At first, fans of figure skaters noticed her presence. On social networks she shared an image from the arena, where she posed with boxing gloves in hand.
“Preparing for something new…” was the caption that accompanied the photo from Zagitova.
Shortly thereafter, it was reported that the 2018 Olympic champion would stage an exhibition boxing match. The opponent was not yet chosen, but the chatter began. A well-known commentator floated a guess aloud, suggesting that Zagitova might face Olga Buzova, a popular TV host and singer, in the ring. The journalist teased the possibility, joking about displaying bullet-number placards during the bout.
“Great! I’ve heard she’s leaning toward Olga Buzova. It could be entertaining. The idea of a swimsuit-clad face-off with ten rounds, plus extra time, is appealing to many who seek positive moments and new horizons,” the commentator remarked in coverage. He added that she would likely appear in the ring and make a statement with a showy edge. [Source: Sport24 paraphrase]
Interest in the potential pairing drew in a notable organizer who offered to help coordinate the event and weighed in on who might be favored and what the prize could be. The organizer suggested flexibility with the rules, the number of rounds, and the timing, emphasizing experience in event setup and the appeal of a grand, majestic boxing display. The fee would hinge on the stadium size and broadcast interest, with expectations that the event could become a landmark moment for Buzova’s career. [Source: Legalbet paraphrase]
By late May, Zagitova had begun sharing footage from boxing training on her Telegram channel. The Olympic champion, now 20, demonstrated fist work by striking focus pads while in the ring. Fans initially viewed the endeavor as light-hearted or a self-defense exercise, but training photos grew increasingly common as the weeks progressed.
The decision to stage an exhibition boxing match drew mixed reactions. Renat Laishev, head of a prominent sports and education center, admitted surprise at the news and predicted the duel would lean more toward entertainment than a real contest.
“Is Alina really going to fight? It caught me off guard. I doubt there will be a genuine match; it’s more of a show. Alina has built a massive following and can choose invitations that align with her goals, which is entirely natural. Boxing can be a healthy pursuit,” he commented to Metaratings.ru. He added that Zagitova hadn’t consulted him, but if she did, he would first want details about the event, the organizers, and the direction, before offering any advice.
The opinion of other public figures followed. Anastasia Volochkova, a renowned ballerina and public figure, shared her nuanced view. She warned that women’s fights can be unsettling to watch but acknowledged that if Zagitova sought a show performance, she had the right to pursue it. Volochkova emphasized that it should be a scenario that suits Zagitova’s status and avoids unnecessary risk. She also expressed personal support should Zagitova decide to proceed, offering to attend in her corner. [Source: Volochkova’s comments paraphrase]
In a broader context, Alexandra Trusova, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, also explored new athletic terrains during a Moscow athletics event, attempting long jump with incremental improvement across attempts, culminating in a personal best. The shift by different skaters toward varied sports drew commentary from Irina Rodnina, a former Olympic champion in pair skating, who critiqued the trend while acknowledging the evolving interests of young athletes.
Rodnina suggested that the changes in performance roles might reflect a broader trend among athletes who seek diverse experiences in youth. Meanwhile, Grigory Drozd, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, signaled indifference toward Zagitova’s boxing pursuit and expressed a sentiment that boxing is not his preferred arena for female athletes. He conveyed sympathy for Zagitova’s situation, emphasizing that he would rather not see women boxing, and that this choice lies outside his personal interests. [RIA Novosti paraphrase of Drozd]