I_LOVE_KNOCKOUTS
19th January 2010, 14:26
In every sports and every discipline there are athletes that distinguish themselves. Some by misbehaving, talking big, and controversy... others by results, civility and respect. Andy Souwer is one of those athletes to whom this latter category completely applies. Wellspokenness, talent, a sense of humor, and character, are all qualities Souwer owns.
He is one of the very best fighters in the world in the -70kg division, and he has fought his way in to the hearts of many kickbox-enthousiasts by winning 2 K-1 Max titles and loads of other victories.
Fightclub108 had the honour of interviewing this worldclass fighter.
FC108: Hi Andy, first of all, thank you very much for taking your time to do this interview with FightClub108.nl.
Last December 31 you fought Masato, who is an absolute hero in Japan, at the big K-1 Dynamite event. According to you, where does Masato stand in the ranking of top-class kickboxing worldwide, and the K-1 Max history?
Andy: Masato has of course proven that he is a first-class fighter. He holds victories over Kraus, Buakaw, Kyshenko, Sato, and now also myself. He's certainly a legend in Japanese terms. He made K-1 Max to what it is today, and caused the prize-money to double. I have to be honest and say that I don't know if he has a leading role in kickboxing worldwide. I do know that he belongs to the top of K-1 Max fighters, and I think that the best fighters in the world fight in K-1 Max.
FC108: In a preview to your match you said that K-1 Max is more than just Masato, but it can sometimes appear as if the rest are just sidekicks. You also said that Masato is the face of K-1 Max. Do you feel that now that Masato has said his goodbyes, you are one of the prominent faces of K-1 Max?
Andy: I just do my thing and try to contribute to a good K-1 Max. If they would ask me to take a leading role, I wouldn't say no, of course. If you look at the years of experience, only Kraus and Buakaw are longer part of it than me. But, at this point in time, just Buakaw and me have the most victories.
FC108: This was Masato’s goodbye match. Is it in some way special to you that he especially wanted to fight you for his final match?
Andy: To me it certainly means that I am appreciated, and that he still saw in me this bogey opponent. After the October 26th Max finals he had to invite Petrosyan. But Petrosyan broke his hand, and so the dream match with me became possible for Masato after all. For me it was also a special experience. He just wouldn't go down. I would have loved to be the killjoy at his party ;)
FC108: There was a lot of talk on the internet that it was impossible for you to win this match on points because of the judges in Japan, who have been known to make questionable decisions. What was your standpoint on this, and did it influence your preparation (for example: focussing more on powerfull techniques than faster combinations)?
Andy: Of course, Masato is everybody's favorite, but you know that, and it's deservedly so. He gave Japan it's standing back in the area of fighting sports. I knew beforehand that it would be a difficult match. I wasn't thinking about questions on the judges and referee. This is Japan man! You know you have to give everything you've got, and I did just that. Sad to say, it wasn't enough, this time.
FC108: Masato recently said in an interview that he would start the match with a left hook, and would also end the match with a left hook. Yet he opened with a right lowkick. It's of course possible that it was said to put you on the wrong track, but did you nevertheless take it as a sign to keep an eye out for his left hook?
Andy: I didn't even listen to Masato. I think that if you have to listen to every story from your opponent before the fight, you'll get afraid to even enter the ring.
One person predicts he will KO his opponent in round one, another says he will open with a left hook. I can't be bothered. At the end of the day it's about who gets the last word; and this time it was Masato, but his heart was not in it, because of the pain in his head.
FC108: Sensei André Mannaart and you undoubtedly had thought up great gameplan, were you able to execute the game plan, or were you forced in the course of the match to switch to another strategy?
Andy: We had a good strategy. I started a little to late, because I wanted to test what the real strength of Masato was. He was less strong then I'd expected. Like we agreed, from the second round I would step it up a notch, but he didn't break like we'd expected.
FC108: Generally speaking, do you sometimes make more than one gameplan so that you have an alternative just in case the original plan does not work? Or do you solve it at the spot by using your insight and intelligence in fighting?
Andy: I have a good team which knows everything about my opponent. So we can make a plan which is entirely adapted to my opponent, but still during the match I like to be able to react to the fighting behaviour of my opponent. The funny thing is that my opponent also has a game plan. By anticipating I can often steal the fight. I became more clever in that respect. Before, I used to just fight and see what happens. Nowadays I can adept my style of fighting to the development of the match.
