AIBA Pro Boxing's (APB) social media campaign "Boxer of the Week" headed to one of the world's strongest boxing nations this week, namely Russia. Boxing fans were delighted to discover that current World Champion and London 2012 Olympic Bronze medallist Misha Aloian has been announced on the APB rooster and will soon step into the ring as a pro.

This week's fan-generated interview turned into a friendly chat with an intelligent athlete who is hoping to dominate his category at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

What do you think has been the most important fight of your career and which fight do you consider the most disappointing or challenging?
I definitely have some fights which I consider to be milestones in my career. First of all, my fight against the current Olympic Champion from Cuba Robeisy Ramírez, who I defeated at the 2011 World Boxing Championships to become World Champion must be one. Actually, I've defeated him twice already and it is great to think that I've managed to overcome such a great opponent. I would say the same about the Welshman Andrew Selby. I managed to defeat him twice in one year, first in Hungary and then in Azerbaijan at the same World Boxing Championships as the one above. 2011 was really successful for me. But it all started in 2008 when I became a World Cup Champion in Moscow. By the way, the decisive fight at that competition was also really important for me. I defeated Andry Laffita, another boxer from Cuba who was also the Beijing Olympic Games Silver medallist.

Nonetheless, that doesn't mean that I haven't had my share of disappointing results in my career. My fight with the Mongolian boxer Tugstsogt Nyambayar at the 2009 World Championships in Milan springs to mind as one of them. When I lost to him I only got a bronze at that competition. But it was also that fight that gave me the motivation to improve my boxing skills and techniques.  I believe this challenge helped me to become the National Champion three times in a row and also come back to the World Championships in 2011 and get gold.

Talking about inspiration: is there any boxer or athlete who particularly inspires you?
Yes, for sure, but I have noticed that in terms of boxing idols my career can be divided into three parts. When I was a kid I used to adore Mike Tyson. I grew up watching his fights. Then I became a fan of Roy Jones Jr. but I have always felt that the greatest boxer ever is Mohamed Ali. He's the one I respect the most now. He is not just the "absolute"  boxing idol, but also one of the best athletes the world has ever seen.

What is your favourite part of a fight, the thrill of coming into the ring, the bout itself or the win?
I like the fight itself. In particular when I feel that I am in my best shape. Then, I enjoy it to the full extent. That doesn't mean that I don't like leave the ring as a winner though! (laughs).

Is there a specific opponent you would like to face or a particular country you would like to fight in? If so, why?
Frankly speaking, no name really comes to mind. It really doesn't matter to me who I box with or where I fight.

How important is your mental state during a fight? Does your state of mind have a direct influence on your boxing results?
Your mental state is a decisive factor during the fight and it usually depends on your preparation and readiness for the fight. If I am 100 % ready for a fight then why should I worry? If a boxer enters the ring with doubts or worries, he will never be able to overcome his opponent. My philosophy is quite simple. Boxing is my life's work and if I am doing my favourite job I have nothing to worry about.

What do you think of the APB system where boxers can turn pro and still represent their countries at the Olympics?
I find that APB is moving boxing in the right direction precisely thanks to that formula. This is the right step for the sport to take, and it takes boxing to the next levels of development. So I guess it is clear from that statement that I support the idea!

What made you join the APB Program?
The pro style of this competition attracts me a lot. I am sure that within APB there will only be the best boxers in the world and I get a guaranty of several fights a year against the best possible opponents. Besides that these shows will definitely become more exciting.

How do you expect to perform in the APB Pro format boxing of 8 to 12 rounds?
Actually, I am confident that I could compete in longer bouts right now if I had to. I already do 15-18 rounds of training three times a day. Therefore it is not something new. Not to mention my experience in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) when I had five-round bouts. My coach prepared me very well for it and the whole National team is gradually changing the style of their boxing training as the sport is being judged in a manner that resembles the pro-style ever more closely. This is the future of our sport and the athletes have to develop at the same pace as the sport does.

What exactly needs to be changed to adapt a boxer's training to the additional rounds?
As I already said, it is largely all about your state of mind. It is also about physical and tactical preparation. However, the main secret is that the boxer should not switch off mentally after the third round. He should believe in himself and keep going as he does during his training which is rarely limited to three rounds anyway.

You have impressive record and it looks like that is set to continue, do you plan to go to Rio to go for Olympic gold?
You are right, I have a goal and I have a dream which didn't come true in 2012. But thinking about it I understand that it was a sign of destiny telling me that I should continue boxing as there are goals aims to be achieved.

And finally, will you be going to the World Championships in Kazakhstan this year? What is your target there?
As a current World Champion I will definitely go there to defend my title. It is clear, that the target is gold again. I never set lower goal than that as I am a maximalist. I know that I always do my best and I try to get the best results. And I am convinced that any successful athlete should have always the highest possible goal as his or her objective.