? [40:52] Sorry. [40:53] Okay. [40:54] What he was saying, yes, I mean, I'm pretty confident. [40:57] Yes, I am heavier than him, but I'm also taller. [41:01] If I was a bit shorter, yeah, I would probably weigh the same as Alejan. [41:05] Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we also have a... [41:08] Yes, there is a question. [41:09] Question from Macron. [41:10] Yes, Alejan. [41:14] I would like to ask a question about Oleg Petrenko and your revenge on the left. [41:19] Because he said in the last championship that he is ready for him. [41:22] And he was happy with you. [41:24] What do you think about this and are you ready? [41:27] What I would like to ask for Alejan is about Oleg Petrenko. [41:32] Because Oleg in his last Supermatch, he came on the stage saying that he is ready for the rematch. [41:37] What do you think about it? [41:38] What is your opinion and would you pull him? [41:43] What I would like to say. [41:44] This is probably 105 category. [41:46] And if there is a pretendent, I'm ready to protect him at any time. [41:50] Because I'm a champion. [41:52] And you always need to protect him if you're a champion. [41:56] I mean, what can I say? [41:57] It's most likely to be in a 105 weight class where I am the champion. [42:01] And yes, as the champion, when the contender arrives, you should defend it. [42:10] Ladies and gentlemen, we will move to the next match on the card here. [42:14] And we go back to the men's right hand for a world title match at 77 kilograms. [42:22] It has been a long time coming around again, but it is here. [42:26] And we will see Moriarty, Mendegas Tarasetes of Lithuania, who will face Artem Makarov. [42:35] And it is for the title. [42:37] I want to start with Moriarty. [42:40] Mendegas, you have been on a tear of late. [42:44] You've been in incredible form. [42:47] And yet the last time that you faced Artem Makarov, he bested you and took the title. [42:54] What has changed? [42:56] Why will it be different this time? [42:59] Very good question, Neil. [43:02] First of all, so, hello everybody. [43:05] Really good to see everyone here. [43:06] I felt a lot of good energy from you guys today. [43:12] So it seems like you guys enjoy the way I like to do. [43:15] And, you know, Artur, on the other hand, seems like he did not enjoy the way I treated Danilo Stino. [43:25] And he told me that he will do everything in his power to avoid the same fate. [43:30] And, you know, just because of that, this is actually the goal. [43:35] But this time, because of the unsuccessful attempt last time, I am actually a bit more serious, a bit more focused, a bit more calculated. [43:43] So we will only start to talk in the second round. [43:47] Question four, Artur. [44:11] Obviously, you are coming in here as the champion of the world, and many people talk about the fact that styles make matches, [44:19] and talk about the difficult style of Mendegas, how tricky he is, how difficult to defeat. [44:26] And yet, last time you met, you seem to be able to close that style down. [44:31] Are you just a bad matchup for Mendegas? [44:34] Do you feel you've got the kryptonite to defeat this man? [44:38] In general, people say that the style of the match is made. [44:41] And in general, people say that the skill of Mendegas is a technique, that the technique is not very convenient for you. [44:46] But in the first fight, you have managed to stop the style. [44:49] How do you think? [44:50] Maybe you are just not comfortable with him. [44:53] You are like a kryptonite for his style. [44:55] How do you think? [44:56] I think I am comfortable with him. [44:57] We have already talked about this topic. [45:01] He is, I feel like I am a good matchup for him. [45:04] I feel like I am comfortable. [45:05] As we talked about this before, he is definitely tricky. [45:09] And he is definitely very experienced though. [45:26] This time, we will see how it goes. [45:27] I am not really sure, but I know that my shape is decent. [45:31] I feel pretty good. [45:32] So, let's see how this one goes. [45:34] And another question for the champion. [45:37] You spoke the other day in the interview about the fact that you would do everything in your power [45:41] to ensure that Mendegas would not talk to you that in the way that he did with Ustinov. [45:46] Would this guy be the worst man on the roster to lose to because of the fact that he would talk to you like that? [45:52] He would humiliate you like that? [45:54] Does that make you feel a little nervous? [45:56] Is there more pressure? [45:57] Well, what can I say? [45:59] Let's see how he talks about when we start to fight. [46:01] What can I say? [46:03] Let's see how he talks when we start to fight. [46:04] Oh, the shot is fired. [46:05] Maybe he is good. [46:06] What can I say? Let's see how he talks when we start pulling. [46:33] Maybe he's going to be quiet all along. [46:45] I also came ready. I prepared some beautiful techniques for him specifically. [46:52] So I feel like it will work out very well. [47:02] Ladies and gents, I think we also have some questions from the floor. [47:06] The question about the legendary quote from Madaugas about Daniel that so big biceps and not enough power. [47:25] Do you think Artur's biceps is big enough for this match? [47:29] Yeah, you know, I was already thinking, you know, what am I supposed to say if I start winning? [47:34] And, you know, I have a few different options. [47:39] One of them could be that, you know, his fingers are somehow strong. [47:43] But he might still have to work on his biceps. That's what I was thinking. [47:48] We will see tomorrow if that's actually the true or maybe I have to change the line. [47:54] But, yeah. [47:56] I had a few ideas. I tried to figure out what you can say. [47:59] Because, you know, my fingers are, for example. [48:01] They are, of course, strong, but you can go through them. [48:04] You will still have to work on the biceps. [48:06] But I will sit and think, maybe I will find something new. [48:09] Ladies and gentlemen, what a match it will be for the world title. [48:16] 77-kilogram championship of the world will be contested. [48:21] Menegas Terasetis of Lithuania, of Makarov, of Russia. [48:25] We'll go at it and it will be live tomorrow night. [48:29] Make sure that you get your pay-per-view. [48:31] EVW Sports will bring you the biggest matches in the world. [48:35] And they don't get much bigger than that one in the men's lightweight division. [48:40] We are not done and we move to the right-hand welterweight championship of the world. [48:45] 85-kilogram is the class and manifestor of Ukraine. [48:51] Gets his shot at the imperious Daphetsomusha of Georgia. [48:56] And this one will be hell fire. [49:00] The champion in this division has defended the title more than any other athlete on the EVW roster [49:09] in any weight division. [49:11] But he faces a dangerous threat. [49:15] I want to start with David Samusha. [49:18] David, this is I believe your 11th defense of the world championship title. [49:26] And many times people have doubted you. [49:30] Felt like you may lose this match. [49:35] And yet every time you've managed to find a way to retain the championship title. [49:42] Will this be any different tomorrow? [49:44] Does manifestor bring a different set of threats to the table? [49:49] David, David. [49:50] You don't believe the title of the world championship title. [49:52] You think the title of the events of the world championship title the world championship. [49:55] But we do it for you. [49:56] We are very fortunate. [49:57] It's not our first chapter of the series. [49:58] We do it for you. [49:59] We really have a Serti's match to the team, and we have a home. [50:02] We will have it for you. [50:03] We will have a team장 to the last one. [50:05] You can't do it for yourselves, no matter where the talent is. [50:07] So the item of your manifestor or the manifestor is going. [50:10] You think the Thomas? [50:11] Thank you very much. [50:46] Thank you very much. [51:20] Thank you very much. [51:55] Thank you very much. [52:27] Thank you very much. [52:29] Thank you very much. [52:31] Thank you very much. [52:33] Thank you very much. [52:35] Thank you very much. [52:37] Thank you very much. [52:39] Thank you very much. [52:41] Thank you very much. [52:43] Thank you very much. [52:45] Thank you very much. [52:47] Thank you very much. [52:49] Thank you very much. [52:51] Thank you very much. [52:53] Thank you very much. [52:55] Thank you very much. [52:57] could just like before i will do everything in my power to win the match i want to come to alex [53:05] manifesto there is a very strange dynamic going on with you in that you have got so much belief [53:14] from so many people in the know you're a relatively new athlete here on the east versus west and yet [53:21] straight away after one excellent win you find yourself with a shot at the world title do you [53:29] believe you are ready to take the title tomorrow from david samusha yes he's a man of few words and [53:53] powerful deeds alex if you look at yourself and your technique your style what do you do better than [54:03] this man did i mention he's a man of few words but wait till tomorrow night he knows what he came [54:34] to do ladies and gentlemen manifesto i'm very sorry there is a question okay we got a question from the [54:40] floor floor my question david david say please why did you refuse to give your prize in case of [54:49] progress you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you [54:55] are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are you are [55:25] What I believe is that he should be a thousand times thankful for the level that he is at already. [55:40] I don't think it's quite respectful to start away talking about the money. [55:44] I think it should be more respectful in this sport and should be thankful at the level that he really is. [55:48] I think we kicked off on the wrong note here. [55:52] Ladies and gentlemen, what a match in prospect. [55:54] It is the second world title match here on the card. [55:59] Manifesto and David Samush. [56:00] Oh, we have another question from the floor, ladies and gentlemen. [56:04] Yes, David, thank you for your answer. [56:06] Can you also ask me if tomorrow is it that you're losing your title? [56:10] Are you ready for it morally and are you feeling