FC108: Unfortunately you lost the match on points. Are you at peace with that because you're still 2-1 ahead, or do you feel differently about it?
Andy: I hate losing, like any other time, I had difficulties fighting back the tears. But one hour after the match I was at peace with it; Masato got to have the goodbye he deserved, and I was able to show that even though I am one of the older generation, I still belong to the top-class.
FC108: In the eyes of many, it was the down that gave the final blow to your score, but the eight count wasn't entirely uncontroversial. Did you think that the referee justifiably gave you the eight count?
Andy: Just when I wanted to give a lowkick he gives me a right, which causes me to lose my balance. I immediately stood back up, but in Japan it's a down. The ref can give it, he can also not give it. You can see in the course of the 4th round that the down didn't have an adverse effect on me; maybe more so on Masato, but hey, you win some and you lose some.
FC108: You were at the studio and on the phone with TMF; did they know about your match against Masato and can we expect to see you soon in the TMF studio again?
Andy: I visited TMF once because of my streetfight. I don't think they knew about my match. I did not receive an invitation yet, so I don't know. I'll check with my management and I'll let you guys know.
FC108: Previous to this match you had won twice from Masato, once on points and once by TKO. Did you feel you had the psychological advantage, or were you not thinking of that, and went in to the ring 'blank', like you never stood on opposite sides of the ring before?
Andy: It has some influence, of course, and I was my own favorite stepping into the ring. Masato also took it into account, and the first round was very clearly a round of respecting each other. After that, the fight was really on, and you forget having fought each other before. Then it is only about winning.
FC108: According to you, to what extent was Masato burdened by the pressure to win, because it was his last match, which he obviously wanted to win more than ever?
Andy: Sorry, but I really don't know. I can imagine that he would have given anything to beat me, and that that fact would add pressure, but on the other hand, he didn't have anything to lose against me either.
FC108: Masato himself declared he liked to fight you for his final match. Do you think it's because you had already beaten him twice in the final tournament, or do you think there is another explanation?
Andy: Everybody wants to beat his biggest bogey opponent. In Masato's case that was me.
FC108: What did you expect from Masato's gameplan? Did you think he would use his regular style, or that he had changed it a bit, because his style didn't work against you twice before?
Andy: He didn't fight differently. His game plan worked to the extent that he has won. Our styles are a little similar. For one, we both like to use our hands, and like to make combinations.
FC108: You fought at New Year's Eve. Did you get a chance to celebrate it properly after the fight? In other words: was the hangover on the 1st of January due to alcohol or due to your loss?
Andy: We made a party. We were still sitting in the Saitama Super Arena when it turned 0.00. We did the countdown together and went to a karaoke-bar afterwards, were we enjoyed the food and the pretty voices (like cats howling out of tune) of my teammates. My wife and eldest son were there as well. It was a bit of a pity that the rest of my family couldn't be there. But when the clock striked 12 in the Netherlands I connected through Skype and had another small celebration.
FC108: We heard that you were already in the Saitama Super Arena at 15:00 in the afternoon, but your fight wasn't scheduled till 22:00. For goodness' sake, what did you do to kill the waiting time? Do you check out a lot of the other matches, or do you do something completely different?
Andy: At three o' clock we were introduced to the audience. From 5 o' clock I had a nice sleep, and something to eat and drink, and after that, we slowly started to do the taping, the rubbing in, and the dressing. Quite relaxed, I watched all the MMA matches, and finally at 22:00 I was given the chance to show what I've got.
FC108: Fans always like to hear the things they cannot see themselves when they watch an event. Do you have some fun 'behind the scenes' stories that you would like to share with us? Maybe about K-1 Dynamite, but we would welcome other examples as well, of course! For instance, do you have any specific 'rituals' which you perform before each fight?
Andy: I don't have specific rituals before a match. I have to honestly say that I didn't even have contact with the other fighters, because we were in quite an isolated place this time. It isn't possible either, as a fighter, to go into the hall to look at the other matches for a bit, because you would be overwhelmed by fans. This is ofcourse very different from the Netherlands, where people are more inclined to have an attitude of “hey, look at him”. What is always entertaining to see, though, is the tension which everyone has before a fight. Every fighter, and every trainer or cornerman handles it differently. One starts to rattle about nothing, another gets impatient, and a third person is really unpleasant because he is just staring at the wall in total concentration.
