Promoter Vladimir Khryunov clarified why the boxing showdown between renowned figure skater Alina Zagitova and television host Olga Buzova was postponed, a clash that had been slated for March 9. In an interview on the news site kp.ru, Khryunov explained that several federal TV networks had not yet settled who would carry the broadcast, creating an impasse that pushed the event back. He emphasized that the fight remains in the planning stage, and while March 9 is no longer feasible for the bout, the central issue now revolves around broadcast rights and channel competition.
According to Khryunov, the situation is still evolving. He remarked that the March 9 date would pass without a fight, and the broadcasting dispute has not reached a final resolution. The channels are actively negotiating, each aiming to secure a coveted slot for what organizers expect to be a high-profile matchup. The unresolved state highlights the growing influence of television partners and the commercial dynamics that accompany modern combat sports, where access to prime time and cross-network promotion can determine whether a show proceeds as planned.
Earlier in June, Zagitova took part in a boxing master class as part of Moscow Sports Day, an event organized by the Moscow Department of Sports. The master class at Luzhniki featured Oleg Saitov, a two-time Olympic champion, as Zagitova’s partner for the day. The appearance underscored Zagitova’s foray into boxing beyond her established career in figure skating. Subsequent social media posts hinted at a potential fight between Zagitova and Buzova, with March 9 cited as the proposed date, though nothing had been finalized at that time.
Formerly, Igor Kornelyuk referenced Zagitova in a lighthearted remark, noting that the figure skater would speak mostly about nothing in that particular moment. The exchange reflected the public’s curiosity surrounding the rumored matchup and the broader trend of crossover events blending sports and entertainment. As plans evolve, officials and promoters continue to balance athletic integrity with the entertainment value that such spectacles promise to spectators across Russia and beyond, while fans in Canada and the United States watch closely for any official announcements and broadcast confirmations as the negotiations unfold (attribution to kp.ru).”