a little bit of a difficult time for this title? [56:16] David, I think it's a difficult time for you to lose your title. [56:21] I said to myself, what did you think about your life, what you think about psychology and mental health? [56:27] I think you have this chance of life. [56:28] I know it's a difficult time for you to lose your title, but you choose your title, but you choose your title. [56:41] You say it's a difficult time for you to lose your title. [56:43] What I really think is that [57:15] At this point [57:16] Every athlete loses [57:17] I believe it's difficult [57:18] For every athlete to lose [57:20] And it's completely normal [57:21] But what I can say [57:22] Is that I did my best in preparation [57:23] And I'm not here to lose [57:25] I will come here [57:26] And I'll do my best to win [57:28] But after so many defences and matches [57:30] Every athlete [57:32] Kind of makes peace [57:34] With eventually losing [57:35] But it doesn't mean [57:36] I'm ready to lose [57:38] Ladies and gentlemen [57:41] Incredible match in prospect [57:42] Alexander Manifesto [57:44] Teletnik [57:45] And Alex Samushia [57:46] He wants to add something [57:48] Oh, no problem [57:49] Go, David [57:50] Wow, thank you [57:54] We are all in the salient [57:56] What I wanted to say is that [58:30] Yes, every athlete should make peace [58:32] With eventually losing [58:33] But it doesn't mean you will come there to lose [58:35] Everyone does their best [58:36] Let's say we have John Bersink [58:38] For me, he is a living legend [58:39] For me, he is the greatest of us [58:41] And why I use him as an example [58:43] Is because if you lose [58:45] It doesn't mean you're a bad athlete [58:47] It happens to anyone [58:48] It's a sport [58:49] And it comes along eventually [58:51] Ladies and gentlemen [58:54] It is an incredible matchup [58:55] It will take place tomorrow night [58:57] Here at East vs West 23 [58:59] Manifesto [59:01] And David Somosha [59:03] For the Championship of the World [59:05] And we have another title match [59:07] Right off the back of that one [59:09] As we head into the men's [59:11] 115 kilogram class [59:14] Once again [59:15] For the EBW Championship of the World [59:17] On the right arm [59:19] And Russia's own [59:20] Ivan Matyashenko [59:22] Will pull Dave [59:24] Easy Money [59:25] Chafee [59:26] For that world title [59:28] We are going to start [59:29] With Ivan Matyashenko [59:31] We spoke this morning [59:34] Ivan [59:34] And you know [59:35] Exactly what a powerhouse [59:37] You are facing [59:38] In Dave Chafee [59:39] You are a guy [59:40] That researches your opponent [59:42] You study them carefully [59:43] What makes Dave Chafee [59:45] So dangerous [59:46] Hello everyone [59:57] Hello everyone [59:59] Hello everyone. Dave is a great athlete and it's a big honor for me to call him. I am very happy to be here. Thanks Robert for this opportunity and your team. Dave is very strong and he has proved that he is one of the best athletes in the world for many years. We all know that. [1:00:24] Dave, great respect clearly shown and that is echoed on and off camera whenever you speak to Ivan Matyushenko and he's asked about the match. How do you feel about this athlete that you're going to face? He has got an incredible resume. He's a very dangerous athlete and yet many people believe that he may be a very good style matchup for you. Do you agree? [1:00:50] Well, the respect is 100% mutual. I've been wanting to pull this gentleman for a really long, long, long time and there's some matches you get excited for and there's some matches you get really excited for and I'm really excited to pull this man over there. We have been in different weight classes pretty much our entire career. I was a super heavyweight. He was 220, 242 coming up and tomorrow night we finally meet and I can't wait. [1:01:17] Yes, looking forward for that match. It's a very big match for me. [1:01:24] Dave, at the moment there are only two men from the United States for world champion. Yourself and Todd Zilla and both yourself and Todd have been in this game forever. How proud does that make you to be two of the last men standing from such an incredible arm wrestling nation? [1:01:46] Well, for me it's been incredible. The last few years I've dealt with quite a few injuries, ups and downs. I decided to make that drop to 115 kilograms. Didn't know how I was going to do. Last match won the title and to be able to represent EVW as a champion, I'm so proud and so happy to be able to do this at 49 years old. [1:02:12] And Dave, another question about Matiaschenko. Obviously Ivan is a very unusual style, almost the type of individual who can put anyone he wants into a hook. What is it about this man that makes him so dangerous, so difficult to overcome? [1:02:36] Not only is his strength, but he's so quick at getting you where you don't want to be. I like being inside, maybe not exactly where he wants to put me, but I feel I've been working on some speed, endurance, and if I can get him where I want him to be on the table, it's going to be a bad night for him. [1:02:53] I think if he gets me where he wants me to be, it definitely could be a bad night for me, but it's going to be entertaining for everyone to watch. [1:03:03] Ivan, coming back to you, mate. We spoke earlier about the nuance of this match. Is this match in your mind more about power, or is it more about technical arm wrestling? [1:03:13] Difficult to say. I hope it would be the first one, more about techniques, but I'm not sure that I will manage that. And if I will not manage it, I think it will become a strength match. [1:03:37] Ladies and gentlemen, two incredibly respectful athletes, two incredibly dangerous athletes, will collide for the championship of the world in the men's 115 kilogram class here in Germany, at East versus West 23. [1:03:55] You can catch it, remember, evwsports.com, get over there, get your pay-per-view, and tune in to this incredible event. [1:04:03] And we move forward to the co-headliner here in this incredible card, and it will be contested by two of the most high-profile arm wrestlers in the sport, [1:04:19] and by two of the most high-profile strength athletes in the world. [1:04:26] Ladies and gentlemen, one of these men hails from right here. He is in front of his home crowd. [1:04:30] The other one has traveled transatlantic. He is here representing the United States of America, and we will start with this man. [1:04:41] He is the four-time world's strongest man, and the former strongest man on earth. [1:04:50] The words legend and icon can definitely be applied to the man who is significantly out-angling me, and is sat to my right. [1:05:00] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Brian Shaw. [1:05:04] Germany, how are we doing? Look, I want to say I'm excited to be here. [1:05:17] You know, being in this beautiful country has been wonderful. [1:05:19] I've wanted to visit for a very long time, and the hospitality already has been incredible. [1:05:24] I want to say thank you to everybody that is tuning in to watch this press conference, [1:05:28] all of these amazing athletes that are up here. [1:05:31] I mean, an absolutely incredible card. [1:05:34] I'm very honored to be sitting up here, and I want to thank East vs. West, Robert and Dexter for giving me the opportunity. [1:05:41] Now, I want everybody to give a round of applause to my opponent, [1:05:45] who made a timely entrance to the press conference, and is sitting right down there. [1:05:50] So just give him a round of applause. He showed up. [1:05:52] Very good. Very, very good. [1:05:55] And we will go over now to the local boy. He is representing Germany. [1:06:03] Ladies and gentlemen, raise it up for Leonidas Arcana. [1:06:12] Leonidas, big match, big man. Where is your head at? [1:06:22] Brian, first of all, you have to understand, sometimes I'm a little bit of a scatterbrain. [1:06:28] So that means, you know, also, I have to get my workouts in. [1:06:35] That's why I came a little too late today. [1:06:38] So I got to say... [1:06:39] I'm glad to hear that. That's good. [1:06:40] I apologize. [1:06:42] Did you have a good workout? [1:06:45] Oh, yeah. [1:06:46] Was it good? [1:06:46] Don't you see the pump already? [1:06:48] It's very good. [1:06:49] Yeah? [1:06:49] Very good. [1:06:50] I was hoping you would keep that. [1:06:51] Of course. Tomorrow also. [1:06:53] You can join me if you want. [1:06:55] We can do some chest and triceps. [1:06:57] Or biceps, maybe. [1:06:58] Just a pre-match pump. [1:07:00] Yeah, of course. [1:07:01] Very good. [1:07:02] Yeah, yeah. [1:07:02] Very good. [1:07:04] You think I'm joking? [1:07:06] I'm not joking. [1:07:07] I don't think you are, actually, which is fine. [1:07:10] Yeah. [1:07:10] Let's go for a moment's respite. [1:07:14] We're going to check in with the CEO, the boss, Robert Baxter, is sat right in front of me on the front row. [1:07:20] Robert, this is a massive match. [1:07:23] We've got two of the biggest strength icons in the world. [1:07:26] They're going to go head-to-head here. [1:07:27] And it really underlines the fact that arm wrestling is in a very special place. [1:07:33] Just how significant, in your mind, is the match we are going to see tomorrow between the four-time world's strongest man and the local super influencer in Leonidas Arcona? [1:07:46] I've been looking forward to this match for a long time. [1:07:51] I actually didn't think it would happen this soon, but I'm really excited for this. [1:07:57] As excited for this one as any of the matches on the card. [1:08:01] And I think it's going to be, you know, honestly, I really don't know who's going to win this match. [1:08:07] And I can say that about most of the matches on this card. [1:08:09] And I think that the future for Brian Shaw is very big in this sport because of his dedication and because of his natural strength and stature. [1:08:24] And going against a guy that's very formidable, Leonidas, he's a big strength icon. [1:08:32] He's also a very good arm wrestler. [1:08:34] He did very well in his other matches at East versus West against significant, I mean, very, very high-level arm wrestlers. [1:08:44] So this one, to me, is a big one. [1:08:47] And it sets the future for other people in the strength world coming into arm wrestling. [1:08:54] I want to go over to Leonidas