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The podcast catches up with Shayan “Shah” Zarein Dolab, the King of Persia.

Shayan lost on time to Anthony “Toto” Bourached. Desperate to win his first chessboxing bout, Shayan was up against a much stronger chess player and we learn what tactics he used and how he tried to knock out his AI opponent. Parallels are drawn between this bout and his fight against Roger “Cannonball” Baxter. Both chess games where congested and time became a deciding factor.

We learn that Shayan injured his left shoulder and how he tried to hide that from his opponent. The fight became a brawl as Shayan repeatedly used his overhand right to unsettle Bourached. We hear how Shayan felt Toto coped with this tactic and whether he should have targeted Toto’s torso more than he did.

The pod considers what it takes to become a top chess player like Anthony and why perhaps these two chessboxers are unlikely to reach those heights.

Chessboxing Nation presents Shayan with the “Glove of Love” for his love and commitment to the sport. Shayan has been in the last four events and stepped in at the last minute twice.

Image by Pawel Gawronski