In interview to Sovsport.ru, Ruslan Chagaev said that he did not change his citizenship and he is citizen of Uzbekistan.

He said that the organizers of the bout against Fres Oquendo from the United States decided to play Russian anthem as the bout was held in Russia. Besides, he said he trained in Grozny at Ahmat club.

Chagaev stated that of course, in line with the rules, the organizers should play anthem of Uzbekistan.