and discuss a couple of things with yourself again, mate. [1:08:58] A lot of people have said that this is a massive pressure match for you. [1:09:02] You're here in your home country. [1:09:06] You're pulling against a massive, ma'am, in a very high-pressure match. [1:09:12] How are you dealing with the nerves going into this? [1:09:15] How are you dealing with that pressure? [1:09:17] And I know that you talked to me privately and told me that it was a positive thing. [1:09:22] I wondered whether you would tell the people watching at home about that. [1:09:26] Absolutely positive. [1:09:27] It is a lot of pressure, to be honest. [1:09:28] But the thing is, Brian, the thing is, that pressure that I'm having right now is the best feeling I can get. [1:09:36] Like, that preparation, the last 12 weeks have been like, I've never been so dedicated, so focused. [1:09:45] So I've been stronger this time. [1:09:47] I'm better. [1:09:48] I'm heavier. [1:09:48] I'm faster. [1:09:49] So I do exactly know where I am right now, but I have no clue where he is. [1:09:56] And actually, I've got to say, and this is very honest, I'm a big Brian Shaw fan. [1:10:01] I've always been. [1:10:03] And I think he has a big future in the sport, though. [1:10:05] But I don't know if he's already there yet. [1:10:09] So, Brian, everyone is saying that he's climbing to one day maybe pull the van. [1:10:16] I think it's a long way still. [1:10:18] And I think he has already also have to get to this point to beat me, to get there. [1:10:25] So we will see. [1:10:28] Brian Shaw, I can see there's a little bit of a cauldron going on inside you right now. [1:10:37] And a lot of things you probably want to say. [1:10:41] I'm going to just go straight to the task on this one. [1:10:44] You, throughout your strongman career, have been one of the most diligent, cerebral, and truly professional athletes in the world. [1:10:52] Your reputation has been crafted by that. [1:10:57] How much specific work have you been able to do in order to try to unlock the puzzle represented by Leonidas? [1:11:05] Look, I would echo what Leonidas said, right? [1:11:09] After I accepted this match, the level of dedication goes up. [1:11:13] You put your back against the wall. [1:11:15] You have a deadline you have to train for. [1:11:17] You know, and any high-level athlete is going to love that. [1:11:20] I've always loved that my whole life. [1:11:22] And, you know, I was able to unlock several different levels, is how I feel. [1:11:28] But you do that easier when your back is against the wall. [1:11:33] I mean, it's no joke that Leonidas has had more time in the sport. [1:11:39] He's had more high-profile matches. [1:11:41] You know, he's a formidable opponent. [1:11:43] And, you know, I'm not going to sit up here and say that he's not, right? [1:11:47] Like, that's what I wanted. [1:11:49] And, you know, for me, I very much enjoy challenges. [1:11:53] Like you said, he's the man right now that's standing in the way, right? [1:11:57] And I'm coming in. [1:11:58] You know, I think this match for both of us is huge, right? [1:12:02] And anybody that says that it's not is, you know, not telling the truth. [1:12:06] So I think we're both very excited about it. [1:12:09] You know, he said he doesn't know what level I'm at. [1:12:11] I truly don't know what level he is at, what he's going to feel like tomorrow. [1:12:15] And, I mean, that's where it's going to get exciting. [1:12:17] You know, when we walk out there and, you know, grip up for the first time, it's going to be awesome. [1:12:23] It's going to be awesome. [1:12:24] And, you know, I've got a question for you. [1:12:27] I've got a question for you. [1:12:28] So everybody is talking about the experience gap. [1:12:31] And my question for you is, first of all, how long have you been training arm wrestling? [1:12:35] Two years now? [1:12:36] One, two, three? [1:12:37] So not quite two. [1:12:39] It'll be two years in June. [1:12:40] Okay, almost two years. [1:12:42] Almost. [1:12:42] So I'm training for arm wrestling. [1:12:45] I'm not mentioning the break right now. [1:12:47] Like I did a pause for one year. [1:12:49] Round about four, four and a half years, I would say. [1:12:52] And how many super matches have you gotten? [1:12:54] Like two, three? [1:12:56] I'm not really sure. [1:12:57] Two, three? [1:12:58] Matches. [1:12:58] Yes. [1:12:58] I've had two, two matches. [1:13:00] Two. [1:13:00] So I had four official super matches. [1:13:04] So this is the experience gap everybody's talking about. [1:13:08] I'm really curious about that. [1:13:10] What kind of experience gap is that? [1:13:12] I mean, if we're talking about experience, you must be the favorite because, dude, you're the four times strongest man in the world. [1:13:19] You have done so many competitions. [1:13:22] I'm just a regular guy who's a little stronger than normal people, but you have done so many competitions in your life. [1:13:30] You know exactly how this, how the thing goes. [1:13:32] So I think you are the, you should be the favorite. [1:13:36] You're taller, you're bigger, you're stronger, more experienced. [1:13:42] Why are you laughing? [1:13:43] It's the truth. [1:13:44] Isn't it? [1:13:45] It's good. [1:13:45] I enjoy how you're trying to turn it around. [1:13:47] And technically speaking, competition wise, not arm wrestling specific. [1:13:52] I would agree with you, right? [1:13:54] Like big moments and big pressure, you know, but it's, this is what makes it exciting. [1:14:00] This is what makes it exciting. [1:14:01] Right. [1:14:02] And I think that that question right there, you know, experience, you know, in arm wrestling specifically, if your experience is going to overtake maybe some of my physical advantages, right? [1:14:16] I mean, I, it's no lie. [1:14:18] I'm going to have you by a hundred pounds. [1:14:21] What did you weigh in at? [1:14:23] Almost 300 this morning. [1:14:25] Almost three. [1:14:25] So I was just a touch over 400. [1:14:28] Touch over 400. [1:14:29] Yep. [1:14:29] Yeah. [1:14:30] Okay. [1:14:30] But you are two heads bigger than me. [1:14:32] So, you know, just, just a couple extra bills, man, you know, so, um, it's going to be fun, brother. [1:14:39] It's going to be fun. [1:14:40] I'm, I'm, you know, I don't think it's going to be fun. [1:14:42] I think it's serious. [1:14:44] Well, of course it's serious, but serious can be fun too. [1:14:48] So if I'm asking you right now in percentage, what chances do you think you will win? [1:14:55] If you will win, what would you say if I, if I'm asking you like face to face right now? [1:14:59] I will, I will say to you, I did not come here to lose. [1:15:02] That's not enough to hear. [1:15:05] I want, I want to hear like, do you think when you will beat me a hundred percent or, or not? [1:15:12] If it's a hundred percent. [1:15:13] Yeah. [1:15:14] In my mind, it is a hundred percent. [1:15:16] Really? [1:15:16] Okay. [1:15:16] Yes. [1:15:17] What is, what is it in your mind? [1:15:19] Oh, man, you're too strong. [1:15:21] You're just too strong for me. [1:15:23] You're going to give him that. [1:15:23] I don't even know why I took that match. [1:15:25] You're too strong. [1:15:26] There are chances for me. [1:15:28] That, hey, that's all right, man. [1:15:30] If you want to think that, that's fine. [1:15:31] I don't even know why I took that match. [1:15:32] Ladies and gents, we have some questions from our audience gathered here today, and we're [1:15:39] going to go to those. [1:15:42] Brian, no one really excites the fans here quite like you do at the moment. [1:15:47] The United themselves said that he is a fan of you. [1:15:51] What is the one message you'd like to give to your fans ahead of the fight? [1:15:57] Message I want to give to the fans. [1:15:58] What was the last thing you said? [1:16:01] If you had one message to give to them, what would it be? [1:16:03] Well, look, I want to say thank you is what I want to say, because, you know, I walked [1:16:09] away, retired from the sport of strongman in 2023. [1:16:12] You know, the support throughout my career was unbelievable. [1:16:16] And, you know, with my transition now to arm wrestling, you know, I've tried to show the [1:16:21] process and the journey and, you know, bring people along for the ride as I'm transitioning [1:16:26] into this really beautiful sport. [1:16:28] And I think that it's been fun to have people come along on that ride. [1:16:33] A lot of people haven't necessarily known about arm wrestling or everything that goes [1:16:38] into it. [1:16:38] And so as I go through the process and more of that, I can share more and more people [1:16:42] are becoming fans. [1:16:43] And it's neat to see that happening. [1:16:46] Of course, I will always love strongman, you know, no doubt at all. [1:16:49] But it's neat to kind of have a second career, if you will, to kind of walk into now and [1:16:55] be competitive and, you know, have this adrenaline rush that's coming tomorrow. [1:16:59] And, you know, to have the support that I do, I just genuinely the message is [1:17:03] thank you and that I appreciate it very much. [1:17:06] Brian, you've obviously done amazing things in the world of strongman. [1:17:16] So if you had the choice, if you could bring any strongman over to the sport of East versus [1:17:20] West arm wrestling and compete against them, who do you think you'd pick? [1:17:25] Oh, any strongman. [1:17:29] Gosh. [1:17:30] Well, I already had Eddie Hall, right? [1:17:32] Like that was, that would, that would have been my pick had I not already had the match. [1:17:36] And I'm assuming you won't let me get, get away with answering Eddie Hall. [1:17:39] But, um, uh, Lawless would be a very good one. [1:17:46] A fellow Lithuanian, right? [1:17:48] Like Lawless. [1:17:49] I actually asked him, I wanted to have a match with him. [1:17:51] That would have been really good. [1:17:53] Um, you know, the other one that, that people have brought up is Hofthor, right? [1:17:58] Like he, the, the, there's questions again, another massive guy. [1:18:02] I don't know how much interest there is in arm wrestling, but, um, you know, there's several [1:18:06] guys transitioning over right now. [1:18:08] I mean, you know, several different names. [1:18:10] I just talked to Terry Hollins, for example. [1:18:12] He's very excited. [1:18:13] Robert