VENICE, Italy (AP) The reputed Russian mobster accused of trying to fix two figure skating results at the Olympics plans to fight extradition to the United States.

Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov "said no" when asked at a closed hearing Tuesday in canalside Santa Maria Maggiore prison if he would consent to extradition, according to Judge Giannicolo Rodighiero.

Defense lawyer Luca Saldarelli quoted his client as saying: "I want to have the complete extradition procedure under Italian law."

By refusing voluntary extradition, Tokhtakhounov is guaranteed a series of legal procedures that could take weeks.

"He said he's absolutely not guilty of having anything to do with the Olympics," Saldarelli said.

The United States must file a request for extradition within 40 days of Tokhtakhounov's July 31 arrest. No U.S. demand had arrived by Tuesday, Rodighiero said.

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