Russian heroes: Boxing star Povetkin is met by a COSSACK CHOIR at airport as crowds line streets for brand new MMA champ Nemkov (VIDEO)

Two returning champs had heavyweight homecomings as they set foot in Russia once more for the primary time since title triumphs, with footage capturing the outstanding scenes as crowds and choirs met Vadim Nemkov and Alexander Povetkin.

Because the doorways opened to permit Povetkin out of customs at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport, a Cossack choir in full uniform sang the brand new WBC interim champion’s praises in stirring type.

Povetkin stood heart stage because the singers and musicians gave him a knockout welcome by forming a circle to serenade the 40-year-old, who crushed contender Dillian Whyte with a surprising fifth-round uppercut in a back-from-the-brink upset within the UK on Saturday.

Members of the choir draped the hard-hitting Povetkin in a conventional gown and hat earlier than performing the music ‘Lyubo, brothers, lyubo’ in honor of the fighter generally known as the ‘Russian Knight.’

🇷🇺👑 Alexander Povetkin receiving a conventional Russian hero's welcome as he arrives again in his homeland immediately after knocking out Dillian Whyte…

[📽️ Russian Boxing Federation] pic.twitter.com/sLkjcwr2hY

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 23, 2020

For many who don't communicate Russian he was thanking Sasha for the truth that we don't have to listen to about Dillian Whyte being the WBC necessary any longer.

— Ok. (@SlickPropaganda) August 23, 2020

Little bit low key actually, anticipated extra for a person who simply beat Dillian Whyte.

— Arron Richmond (@ArronRichmond) August 23, 2020

That's how I'm greeted once I get in from the pub

— Podge (@JB_Podge) August 23, 2020

The previous Olympic Video games gold medalist appeared as cool as he did when he poleaxed Whyte after twice climbing from the canvas within the earlier spherical, rolling with the punches after his lengthy flight earlier than posing together with his symphonic supporters.

“For many who do not communicate Russian, [they were] thanking Sasha for the truth that we do not have to listen to about Dillian Whyte being the WBC necessary any longer,” joked one British fan, referring to his crushed rival’s pre-fight ambitions to problem Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua after beating Povetkin.

There have been extra raucous however no much less joyous scenes in Belgorod, the place relative newcomer Nemkov stepped out together with his title to be greeted by a mob of followers who had taken over a avenue to point out their adulation for the brand new Bellator mild heavyweight king.

Nemkov’s victory in Connecticut was each bit as spectacular as Povetkin’s, demolishing two-division champion Ryan Bader with a devastating head kick and a barrage of strikes within the second spherical.

An announcer hollered Nemkov’s identify by means of a public deal with system and the brand new champion later pictured himself with Fedor Emelianenko, his mentor who had been dethroned by Bader inside a spherical at Bellator 214 in California in January 2019.

Talking after he grew to become the primary Russian to assert the sunshine heavyweight title, Nemkov had stated: “I simply can’t wait to get house. I wish to see my household, my children.

“I have been in camp without end. They let me do my factor and did not hassle me a lot.

“I miss them rather a lot. I wish to see my buddies and the remainder of my household. We’ll have fun my victory.”

Former champion Jon Jones, who vacated the belt final week however stays the top-ranked fighter within the division, was amongst these to publicly acknowledge Nemkov’s achievement.

The 28-year-old four-time Fight Sambo World Champion is now unbeaten in 5 Bellator fights, ending 4 of them prematurely.

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