Oberst, another guy that's really excited. [1:18:15] So I think you may see a few more faces, um, because the, the interest is definitely there. [1:18:22] 100%. [1:18:22] And one more from me, you obviously know all about what it takes to compete at the highest [1:18:26] level, winning world's strongest man on four separate occasions. [1:18:30] So can you tell me what is the difference in nerves when competing in world's strongest [1:18:33] man and competing in East versus West arm wrestling? [1:18:37] That's a, that's a good question as well. [1:18:39] I, uh, I would say there's, there's nerves in both. [1:18:42] You know, you walk in, uh, to a world's strongest man final, for example, there's a lot of tension [1:18:47] in the air, you know, a lot of, um, just nerves that you have to control, you know, to [1:18:53] go perform at your best. [1:18:55] And that's something that, you know, you learn how to do. [1:18:58] This is different in the aspect that it is a combat sport, right? [1:19:03] So it's, it's a strength combat sport and strong, man, I'm, I'm lifting a stone or pulling [1:19:08] a truck and I'm trying to do that better than any of the other guys. [1:19:12] But technically I'm physically not going directly against them with arm wrestling. [1:19:16] It is a combat sport. [1:19:17] So for example, with Leonidas, I don't know exactly what he's going to try to do and how [1:19:23] he might attack me. [1:19:24] So these are things that are, that are going to happen very quickly. [1:19:28] And that, that brings another, um, you know, level level of adrenaline rust and suspense [1:19:33] to it, which makes it really fun. [1:19:34] Thank you, Brian. [1:19:37] Um, good on Corby with plenty of words. [1:19:39] Uh, Leonidas, uh, I wanted to ask, uh, you've had obviously a lot of great achievements in [1:19:43] your career. [1:19:44] Where would beating Brian rank in terms of, of, of great achievements for you in, in, in [1:19:48] all different disciplines and sports? [1:19:52] Dude, I'm so sorry. [1:19:53] I didn't get the question. [1:19:54] Can you ask me one more time? [1:19:55] Yes, of course. [1:19:55] I was just asking, where would a win over Brian on Saturday rank among your achievements [1:20:00] in, in sport and in competition? [1:20:02] Fuck, my English is so bad. [1:20:05] I still didn't get it. [1:20:05] Where, where would, uh, this achievement rank in terms of what you've done in overall [1:20:11] sport were you to beat Brian on Saturday? [1:20:13] Well, actually pull Brian for me is a big achievement because like I said, I've always been a Brian [1:20:20] show off and he's actually one of those strongman guys that motivated me, that, uh, kept me pushing [1:20:26] to start powerlifting actually. [1:20:28] So it's an honor for me to pull him tomorrow, no matter what, what, uh, who's going to win. [1:20:35] Uh, for me, it's just pull him a big achievement. [1:20:39] That's what I can say. [1:20:46] Thank you. [1:20:47] So my question is to Brian. [1:20:49] So, uh, Leonidas seems to be quite hard to find for a 130 kilogram guy. [1:20:54] So, um, since you're always so professional, is it spicing things up quite a bit more for [1:21:00] you to beat him tomorrow? [1:21:03] You're saying just, just because he's been hard to find. [1:21:06] Yeah. [1:21:08] For example, like coming a little bit late and it seems like he's taking things a little [1:21:13] bit lightly. [1:21:14] So in regards to you and you always put your mind into something so focused, so does it [1:21:20] spice things up more for you? [1:21:23] I think absolutely it does. [1:21:25] Right? [1:21:25] Like that, that's something that, you know, I'm, I'm going to use. [1:21:28] He does everything, you know, and, and again, Leonidas seems like a super nice guy, you [1:21:33] know, sits down and is, is that making you mad that I came late? [1:21:38] Is that making you mad? [1:21:40] Well, I mean, you could be late all you want. [1:21:42] As long as you're on time tomorrow, that'll be good. [1:21:45] Oh, I need a pump. [1:21:47] Very good. [1:21:48] Devin, tell me a number. [1:21:51] What number? [1:21:53] Ah, I need a pump, Brian. [1:22:01] Yeah. [1:22:01] Hey, that's, that, that's perfect. [1:22:05] If you, if you want to do push-ups for the rest of the time, that would be great for entertainment. [1:22:09] Why don't you join me? [1:22:12] Yes. [1:22:13] To answer your question. [1:22:14] Yes, of course. [1:22:15] It's, uh, you know, um, I know he, Leonidas does have a different, um, you know, obligations [1:22:21] with FIBO going on and stuff like that. [1:22:23] But, uh, I'm a hundred percent dialed in. [1:22:26] I got here on Tuesday, been locked in. [1:22:28] And, uh, like I said, I came here with a job to get done and that's what I plan on doing. [1:22:32] I believe we have one more question from the floor. [1:22:38] Two more questions from the floor. [1:22:40] If we want to get to those. [1:22:44] Hello, everyone. [1:22:45] Uh, I have a question to Leonidas. [1:22:49] And my question is, and just how confident are you for your match against Brian Shaw? [1:23:00] I got to say, look, it's actually, it's pretty simple to answer. [1:23:05] Like I said, the prep was amazing. [1:23:08] So I'm super confident. [1:23:10] If he beats me tomorrow, then there's no doubting he's the better arm wrestler. [1:23:16] Right now, I would say 100% I will win. [1:23:19] But like I said, if he beats me, there's not a single excuse. [1:23:23] I'm in the best condition right now. [1:23:25] If he wins, he's the better arm wrestler. [1:23:27] So as easy as that. [1:23:35] Yeah, I've got a question for Leonidas. [1:23:37] Um, do you think people are looking past you? [1:23:40] And do you think people are making you the favorite or the underdog ahead of tomorrow? [1:23:45] You tell me. [1:23:47] I'm not sure. [1:23:48] Actually, when I'm, when I'm, when I'm seeing comments, I see both, both, both sides. [1:23:55] Like some say Brian's the favorite. [1:23:57] Some say I'm the favorite. [1:23:59] So Brian, what would you say? [1:24:04] I'm, well, I don't, I don't think anybody's overlooking Leonidas. [1:24:08] I don't think I've necessarily seen that. [1:24:10] I think that it is pretty split right now, as far as the public opinion, which makes it [1:24:15] awesome, right? [1:24:16] For the fans, for, for us both, you know, and you know, it's great. [1:24:20] It's great to hear Leonidas say he's confident 100%. [1:24:23] I just said, I'm confident 100%. [1:24:25] That makes for a great match. [1:24:27] So, you know, we're, we're going to put on a show without a doubt. [1:24:30] I think that's what everybody wants to see. [1:24:32] That's what I want. [1:24:33] And I'm sure that's what Leonidas wants. [1:24:35] So I think it's, it's, it's going to be good. [1:24:37] It's going to be very good. [1:24:46] Uh, this is for Leonidas and Brian. [1:24:48] So if you win on Saturday, there's Devin, Vitale, and Levan up on the table. [1:24:54] Who would you like to take on next? [1:24:56] The question was for me. [1:25:02] Both of you. [1:25:03] Both. [1:25:05] You first. [1:25:09] I like how you opt out of that. [1:25:11] That was good. [1:25:12] Here's the thing is, are you saying, are you saying out of these three, pick, pick one [1:25:17] of them? [1:25:19] Yes. [1:25:21] As, as in a match we want to have in the future or the next, the next match? [1:25:25] Cause I think we both have a few, tell me a few more rungs to climb, but, um, man, I'm [1:25:32] going to say all three of them is what I'm going to say. [1:25:35] All three of them. [1:25:36] So I'm not 100% sure if I got this question, right. [1:25:46] Are you asking who we would pull next or could you ask me one more time? [1:25:51] I'm so sorry. [1:25:55] Yes. [1:25:55] Who would you pull next? [1:25:56] Or maybe you think you can't take any of them. [1:25:58] I don't know. [1:25:59] But you mentioned Devin, Laletin and who else? [1:26:03] Le Bon. [1:26:04] What the fuck? [1:26:07] I mean, have you seen the match when I pulled Devin? [1:26:11] I mean, that's, that's, uh, that's just the answer's enough. [1:26:17] You're way stronger now, Leonidas. [1:26:20] Yeah. [1:26:20] Yeah, I'm stronger. [1:26:21] You are much stronger. [1:26:22] Dude. [1:26:23] You would probably, you would probably beat me now. [1:26:25] Yeah, yeah. [1:26:26] Come on. [1:26:27] You're doing the same thing now. [1:26:28] I'm doing the brain. [1:26:31] And I remember, yeah, I still remember that your mother is from Schwarzwald. [1:26:36] Hey, Devin, Devin, there are two things people are writing me on social media. [1:26:44] The first thing, they always ask things about creating, about creating. [1:26:49] And the second thing is, I always get messages like, hey, my mom is from Schwarzwald. [1:26:55] These things, I hear them all day. [1:26:57] Thank you for that. [1:26:59] You're welcome. [1:26:59] And, uh, thank you to the people of Schwarzwald. [1:27:03] Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have one more question from the floor. [1:27:10] My question is for Brian. [1:27:13] Brian, since you transitioned to arm wrestling in your early career, what is the biggest self-discovery [1:27:18] moment you've had since transitioning to this sport? [1:27:21] Are you able to share with us? [1:27:22] And how will that help you compete against Leonidas and all these other strong competitors [1:27:26] in the future? [1:27:27] Thanks. [1:27:29] Yeah, there, there have been a lot of discoveries as I've transitioned over to arm wrestling, [1:27:34] you know, and, um, you know, truly, I really feel honored to be up on the stage with all [1:27:40] the, all of these great, you know, athletes, great champions. [1:27:43] Um, you know, it's humbling. [1:27:44] It really is humbling because I'm, I'm coming into the sport. [1:27:47] I'm learning as quick as I possibly can. [1:27:50] I'm training, you know, like Neil mentioned very diligently, very hard for this. [1:27:55] Uh, I w I would say that the technical components of arm wrestling, that those are the things [1:28:01] that I've had to work the hardest to unlock and to uncover, to, to level up myself. [1:28:06] And, you know, I'm still very much getting started. [1:28:10] I can admit that. [1:28:11] And I think, you know, where I'm at right now is certainly the best that I have been. [1:28:14] I think in six months from now, I'll be on another