FC108: In 2009 you lost 3 times, 2 of those were to Petrosyan. Do you have the same feeling towards Petrosyan as Masato had towards you? That you would like to fight him a third time because 'third time's a charm'?
Andy: I don't know, because I don't know what Masato thought of me. I do know that Petrosyan and me will meet again. The end of my career is still far away, and the same goes for Petrosyan, I think.
I do find it difficult, though, he and Stjepan Veselic are the only fighters who have beaten me without me having beaten them in return. In the case of Veselic there is no chance to change that, but believe me: with Petrosyan I won't leave it hanging like that...
FC108: January 30th is Faldir Chahbari you opponent at Beast of the East. Faldir is a fighter who is known for his difficult style. Can you reveal a little bit about the gameplan that you will use to fight him, and the way you prepare for him?
Andy: Faldir is a top-class fighter who really does have a difficult style to fight. I'll do my best, and try to unsettle him in his game. I train hard. Fortunately I don't have any injuries, and so I will be able to start this fight in good shape.
FC108: The Dutch fans are very happy that you are going to fight at IT'S SHOWTIME in the Amsterdam ArenA, the 29th of May. What does fighting in the ArenA mean to you?
Andy: The ArenA is something special, it's the biggest event of Europe, and it's the home of my favorite (soccer)team. The first time in ArenA, against Chahid Oulad El Hadj, I had goosebumps upon entering. That passionate, that heartwarming. I fought that one really for the audience, and I plan to do the same against Panjunsuk.
FC108: Like you said, your opponent in the ArenA will be the Thai Panjunsuk, someone who has fought Dutch top-class fighters before, but has quit for a while to do boxing. What is your impression of him, and how would you compare him to other top-class Thai fighters whom you fought previously, like Yodseanklai Fairtex and Buakaw Por Pramuk?
Andy: Panjunsuk is a difficult fighter, he knows his boxing and kicking, and he is physically very strong. It's impossible to compare him to other Thai fighters, because every Thai has his own unique qualities. Panjunsuk did embrace a European style over the years that he has fought here, and so he doesn't fight with a typically Thai style. It's going to be an interesting experience for me.
FC108: What was in sports for you the peak of 2009?
Andy: Beating Kyshenko. I'd rather been able to say 'winning the K-1 Max' or beating Masato, but unfortunately, that didn't happen.
FC108: In the meantime, a new year has started. Do you think of this year as giving you the opportunity for a fresh start? Do you feel you can start with a clean slate, or has 2009 left you with unfinished buisness?
Andy: You always want to win, but 2009 is the past. 2010 is a new year. Even if you would beat every opponent from 2009, this time around, you still have lost to them in 2009, so that year is still ruined. I'm starting afresh and eager at the 30th of January, and I'll try to make this a good year.
FC108: What are your wishes and dreams for 2010, in sports and in private life?
Andy: Private: health, love and happiness.
In sports: winning what there is to win.
FC108: We of FightClub108.nl wish you all the best for 2010, with success in all areas, and we hope that you will be able to make your dreams and wishes come true.
Is there anything you want to say to the readers and fans for this year?
Andy: I would like to wish all fans, and all the persons who supported me in the past, lots of happiness, love, and health in 2010. And also, for everyone fighting terrible illness, and those who have experienced hardship in their lives, I wish them plenty of love, friendship and trust, so that they can be healthy again, and overcome all obstacles in 2010.
My special thanks goes to GO FAST, Q-dance, MDY, BOOSTER/TWINS en REAT.
Thank you for this interview and the support.
Was signed:
Andy Theodorus Egbertus Antoinetta Souwer
FC108: Andy, thank you so much for this interview, and also thanks for the great fireworks on December 31th against Masato! On the radio there was this commercial for the Diamond-collection fireworks, but FightClub108.nl likes the explosions of Souwerrrr Powerrrr best!
FC108 thanks Ataraxia for translating this interview from Dutch to English
He is one of the very best fighters in the world in the -70kg division, and he has fought his way in to the hearts of many kickbox-enthousiasts by winning 2 K-1 Max titles and loads of other victories.
Fightclub108 had the honour of interviewing this worldclass fighter.
FC108: Hi Andy, first of all, thank you very much for taking your time to do this interview with FightClub108.nl.
Last December 31 you fought Masato, who is an absolute hero in Japan, at the big K-1 Dynamite event. According to you, where does Masato stand in the ranking of top-class kickboxing worldwide, and the K-1 Max history?
