Determined to win a fourth East vs West belt and reclaim the prestigious Legacy Hammer, Canadian champion Devon Larratt is still aiming for a match against Artyom Morozov on the left arm. While a duel between the two men at King of the Table 13 seems to be moving away, a new opportunity is looming: the East vs West 16, scheduled for early next year.
A VISA problem for Vitalii Laletin
The long-awaited clash between Vitali Laletin and Artyom Morozov, supposed to crown the world's best left-arm armwrestler during the East vs West 16, could be compromised. At issue: difficulties for Vitali Laletin, a Russian resident, in obtaining a VISA to travel to the United States, the planned location of the event.
Although Engin Terzi expressed optimism about obtaining the document, it is likely that it will not arrive in time. This setback opens the door to other suitors, including a certain Devon Larratt.
Will Devon Larratt replace Vitali at East vs West 16?
For Engin Terzi, Devon Larratt has not yet proven that he deserves to challenge Artyom Morozov for the left arm title. Despite notable victories against Serhii Kalinichenko and Léonidas Arkona, Engin recalls that Devon suffered a crushing defeat, 5-1, against Kamil Jablonski, currently 6th in the world rankings, in January 2024.
Although Devon has returned to left arm training in earnest and shown encouraging signs during his recent match against Artyom at East vs West 15, Engin qualifies this performance. He points out that Artyom, weakened by an injury to his left arm contracted during his duel against Ivan Matyushenko, had only resumed training a month before the event, which according to him explains the result in favor of Devon.
On paper, Engin Terzi believes that Devon Larratt has not yet proven his worth to claim a title shot. However, he admits that the fight could still take place given the Artyom Morozov's words at the East vs West 15 press conference.
Will Artyom Morozov keep his word?
If Devon Larratt had the opportunity to face Artyom Morozov at East vs West 15, it is above all thanks to the statements made by the latter during the press conference. These words offered Devon a dream opportunity: to try to win a fourth East vs West belt and recover the Legacy Hammer, which had become a tool of provocation by Denis Cyplenkov and Artyom towards him.
But the question remains unanswered: Will Artyom Morozov keep his promise and face Devon Larratt at East vs West 16? It is still too early to decide, especially since the date of the event is still unknown. If Vitali Laletin finally obtains his VISA on time, the match between Artyom and Vitali will naturally take over. Otherwise, if Artyom's words during the press conference are to be believed, a duel with Devon seems plausible.
However, another scenario remains possible. If Artyom were to face another opponent before Devon and lose his number 1 left arm title, Devon's interest in this fight could erode. Without the Legacy Hammer or the belt, the clash would lose its appeal for the Canadian, who aims above all to cement his legend with prestigious trophies.
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