level compared to where I am right [1:28:19] now. [1:28:20] And, and that's, what's very exciting as I am able to unlock these things. [1:28:24] Um, but it's been a fun journey, very, very fun journey. [1:28:28] And, and, um, you know, it's definitely drawn me in and, and, uh, um, I'm enjoying it. [1:28:33] I'm very much enjoying it, having a great time and, you know, being up here, I mean, look [1:28:36] at this, look at this stage, all these people, all these great athletes, it's, it's, you know, [1:28:40] this is great. [1:28:41] Tomorrow's going to be phenomenal. [1:28:42] Um, you know, and I'm, I'm going to take it all in, learn as much as I can and keep [1:28:46] growing. [1:28:49] Ladies and gentlemen, what a match in prospect. [1:28:52] It is the call main event of the evening and it will take place tomorrow night here [1:28:57] at East versus West 23. [1:29:00] Brian Shaw, four times world's strongest man. [1:29:04] And he will face Leonidas O'Connor in a match, which promises thunder and lightning here [1:29:11] in Cologne. [1:29:11] Come on, we move on to our final match of the card and what a match it is. [1:29:20] Ladies and gentlemen, it is the main event of the evening and it will be contested over [1:29:27] seven rounds on a men's right arm in the super heavyweight division between two Titans of [1:29:35] the sport representing and hailing from Russia. [1:29:38] He is a multiple Russian national champion, EAF European champion and champion of the world. [1:29:45] He is also the reigning left hand EVW super heavyweight champion. [1:29:52] And tomorrow he will try to take an additional stride forward on the right arm to move up in rank [1:29:59] and face the man sat just to my left. [1:30:02] He is known as the Siberian. [1:30:05] Bear! [1:30:05] Bear! [1:30:07] Bear! [1:30:10] Bear! [1:30:16] And his dance partner in this main event matchup, ladies and gentlemen, is hailing from [1:30:21] and representing Ottawa, Canada. [1:30:24] He is the most universally recognized arm wrestler of all time. [1:30:30] Welcome the soldier boy, Superman, from the frozen No Limits, Devin Larrant. [1:30:42] Ladies and gentlemen, what a matchup. [1:30:50] This is huge. [1:30:51] It doesn't get any bigger. [1:30:52] And I'm going to start with No Limits, Devin Larrant. [1:30:56] Dev, for so long now, this man's name has come up in conversation. [1:31:01] This man's name has been thrown into the mix as one of the most dangerous athletes in the world. [1:31:08] Tomorrow, it will be decided. [1:31:12] Where's your head at going into this? [1:31:14] And do you believe this may be the biggest match of your career? [1:31:20] I guess I'm just full of gratitude, really. [1:31:23] That's the main thing. [1:31:25] You know, where the sport is now, every six weeks together, we have all the best athletes. [1:31:31] And tomorrow, you know, today on the eve of what I believe will be one of the greatest arm wrestling fights. [1:31:38] All the world titles, all the matches of great significance, you know, just filled with gratitude. [1:31:45] Gratitude for the league. [1:31:47] But most of all, thank you for the fans. [1:31:51] The ones who buy the pay-per-views, the ones who come and buy the tickets. [1:31:56] Without you, none of this happens. [1:31:58] So, deeply, deeply full of gratitude. [1:32:00] I've come for victory. [1:32:03] I've brought my strongest form ever. [1:32:06] I've come to bring victory to the West. [1:32:08] Let's cross over to the Siberian pair, Vitaly Lelatin. [1:32:15] And I would like to ask Vitaly the same question. [1:32:18] You have been in so many massive arm wrestling matches. [1:32:23] And yet this may be the biggest. [1:32:25] Do you feel like this is the most significant match of your glittering career in this sport? [1:32:31] First of all, thank you everyone that are gathered here, that you're watching us, that you're supporting us. [1:32:55] Everything is thanks to you. [1:32:56] Yes, I had a lot of difficult opponents, but I believe this time I'm by far the most serious. [1:33:18] Even the time that I pulled Levan in 2019, I don't believe I was preparing that seriously and that meticulously for that match as I am right now for this one. [1:33:27] I want to go back to Vitaly to ask him the question that has come up in so many of the chat forums, the podcasts leading up to this event. [1:33:37] Everyone knows that Vitaly has an incredible level on the left arm. [1:33:43] And yet everyone believes that the difference between left and right arm may be more significant for Devon. [1:33:52] Does Vitaly believe this? [1:33:53] Does he think that his right arm is better than his left? [1:33:57] I will give an interview about this question. [1:34:27] Even after our match on the right arm. [1:34:29] What I can say right now is that my right arm is better than my left. [1:34:33] Ladies and gentlemen, I want to also introduce you to a very special athlete who is sat just to my left. [1:34:41] He is the reigning East versus West super heavyweight champion of the world. [1:34:47] And is also recognized as maybe the highest peak that the sport has ever seen. [1:34:53] The Georgian Hulk, Levan Zagadashvili. [1:34:58] Levan, this is a massive matchup and two guys you know very, very well in Vitaly Lilletin and No Limit Stevan Larratt. [1:35:11] But when you look at these two athletes and their current shape, their current form, how do you see this match playing out tomorrow night? [1:35:19] And who do you believe will walk away with the win? [1:35:22] First of all, hello everyone here. [1:35:31] Welcome. [1:35:31] And I'm really happy to be among you all here, sitting here with you. [1:35:44] Tomorrow is a great card. [1:35:47] Exceptional card with exceptional matches. [1:35:50] And I'm really waiting for it. [1:35:51] Just like I said before an interview, before the left arm match, I believe that Vitaly will win the left arm and Devon will win the right arm. [1:36:19] So I'm still believing that I, for me, Devon is the favorite in this match. [1:36:24] Devon, you're a guy that never holds back your feelings and you're not the shyest of individuals. [1:36:40] And yet I know you understand the threat represented by Vitaly Lilletin. [1:36:46] Just for the people watching at home and the people gathered here today, why is this man so difficult? [1:36:52] What makes him so dangerous? [1:36:55] It's pretty obvious when you look at Vitaly. [1:36:58] You know, a lot of people, when you see them on Instagram, you meet them in real life and you think, [1:37:04] oh, you're a little bit smaller than you, than I thought you were going to be. [1:37:08] When you meet Vitaly for the first time, you're like, okay, it's a very big human being. [1:37:15] You know, he checks all the boxes. [1:37:18] He's, he's, he's big, he's strong, he's fast. [1:37:22] He's been arm wrestling since he was a kid, but he's still going to lose to me. [1:37:26] I'm sorry, Vitaly. [1:37:28] I'm sorry. [1:37:28] But Vitaly, the one thing I'm never impressed by is your thumbs. [1:38:00] Your mother smothered your hands with socks or something. [1:38:05] I don't know what happened. [1:38:07] What happened? [1:38:08] Why don't they match the rest of your body? [1:38:10] Maybe they don't match your body and proportions, but they match mine. [1:38:29] I don't know. [1:38:30] Devon, talk to me, please, my friend. [1:38:34] Are we friends? [1:38:36] Are we friends, Devon? [1:38:37] Vitaly, of course you're my friend. [1:38:39] All, all these great athletes are my friends. [1:38:41] Friends make each other stronger. [1:38:44] Vitaly, you're my, you're one of, I look forward to fighting you so much. [1:38:49] If it weren't for you, I would have been having a way simpler and easier life. [1:38:55] But because people like you and people like Levon exist, I have to become a better person. [1:39:01] That makes you a very special friend to me. [1:39:03] Devon, you are a very good friend of mine and I value you a lot. [1:39:33] But there was a story that I heard that your hammer, it got lost. [1:39:37] Is that true? [1:39:39] You know, I just want to say it's not my hammer. [1:39:42] It's not mine. [1:39:44] It was once upon a time my hammer. [1:39:47] I presume we're talking about the left-handed legacy hammer here. [1:39:51] I gave it to Dennis. [1:39:53] I don't know where it is, but it's certainly not mine. [1:39:58] It should be your hammer, Valley. [1:40:01] It may be like this, but there's one thing. [1:40:20] Me and my good friend, Alil, who also values you a lot. [1:40:23] We have a special gift for you that I really want to show you. [1:40:26] That is in the name of the competition that we have tomorrow. [1:40:28] Oh, wow, it's the legacy hammer. [1:40:41] East versus West Mithril. [1:40:44] It's beautiful, beautiful. [1:40:45] But listen, listen, if this is to be given to me, please allow me to do the honor. [1:40:54] If this is the left-handed hammer, I beg that you accept it right back and that you hold it until somebody beats you left-handed. [1:41:02] I cannot accept the legacy hammer, Vitaly. [1:41:06] You are the champion. [1:41:08] It should be yours. [1:41:22] This is the trophy of our fight tomorrow. [1:41:26] This is in the name for that. [1:41:27] So, the day it passes, the day you look at this hammer, you will always remember it. [1:41:35] It's going to be yours. [1:41:36] It's going to be your personal one. [1:41:42] And listen, I appreciate it. [1:41:44] But the truth is, that guy back there has the legacy hammer on the right hand. [1:41:49] And I, me personally, listen, I like the hammer. [1:41:51] Take it, it is a gift. [1:41:52] No, yeah, okay, listen, I take it, I take it. [1:41:55] And thank you, thank you. [1:41:56] But, in my mind, there is only two legacy hammers. [1:42:01] One for the right and one for the left. [1:42:03] And until somebody beats Levon on the right, this is an imaginary legacy hammer. [1:42:08] Although, I do believe that tomorrow, whoever wins is the strongest man in the world on Saturday. [1:42:20] Thank you, Vitaly. [1:42:21] Thank you very much. [1:42:22] There are trophies that are given for being number one. [1:42:48] And there are trophies for being tenacious, persistent, and always trying to win. [1:42:53] This is what you do. [1:42:54] I appreciate that very much, Vitaly. [1:43:01] I really love it, Vitaly. [1:43:02] You are a great young champion. [1:43:03] I've