Vladimir Khryunov, a Russian organizer, stated that arranging a boxing match between artists Vasily Basta Vakulenko and Alexander ST Stepanov would not be feasible.
He explained that the tension usually seen among football fans runs along club lines. Vakulenko supports CSKA, while Stepanov backs Spartak. The idea of a clash between rival fans in a boxing ring does not align with the nature of football fandom, where CSKA versus Spartak remains the defining fixture. This is not a matchup that fits the dynamics of sanctioned combat sports or the expectations of their communities.
Khryunov noted that the landscape of football rivalry has evolved into a more peaceful arena. He emphasized his growing involvement with football clubs and his friendships with leaders of various fan groups. Despite this involvement, there has never been a serious push toward organizing boxing bouts between these two fan factions, even as the sport edges into broader entertainment ventures.
In the current Russian Premier League standings, Spartak has accumulated 49 points after 25 rounds, placing them in third. CSKA sits just one point behind, occupying fourth place. The league leader, Zenit St. Petersburg, has 61 points and holds a comfortable advantage at the top of the table.
Looking ahead to the 28th round of the RPL, the upcoming face‑to‑face match between Spartak and CSKA is scheduled for May 21 at the Otkritie Bank Arena, a venue known for its intense atmosphere and passionate fan presence. The game is expected to attract significant attention from supporters across the country and beyond, drawing on long-standing narratives between the two clubs.
Former Spartak manager Dmitry Alenichev commented on the current leadership, noting that Guillermo Abascal, the coach of Spartak’s red-and-white side, showed moments of uncertainty in his early phase with the team. That assessment highlighted the delicate balance coaches face when steering a squad with such high expectations, where tactical adjustments and player development must align with the club’s culture and the supporters’ aspirations. The broader commentary reflects a sport where leadership, strategy, and charisma all play roles in shaping outcomes and public perception.