Is he serious, or maybe is it just an imaginative publicity stunt?
In any event, Andreas Kotelnik has "revealed" his "secret weapon" as he prepares to defend his 140 lb. (alphabet) title next Saturday in England against Amir Khan.
For anyone who's old enough to remember, there once was a famous—and extremely popular—cartoon character in the 60s who had enormous forearms, which he claimed that he had received from downing excessive amounts of spinach.
Now, so it seems, Kotelnik is also a believer in the amazing power of Spinach.
According to a press release obtained by ESPN, which was sent out by promoter Frank Warren—who promotes Khan and is putting on the fight—the Ukrainian pugilist is the sweet science's answer to Popeye.
Kotelnik also claims that it's not just any old Spinach, but prize-winning bunches of the leafy green substance—specially shipped in—from a secret destination in his home country to his training base in Germany.
He insists that dipping-into the iron-rich nutrient three times a day has left him in peak condition, the best shape of his life he says.
"I came to England for a press conference last week, and missed out on spinach for lunch, and I could feel my energy levels dropping," said Kotelnik.
"Fortunately, I had a double portion when I got back to Hamburg, and I felt better than ever. I've been munching on spinach since I began boxing when I was six-years-old."
"My first boxing trainer told me that it would make me the heavyweight champion of the world. Unfortunately, it didn't, but it will make me too strong for Amir Khan's powder-puff punches."
The Ukrainian slugger has a valid point.
From what I've witnessed, Khan's punches are better suited for swatting flies than being aimed at other pro fighters.
However, he isn't the first and wont be the last to sacrifice power for high-volume punching, which by the way, does little more than annoy frustrated opponents.
Two fighters named Paul Williams (154 lbs.) and Malignaggi (140 lbs.)—both seem to have been bitten by that same dog. The good news, however, is that the Jr. Welterweight division has added some new and exciting blood.
Carlos Chino Maidana recently served notice to the rest of the division that he possesses the rare combination of speed and power to go along with his championship quality heart.
Maidana recently put a damper on the coming out party of Golden Boy's top prospect Victor Ortiz—look for Chino to move into the title picture in the very near future.
As for Kotelnik, he has a win over Maidana, and now an oportunity to do the same to Khan, and, if he succeeds, we will no doubt see his face at our local Supermarket in the canned food section.
Kotelnik's spinach is bound to be a hit with the Popeye fans.
However, don't look for it to be served up hot by Freddie Roach. It's likely that "Crow," served cold, will be the only item on the menu at the Wild Card Gym.
“One man's poison ivy is another man's spinach.”
George Ade (1866-1944) American humorist
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