always said, when it comes to potential in this sport, I haven't seen an athlete higher. [1:43:10] The ceiling that you have is incredible. [1:43:13] And I do think that if anyone is to hold both legacy hammers, it is very likely going to be you. [1:43:19] You are the greatest threat for that in the modern sport. [1:43:25] I wish you good luck tomorrow, but I promise you I have come my very best and it is my intention to defeat you. [1:43:50] I have come my very best and I wish you good luck tomorrow, but I have one more thing to remind you of our left arm match. [1:44:12] It's a joke. [1:44:15] Devin, Devin, the t-shirt says Siberian horror. [1:44:26] Not bad. [1:44:33] Fits pretty good, Vitaly. [1:44:35] Fits pretty good. [1:44:37] But listen, I'm not the same guy, okay? [1:44:41] Left hand and right hand is a different game, Vitaly. [1:44:43] Maybe, listen, I apologize. [1:44:45] I came empty-handed. [1:44:46] I feel like a bum. [1:44:47] Okay? [1:44:48] I'm sorry. [1:44:48] All I have to give you is my love and the ass-kicking you won't ever forget. [1:44:54] That's going to be my gift to you. [1:44:56] Thank you all for your attention. [1:45:10] Ladies and gentlemen, we got some questions from the floor, which we're going to go out to from our media guests. [1:45:16] See you today. [1:45:16] Devin, you've obviously achieved so much in your career. [1:45:22] You've done so many amazing things. [1:45:24] You're going into a massive match-up tomorrow, but you know all about them. [1:45:27] Yesterday, we were reminiscing over some of your great wins, including the one over John Bersink. [1:45:32] And obviously, that was back in 2008, that particular match. [1:45:35] Can you tell me, what is the difference in mindset of beating John back then and going into this match-up tomorrow? [1:45:41] John, greatest arm wrestler of all time. [1:45:43] You know, my entire upbringing, watching John Bersink, training for John Bersink, absolutely one of the biggest highlights of my career. [1:45:55] You know, continuing to watch John. [1:45:58] We are now in the modern era. [1:46:01] Vitaly Lillatin is this modern era's superstar. [1:46:06] You know, fighting in this moment in history is a different level of commitment. [1:46:14] You know, the sport today, people are training their lives full-time. [1:46:21] You know, guys on this stage now, the majority of us, a lot of us, full-time athletes. [1:46:26] It's a different level of commitment. [1:46:29] Vitaly represents a very, very high threat, a very beautiful representation of this modern sport. [1:46:36] For me, this is probably, if it's not the biggest, hardest match of my life, it certainly is. [1:46:45] And in the time frame, with the amount of fans, with the viewership, this will be the biggest match of my life tomorrow. [1:47:00] Devin, you spent some time listing Vitaly's strengths and why he's such a brilliant opponent. [1:47:05] But then you finished it by saying that you're still going to win. [1:47:08] So I want to know why that is. [1:47:10] And is it purely just down to his thumbs? [1:47:11] You know, there's a lot of physical attributes that you see that Vitaly apparently beats me in. [1:47:22] A lot of measurables. [1:47:24] If I'm to win, probably the main reason will be experience and technique. [1:47:30] This is my probably category that I have on him. [1:47:35] There is a good chance that he's in a rush. [1:47:40] There's a good chance that I am more patient and more precise. [1:47:43] This is what I have to hope and hold on to. [1:47:46] It's no secret. [1:47:48] If I stop the match and I get in a favorable position, it'll be mine to win. [1:47:53] The truth is, is you can tell very quickly when you touch someone. [1:47:58] If you've been in this sport a long time, you shake their hand, you can tell who's the little brother, who's the big brother. [1:48:07] When I touch his right hand, I just get a sense that he's still the little brother. [1:48:11] Thank you. [1:48:19] Devin, you said that you're in the best shape that you've been, you're at your physical peak. [1:48:25] And Vitaly, you said you've been training, you know, meticulously more than before. [1:48:30] And you just said that you'll win on technique. [1:48:34] But I'm sure Vitaly would say similar. [1:48:36] So I want to know tomorrow how much of the deadlock is going to come down to mental dominance. [1:48:43] You know, mental in arm wrestling is very interesting. [1:48:51] I think that what mental does is it starts to turn the tide. [1:48:55] When there's a crack, you know, you can start to get in. [1:49:00] Initially, what wins is strength and power. [1:49:04] But if there's a crack to be found, someone with a sharp mind can sometimes find it. [1:49:11] You know, and things compound very quickly. [1:49:14] I don't know if you guys play Clash Royale, but if you know the Inferno, the Inferno Dragon, [1:49:21] he starts out doing just a little bit of damage. [1:49:24] But by three or four seconds in, the damage is overwhelming. [1:49:28] And that's the thing with Vitaly. [1:49:30] If he makes one mistake, it'll get worse and worse and worse very quickly. [1:49:38] Hi, guys. [1:49:39] I have a question for both Devon and Vitaly. [1:49:42] And what I want to say is that what happens if you win? [1:49:47] Straight to Levon? [1:49:49] Thank you. [1:49:50] Do you mind if I ask Vitaly first so I translate? [1:49:53] Вопрос, Vitaly, такой, и для тебя, и для Девона. [1:49:55] Что будет в случае победы? [1:49:57] Сразу к Ливану? [1:50:01] В случае победы, либо Ливан, либо Эрмес. [1:50:05] Осталось два человека, которых я не победил. [1:50:08] In case of victory, there are two people left that I haven't won against. [1:50:13] It's Ливан и Эрмес. [1:50:17] Yeah, very likely there will be one person remaining. [1:50:20] There's many matches. [1:50:21] There's always matches. [1:50:23] I'm always very interested in winning a world title in any division. [1:50:27] But the ultimate championship, the highest crown, is Ливан. [1:50:32] And if I'm graced with a win, of course, he's the highest peak to chase. [1:50:42] I have a question for Devon. [1:50:44] You mentioned you are in the best form of your life. [1:50:49] What is the difference from your previous matches? [1:50:52] Because you were already in great shape for the previous matches. [1:50:55] What did you do differently? [1:50:57] And how will that reflect in the upcoming match? [1:51:02] As you age and you continue to love a thing, you just continue to learn. [1:51:07] You know, there's so many people who are taught that as you get older, you just get weaker. [1:51:15] And there is a lot of truth to that. [1:51:18] But if there's something that you love and you hold on to, the age that you can get better at is much later than so many of us think. [1:51:26] I have continued to love arm wrestling. [1:51:30] I've continued to be able to put more energy into it. [1:51:34] I've been very lucky to have the support of my family and so many people. [1:51:38] I have a great team. [1:51:39] So many of them are here today. [1:51:40] The support of them helps a lot. [1:51:45] But really the main thing is the amount of time and energy I've been able to give it. [1:51:49] And as I've aged, I've just been able to put more time and more energy into the sport. [1:51:56] Thank you. [1:52:00] All right, Devon, I got a question for you. [1:52:02] I think the people back home are really, really curious about the sticker board you have right at home. [1:52:09] How many blue pins versus white pins are there on that board right now? [1:52:14] You know, I actually didn't count, but the sticker board is really the favorite, one of the favorite things I've come up with for this training cycle. [1:52:22] I think it's one of the simplest and most easy tools to inspire you to do a quick check of how you're doing. [1:52:31] I think it's much more than 50 percent, and it's really hard to get a white sticker on my chart. [1:52:38] It's very, very difficult. [1:52:40] So I think I've done really well. [1:52:43] The last stretch was really clean. [1:52:45] The only days I didn't get it was the days I was traveling. [1:52:48] So I think I'm probably at like 70 percent or 75 percent white stickers. [1:52:55] All right, awesome. [1:52:55] Thank you. [1:52:59] Yeah, I have a question for Vitaly. [1:53:02] How much respect have you got for Devon and what he's done with arm wrestling? [1:53:07] And do you think it's been hard for him to carry the load of being the figurehead? [1:53:11] I'm curious, how much do you love Devon and what he's done for sport? [1:53:16] And how do you think it's hard to carry the load as an ambassador? [1:53:21] If you think it's hard to carry the load as an ambassador? [1:53:21] If you think it's something that he's done and be a face of sport, I'm going to say. [1:53:25] I really love Devon. [1:53:28] I've been very close to Devon since the last years. [1:53:30] I've been very close to him. [1:53:31] I respect Devon a lot and I did always. [1:54:02] Even back in the day when I was young, I always watched him and I always respected him. [1:54:06] And in my opinion, even this event right now and all the previous ones, it's a part of Devon. [1:54:12] It's his accomplishment because not only I respect him, other athletes do as well, all the fans. [1:54:19] I believe this part is a big accomplishment of Devon that he shows people that even when you're 50, [1:54:24] you can still do it at the top level and keep on fighting. [1:54:26] Ladies and gentlemen, that I believe concludes our questions and we are going to close down the press conference for today [1:54:41] and face these guys off. [1:54:44] I've just been tapped on the shoulder, however, by the man, Devon Saganashvili, as something he would like to say. [1:54:52] I have one question. [1:54:57] You are a bit too kind to each other. [1:55:03] What is happening? [1:55:04] It's the different, right? [1:55:07] You know, I feel like a lot has happened in the last year. [1:55:14] A lot has happened in East versus West. [1:55:17] You know, I remember there's been a long progression in this sport. [1:55:24] And I have done many things. [1:55:28] I have brought the fight. [1:55:31] I have brought the fight to the East. [1:55:34] And over the course of this time, I have gotten to know you all so much better. [1:55:41] I have gotten to know your cultures. [1:55:43] And I have