Olympic medalist and one of the great names in the recent history of Brazilian boxing, Esquiva Falcão is experiencing the best moment of his career. Promise in sport, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel about the reality of boxing in the country, highlighted highlights and talked about his expectations for fighting for a world belt. The fighter also opened up about difficulties experienced during the pandemic.
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Undefeated in his career in professional boxing, with 28 triumphs, Esquiva carries with him the responsibility of revitalizing the sport for Brazilian fans. Today, the man from Espírito Santo is one of the favorites to elevate boxing in the country, winning a world title in the 'noble art'.
Difficulties in the pandemic
Second placed at the London Olympics, Esquiva ended up suffering directly from the economic damage influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Concerned about his family's financial situation, the fighter even considered selling the silver medal he won at the 2012 games. At the time, the athlete was in the news when he needed to sell mini pizzas to supplement his monthly income.
“The pandemic came 'breaking' everyone. It was a very strong shock and, for me, it was no different. I didn't fight in professional boxing for a long time. I had a fight at the beginning of the year (2020) and another at the end. I don't earn a month. At that time, I had no sponsorship, I had nothing. I thought: 'the best opportunity will be to sell the medal'. I love my medal, but I can't see my son's plate empty. (…) There were some articles saying that we were bankrupt. I wasn’t bankrupt, but I was preventing the worst,” said Falcão.
Lack of encouragement in sport
Defender of greater investments in Brazilian sport, Esquiva did not just talk about his sport. For the fighter, there needs to be support for the country's talents, which can bring great joy to the athletes and, consequently, to the fans.
“It’s not just boxing. There are several sports in Brazil that need encouragement and recognition. As an Olympic medalist, I thought things would change a lot. (…) It has changed, but in terms of money, it is very difficult to find sponsorship and maintain it. (…) The athlete who sees my situation, asking for help at that time, needs encouragement. Anyone who looks at that is even afraid of entering the 'noble art'”, he said.
Brazilian boxing moment
Even with the lack of investment, Falcão is optimistic about the future of Brazilian boxing. Pointing out highlights in the sport, the fighter welcomes the possibility of achievements in the coming years.
“It’s a very good moment. We have big names. We have Robson (Conceição), gold medalist (Rio de Janeiro Olympics), me, my brother, Yamaguchi (Falcão), Patrick Teixeira. Boxing in Brazil today is on the rise. We don't just have a promise. We have athletes who can win belts. 2021 and 2021 will be world belt years,” he said.
'Boxing lost space to MMA'
Optimistic about the future of boxing, Falcão spoke about the sport's loss of space in recent years. Showing knowledge on the subject, the man from Espírito Santo related the 'fall' of the 'noble art' with the rise of MMA, which began to gain more fans in Brazil in the early 2000s.
“Boxing was in the media when Popó became world champion. There was Maguila and then came Popó. He had a very long period without world titles, at the Olympics. In 2012, the 'Irmãos Falcão' and Adriana Araújo emerged. In 2016, Robson Conceição emerged. Boxing lost space because of the very long time it took to achieve important results. MMA arrived at the right time, when boxing was no longer talked about and the UFC managed to fit six, seven world champions from Brazil. They managed to fit it in, play it on TV. Boxing now has to fight again to regain its space on TV,” he said.
Falcão: closer to the title
As one of those responsible for trying to bring great achievements in Brazilian boxing, Falcão is close to a fight that could take him to his dream and long-awaited fight for a world title in the IBF (International Boxing Federation). On August 28, the Espírito Santo, number five in the middleweight rankings (up to 72,5kg), will face German Patrick Wojcicki. The duel is considered an eliminator and the winner will be able to fight for the category belt.
“I was at home training, with no fight planned. My manager called me and said I would compete for the world belt. They (IBF) want you to fight the number one and, if you win, you will fight against 'Triple G' (Gennady Golovkin), who is the champion of the category. Now, it's no longer a conversation. It is serious. I'm going to win this fight and then I'm going to face 'Triplo G', one of the toughest in the category. I have every chance of beating him. I'm tough, I'm well prepared. I'm training hard here in the United States, training with world champions. A coach told me: 'Esquiva, this is the fight of your life. The biggest opportunity. You can't let it slip'. I know it will be difficult. The fight is scheduled to take place in Germany, at the opponent's home. I’m going to get there, win, bring the result to Brazil and prepare for the world champion”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 31 years old, Falcão is heading towards his 29th appearance as a professional boxer. Never defeated in the sport, Esquiva has not performed since February, when he knocked out Russian Artur Akavov.
In the sport since 2015, Patrick Wojcicki will be making his 17th commitment. The 30-year-old German, who also doesn't know what it's like to lose in the 'noble art', has 15 wins and one draw.
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