always thought, coming from a background where I was a soldier, [1:55:49] that the most important thing about sport is that it builds community. [1:55:54] I do not want to be misunderstood by the Russians, by the Georgians, my level of respect that I have for all of you. [1:56:03] So I will be a bit more clear. [1:56:05] Make no mistake. [1:56:06] I want to have fun with you and fight you. [1:56:09] But this last six months to a year, I've learned a lot about your cultures. [1:56:15] And I wish to make no mistakes about that. [1:56:18] Maybe when we know each other again a little bit better, we will once again fight harder. [1:56:23] Tomorrow, Vitaly, we will fight. [1:56:26] We will fight so hard. [1:56:28] It will be a beautiful testament to what this sport is. [1:56:32] And the base of that is respect. [1:56:34] That is why we are here. [1:56:35] That is why we are not shooting each other. [1:56:37] Sport is a beautiful thing. [1:56:39] And I do not wish to cross boundaries that make that too great. [1:56:44] Livan asked, why are you so much respect each other? [1:56:49] He said that a lot of change. [1:56:50] You know, I have learned a lot of life. [1:56:53] And in the last few years, when I was in the army, I taught me that the battle is all together and the sport is all together. [1:57:00] In the last time, I learned a lot, I learned a lot more personally, learned a lot, learned your culture. [1:57:05] And I understand, I do not want to understand me correctly. [1:57:08] I love Russians, I love Georgians. [1:57:10] I understand your culture, and tomorrow, there will be a beautiful battle. [1:57:15] And this beautiful battle always brings us closer. [1:57:17] I do not want to understand me correctly. [1:57:19] Everything that is happening now, it will grow from respect to each other. [1:57:23] I want to know you more better. [1:57:25] I want to know you more better. [1:57:28] Okay, why do you get crazy every time you pull me? [1:57:33] Well, you are the biggest and strongest. [1:57:37] And, uh... [1:57:37] Well, I mean, if I can make you upset, then, well, [1:57:42] I can risk, um, upsetting a whole lot of people. [1:57:46] Um, we've known each other a long time now. [1:57:50] And I'm sure our time will come again, because I'm sure I'm going to beat Vitaly. [1:57:55] So, we will have our time. [1:57:59] We will have our time. [1:58:00] We will have our time. [1:58:00] Okay, I just want to, I just want to think, one thing clear. [1:58:14] I respect both of you, it was just a joke. [1:58:31] I just want to point out to Vitaly that this Devon is much, much more dangerous. [1:58:36] He is a bit too kind right now. [1:58:38] It doesn't make you angry. [1:58:39] It's weird. [1:58:39] I think he should be more aware. [1:58:42] Vitaly, this is what we've talked about. [1:58:44] He just wants you to understand one thing. [1:58:45] This Devon is much more dangerous. [1:58:47] He is a good and compassionate. [1:58:49] So, we need to be... [1:58:50] Levon, Levon, it was the ketamine. [1:58:57] Ketamine of Devon. [1:58:58] It changed me. [1:59:00] I'm sorry. [1:59:01] What happened? [1:59:01] It was a lot of people. [1:59:04] Okay, but it looks like he learned something, then. [1:59:07] Maybe, maybe, maybe. [1:59:09] I hope tomorrow it's different, because as a viewer, you don't want to see this kind and this love. [1:59:26] You want to see fire. [1:59:26] Надеюсь, завтра будет не так все по-доброму и ласково. [1:59:29] Все-таки зрители хотят увидеть огня. [1:59:30] I know Devon perfectly. [1:59:50] I've already pulled him. [1:59:51] And he may be kind right now, but he's a different human being at the table. [1:59:54] He's ready for everything, and he's ready to win at any cost. [1:59:58] And I will do the same. [1:59:59] We have been fighting for many years now. [2:00:03] I have learned from you, and you have learned from me. [2:00:07] And I promise you can see, I think you should know, my level of discipline continues to increase. [2:00:15] I will be stronger, stronger to fight him than I've ever been to fight you. [2:00:20] I respect both of you, and I just wanted to know. [2:00:43] December, I'm waiting for the winner. [2:00:46] I'll do my best to get rid of the injury and come in in a tip-top shape, being the best that I can. [2:00:51] So I'm waiting for you, and good luck. [2:00:53] I want to know, just so you know, I love you both, and I'm waiting for the winner in December. [2:00:58] Ladies and gentlemen, what a way to close down this press conference. [2:01:08] So much is at stake here in the wonderful country of Germany. [2:01:14] It will go down tomorrow night. [2:01:16] EVWSports.com, you can get the pay-per-view. [2:01:21] See the preview matches. [2:01:23] The prelims will go out tomorrow. [2:01:25] We will then move to the main card, and it is stacked. [2:01:29] Ladies and gents, we're going to close down the press conference at this point, [2:01:33] and we'll be back in just a couple of minutes' time to face our athletes off one more time. [2:01:39] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Cologne, Germany, and the FIBO Power. [2:11:58] Face-offs of East versus West 23. [2:12:04] Our CEO, Robert Baxter, is on stage right now, and we are about to face off our athletes for the evening, [2:12:12] starting with our first prelim match at 115 kilograms and above the super heavyweight division, [2:12:21] and this will be on the right arm. [2:12:23] I'd like you to welcome, firstly, this man hailing from and representing South Africa, [2:12:28] Duvan Bornman. [2:12:31] Duvan Bornman, representing South Africa, our first athlete outland. [2:12:40] He will be facing the local boy. [2:12:42] Welcome, Andrei Nakarenko. [2:12:58] Nakarenko and Bornman will face off in our first prelim match of the night. [2:13:03] Two young men with a lot of aggression and a lot of desire who will rise. [2:13:10] Bornman and Nakarenko start the show tomorrow night. [2:13:13] Both men young, both men hungry. [2:13:16] Only one can take away the victory here from East versus West 23. [2:13:22] Thank you, guys. [2:13:24] As we move to our next match, ladies and gentlemen, and this one will be in the men's 77 kilogramme on the right arm. [2:13:37] Welcome, Alexei Zavrasvile of Georgia. [2:13:45] Zavrasvile of Georgia. [2:13:48] And welcome, Artem Tamsan. [2:13:51] Adyapensky. [2:13:59] Athletes with a huge height disparity. [2:14:02] Will there be that same disparity in power in top end? [2:14:07] We will see. [2:14:08] Men's 77 kilogramme section here at East versus West. [2:14:12] And this is our second match on the card in this stacked line-up at East versus West 23. [2:14:20] Alexei and Artem will do battle on that right hand. [2:14:23] And we move to our headliner in the prelim element of tomorrow night's competition. [2:14:30] And what a match it is. [2:14:32] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome this man. [2:14:34] He hails from and is representing Israel. [2:14:39] Man Sheregas. [2:14:42] Man Sheregas of Israel. [2:14:49] This twitchy athlete is looking to make his name against the legend of ABW. [2:14:55] He hails from and is proudly representing the great arm-wrestling nation of Georgia. [2:15:02] Praise it up for Zorab Tabaridze. [2:15:12] Man Sheregas gets the call-out opportunity. [2:15:15] And look at the forearms on Zorab Tabaridze. [2:15:20] They look like cow's back legs. [2:15:22] This man is an animal. [2:15:25] Unbelievably powerful. [2:15:27] But can he handle the speed of the man from Israel? [2:15:35] Mayan Sheregas. [2:15:38] Zorab Tabaridze. [2:15:39] Our headliner on the prelim. [2:15:41] And we punch our way into the main card. [2:15:45] And it starts with a bang in the men's super heavyweight division on the right arm. [2:15:50] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome this man. [2:15:53] He is a signature arm-wrestler of his nation. [2:15:57] Representing Norway, Lars Robachan. [2:16:05] Raw power, Lars Robachan of Norway. [2:16:09] In the men's super heavyweight division. [2:16:11] And he will face a man hailing from and representing South Africa. [2:16:17] Raise it up and welcome, Rekord. [2:16:19] Man. [2:16:20] Rekord Bournemouth, the biggest we have ever seen him for this match. [2:16:28] These guys wanted to get a room all week. [2:16:32] They have been so very close. [2:16:34] But there's a little bit of needle. [2:16:37] It's like they've been married now for a few years. [2:16:40] And it's starting to wear on them a little bit. [2:16:42] Who comes out of this one with the win? [2:16:44] Who gets their shot in the next stage of East versus West? [2:16:50] Who will rise in the super heavyweight division? [2:16:52] Lars, raw power, Robachan. [2:16:55] Or will it be our South African lion, Rekord Bournemouth? [2:17:02] Ladies and gentlemen, left hand. [2:17:05] Ladies, open division. [2:17:07] I would like you to welcome a new star she hails from. [2:17:10] And is representing Turkey. [2:17:12] Raise it up for Azra Sarri. [2:17:15] And her opponent is one of the greatest female arm wrestlers of all time. [2:17:27] She is a multiple national, European, and world champion. [2:17:31] Welcome, Egla. [2:17:33] Kute. [2:17:36] Lithuania is the home of Egla. [2:17:39] This is a killer. [2:17:41] She has dominated the ladies' division for so very long. [2:17:47] Will tomorrow be another notch for Vekute? [2:17:51] Or will it be the night for the rising star, Azra Sarri? [2:17:56] We will find out tomorrow night. [2:18:05] Ladies and gents, our next match is a world title eliminator in the men's 95 kilogram section. [2:18:12] To be contested on the left arm. [2:18:15] Please welcome this man. [2:18:16] Firstly, he hails. [2:18:18] And he's representing Ukraine. [2:18:21] He is a legendary arm wrestler with multiple national, European, and world titles. [2:18:26] And his name is Rustam Babayev. [2:18:34] Rustam Babayev has maxed out on the amount of muscle that you can pack on to a man of this frame size. [2:18:41] He is a monster, and he has a very, very tough test. [2:18:47] Because the man who's rolled out the red carpet for his debut is a former EBW champion of the world. [2:18:55] He hails from what he's representing Georgia. [2:18:57] Raising up for Bedkile Oniyani. [2:19:01] The legendary Rustam Babayev. [2:19:09] Bedkile Oniyani. [2:19:11] Look at the face of the Georgian. [2:19:15] Sinister confidence. [2:19:16] In the stare of Bedkile Oniyani. [2:19:21] A calm, collected champion. [2:19:23] The smiling assassin in Rustam Babayev. [2:19:26] Who takes the win here? [2:19:29] And who will get the title shot? [2:19:31] We'll find out tomorrow night. [2:19:33] And we move to our next match on the card. [2:19:36] Which will also be contested on the men's left hand in the 105 kilogram section. [2:19:42] It's time to plug this thing into the mains. [2:19:46] And welcome the man who cannot be tamed. [2:19:49] Ladies and gentlemen, the wild horse. [2:19:54] And his opponent hails from and is representing France where he is. [2:20:08] The signature arm wrestler of his nation. [2:20:11] As a multiple and reigning French national champion. [2:20:15] Raising up for Amerik Pradeens. [2:20:24] Amerik Pradeens gets the opportunity to raise his stock. [2:20:28] To raise his profile. [2:20:30] Goes to shake hands. [2:20:31] And Matt Mask wanted no part of it on their arm. [2:20:34] They will face Mask and Pradeens. [2:20:37] There is a height difference. [2:20:39] Is there a strength difference? [2:20:42] Tomorrow night, we find out the top roll versus the hook. [2:20:46] Does size matter? [2:20:51] Matt Mask. [2:20:52] Amerik Pradeens. [2:20:53] Canada versus France at East versus West 23. [2:20:59] Ladies and gentlemen, we move back down the weight classes. [2:21:05] And to the ladies division. [2:21:07] In the under 60 kilogram division. [2:21:11] For the world title. [2:21:14] Ladies and gentlemen, these are two exciting powerhouse athletes. [2:21:17] And I'd like you to welcome firstly on stage this newcomer. [2:21:21] Making her debut in East versus West. [2:21:24] Welcome Melek Zaheer. [2:21:27] A house from Turkey and Melek Zaheer. [2:21:35] And she will face this absolute savage. [2:21:40] Hailing from the land of the rising sun. [2:21:43] Raising up for Ayane. [2:21:45] Japan is the home of Takanaka. [2:21:54] But her second home is the hook. [2:21:57] And that's where she wants this match to go. [2:22:00] It will be about the red line. [2:22:02] Who has the power? [2:22:04] Who wants it most in this world title matchup? [2:22:07] Robert Baxter's excited about this one. [2:22:11] You can see it is going to be a killer. [2:22:14] Sahin and Takanaka. [2:22:17] No blinks. [2:22:18] No one wants to look away. [2:22:19] And I'm sure you'll see more of that tomorrow night here. [2:22:26] World title matchup. [2:22:29] On a night which is full and packed with world championship matches. [2:22:34] Look at what these young ladies are working with. [2:22:37] It will go down tomorrow. [2:22:39] Takanaka with a little smile. [2:22:41] Sahin the same. [2:22:42] Who delivers? [2:22:46] Thank you ladies. [2:22:47] And we move to the men's division. [2:22:49] One more time on the left hand. [2:22:51] In the super heavyweight division. [2:22:54] Two athletes hailing from. [2:22:56] And representing the great arm wrestling nation of Kazakhstan. [2:23:01] This is about east versus west progression. [2:23:04] But he's also. [2:23:05] Who is the king of Kazakhstan. [2:23:08] Firstly welcome this man. [2:23:11] He is a world champion. [2:23:13] In the lighter divisions. [2:23:14] And will go for the super heavyweight progression. [2:23:17] Tomorrow night. [2:23:18] Welcome Alijan. [2:23:22] Ah. [2:23:30] Alijan Muratov. [2:23:32] Mr. Forearms. [2:23:33] Look at the size of the forearms on Alijan. [2:23:38] He is matched in that department by the man he will face. [2:23:42] He also hails from Kazakhstan. [2:23:45] And was the former super heavyweight. [2:23:49] East versus west champion of the world. [2:23:52] Welcome Steele. [2:23:54] Bluzzle. [2:23:56] Ladies and gentlemen. [2:23:58] We have Ayrton Morozov of Kazakhstan. [2:24:02] This man is an athlete. [2:24:05] Every ounce of him is solid rock. [2:24:09] And you can see just how big Steele Morozov really is. [2:24:14] But the man who they call the giant killer. [2:24:16] Has come to see if he can do it one more time here. [2:24:20] Good camaraderie between these guys. [2:24:22] They're from the same nation. [2:24:23] But all that will go out of the window tomorrow night. [2:24:26] And one man will leave as champion. [2:24:29] Look at the forearms. [2:24:31] On these two athletes. [2:24:33] Kazakhstan. [2:24:35] Bringing us the very best in the world. [2:24:37] Steele Morozov. [2:24:39] And Alijan Muratov. [2:24:40] Will collide tomorrow night. [2:24:44] At East versus West 23. [2:24:45] And we move to another world title match up here on this stellar card. [2:24:52] This time in the men's lightweight division. [2:24:55] To be contested by two standouts in the division. [2:25:00] Firstly, this man hails from and is representing Lithuania. [2:25:04] He is a multiple national, European, and world champion. [2:25:09] Welcome Morozov. [2:25:13] Mendozav. [2:25:14] Tarasetis. [2:25:18] His appalling hails from and is representing Russia. [2:25:22] He is the reigning and defending East versus West lightweight champion of the world. [2:25:30] Raise it up and welcome Otto. [2:25:32] Otto Makarov. [2:25:44] Mendozav. [2:25:44] Tarasetis. [2:25:45] Tarasetis. [2:25:47] Real aesthetic difference here. [2:25:50] Real difference in the approach to the match up for these athletes. [2:25:55] The cerebral, dark, sarcastic, sinister athlete from Lithuania. [2:26:03] He will peace you apart mentally and physically. [2:26:06] But does he have the power to overcome the champion? [2:26:10] What a matching prospect there. [2:26:12] Goes down tomorrow night for the lightweight championship of the world. [2:26:19] And another match for the world title is in the welterweight division. [2:26:23] It is match number 11 on our card. [2:26:26] And it's on the right hand of a seven rounds of arm wrestling. [2:26:29] I would like you to welcome firstly, representing Ukraine, the man with few words. [2:26:37] He is known as Manifesta. [2:26:40] Alex Telyatnik of Ukraine. [2:26:47] Manifesta in the house. [2:26:48] And he will try to grasp the world title from a man who has defended it more than any other athlete in East versus West history. [2:26:58] He hails from and is representing Georgia and is the reigning and defending champion of the world, David Samushia. [2:27:09] The calm, collected, David Samushia. [2:27:19] The aggressive, hungry and defiant Manifesta. [2:27:25] Ukraine has sent its very best to try to capture the world title in the men's welterweight division. [2:27:33] Tomorrow, we get the answer. [2:27:45] Ladies and gentlemen, what a matchup for the world title in the welterweight. [2:27:50] And it is not done as we move into the men's 115 kilogram class. [2:27:57] Once again, for the right hand championship of the world. [2:28:02] Firstly, welcome the challenger he hails from and is representing Russia. [2:28:07] He is a multiple national, European and world champion and is known as Ivan Matyushenko. [2:28:18] I'm understated and humble, Ivan Matyushenko. [2:28:27] But he carries a sinister threat with him to the arm wrestling table. [2:28:33] He will need to because the man he faces brings power unbound all the way from the United States of America. [2:28:42] He is a former WAF world champion, multiple U.S. national champion and is also the reigning and defending EVW champion of the world. [2:28:59] Easy money, Dave Chaffey. [2:29:02] Easy money, Dave Chaffey. [2:29:12] Slim and trimmed. [2:29:14] He went from the super heavyweight to the underwear model in one foul swoop. [2:29:20] And he may have dropped bodyweight, but he has not dropped power. [2:29:24] And it is on. [2:29:26] Easy money will defend the title against the threat represented by Ivan Matyushenko. [2:29:33] For the championship of the world here at East vs. West 23. [2:29:41] And as the white class gets bigger, the athletes get bigger and the matches get bigger. [2:29:50] And ladies and gentlemen, the athletes don't get much bigger in any sport than this man. [2:29:58] He is firstly making his way to the stage and is representing proudly his whole nation of the United States of America. [2:30:11] He is the four-time world's strongest man. [2:30:17] Ladies and gentlemen, strength icon Brian Shaw stands at the stage waiting for the introduction of this athlete. [2:30:35] He is a YouTube and internet sensation and is one of the most recognized strength influencers on the planet. [2:30:45] He is also on home soil and will bring huge support into this match. [2:30:51] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Leonidas. [2:30:56] Leonidas, our corner, gets up close and personal with Brian Shaw for the first time. [2:31:13] And you can see that there is a size difference. [2:31:19] Our corner looks straight into the eyes of one of the biggest men in the world. [2:31:23] And it will be decided here in Cologne, Germany at East vs. West 23. [2:31:33] A massive matchup. [2:31:36] Shaw and our corner collide tomorrow night. [2:31:40] EVWSports.com. [2:31:41] Ladies and gentlemen, get your pay-per-view. [2:31:44] And do not miss this clash of the titans. [2:31:47] Only one more match to introduce now. [2:31:54] And it is the main event of the evening here at East vs. West 23. [2:32:01] Ladies and gentlemen, firstly, welcome this man making his way to the stage. [2:32:07] He hails from and is representing Russia. [2:32:10] He is known as the Siberian Bear, towering figure of Vitaly Lulatin. [2:32:26] The Siberian Bear casts an ominous shadow on the super heavyweight division. [2:32:33] But he will face the most internationally recognized arm wrestler of all time. [2:32:41] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the soldier boy, Superman from the frozen northern. [2:32:53] He is on the main event of East vs. West 23 tomorrow night. [2:33:04] He is on the right arm. [2:33:06] Canada represented by No Limits, Devin Larratt. [2:33:11] And he will face the Siberian Bear who towers over the sport. [2:33:17] And he's looking to cast his shadow onto the biggest prize in the sport. [2:33:23] The open class, Lulatin, Larratt. [2:33:28] It is on. [2:33:30] Tomorrow night, ladies and gents, East vs. West 23. [2:33:35] On behalf of everyone here at EVW, I would like to say thank you very much for your support tonight. [2:33:43] We will see you tomorrow night right back here. [2:33:46] Get your pay-per-view now and do not miss this massive card. [2:33:52] Thanks for your support and we will see you very soon.