Andy: Masato has of course proven that he is a first-class fighter. He holds victories over Kraus, Buakaw, Kyshenko, Sato, and now also myself. He's certainly a legend in Japanese terms. He made K-1 Max to what it is today, and caused the prize-money to double. I have to be honest and say that I don't know if he has a leading role in kickboxing worldwide. I do know that he belongs to the top of K-1 Max fighters, and I think that the best fighters in the world fight in K-1 Max.
FC108: In a preview to your match you said that K-1 Max is more than just Masato, but it can sometimes appear as if the rest are just sidekicks. You also said that Masato is the face of K-1 Max. Do you feel that now that Masato has said his goodbyes, you are one of the prominent faces of K-1 Max?
Andy: I just do my thing and try to contribute to a good K-1 Max. If they would ask me to take a leading role, I wouldn't say no, of course. If you look at the years of experience, only Kraus and Buakaw are longer part of it than me. But, at this point in time, just Buakaw and me have the most victories.
FC108: This was Masato’s goodbye match. Is it in some way special to you that he especially wanted to fight you for his final match?
Andy: To me it certainly means that I am appreciated, and that he still saw in me this bogey opponent. After the October 26th Max finals he had to invite Petrosyan. But Petrosyan broke his hand, and so the dream match with me became possible for Masato after all. For me it was also a special experience. He just wouldn't go down. I would have loved to be the killjoy at his party ;)
FC108: There was a lot of talk on the internet that it was impossible for you to win this match on points because of the judges in Japan, who have been known to make questionable decisions. What was your standpoint on this, and did it influence your preparation (for example: focussing more on powerfull techniques than faster combinations)?
Andy: Of course, Masato is everybody's favorite, but you know that, and it's deservedly so. He gave Japan it's standing back in the area of fighting sports. I knew beforehand that it would be a difficult match. I wasn't thinking about questions on the judges and referee. This is Japan man! You know you have to give everything you've got, and I did just that. Sad to say, it wasn't enough, this time.
FC108: Masato recently said in an interview that he would start the match with a left hook, and would also end the match with a left hook. Yet he opened with a right lowkick. It's of course possible that it was said to put you on the wrong track, but did you nevertheless take it as a sign to keep an eye out for his left hook?
Andy: I didn't even listen to Masato. I think that if you have to listen to every story from your opponent before the fight, you'll get afraid to even enter the ring.
One person predicts he will KO his opponent in round one, another says he will open with a left hook. I can't be bothered. At the end of the day it's about who gets the last word; and this time it was Masato, but his heart was not in it, because of the pain in his head.
FC108: Sensei André Mannaart and you undoubtedly had thought up great gameplan, were you able to execute the game plan, or were you forced in the course of the match to switch to another strategy?
Andy: We had a good strategy. I started a little to late, because I wanted to test what the real strength of Masato was. He was less strong then I'd expected. Like we agreed, from the second round I would step it up a notch, but he didn't break like we'd expected.
FC108: Generally speaking, do you sometimes make more than one gameplan so that you have an alternative just in case the original plan does not work? Or do you solve it at the spot by using your insight and intelligence in fighting?
Andy: I have a good team which knows everything about my opponent. So we can make a plan which is entirely adapted to my opponent, but still during the match I like to be able to react to the fighting behaviour of my opponent. The funny thing is that my opponent also has a game plan. By anticipating I can often steal the fight. I became more clever in that respect. Before, I used to just fight and see what happens. Nowadays I can adept my style of fighting to the development of the match.
FC108: Unfortunately you lost the match on points. Are you at peace with that because you're still 2-1 ahead, or do you feel differently about it?
Andy: I hate losing, like any other time, I had difficulties fighting back the tears. But one hour after the match I was at peace with it; Masato got to have the goodbye he deserved, and I was able to show that even though I am one of the older generation, I still belong to the top-class.
FC108: In the eyes of many, it was the down that gave the final blow to your score, but the eight count wasn't entirely uncontroversial. Did you think that the referee justifiably gave you the eight count?
Andy: Just when I wanted to give a lowkick he gives me a right, which causes me to lose my balance. I immediately stood back up, but in Japan it's a down. The ref can give it, he can also not give it. You can see in the course of the 4th round that the down didn't have an adverse effect on me; maybe more so on Masato, but hey, you win some and you lose some.
FC108: You were at the studio and on the phone with TMF; did they know about your match against Masato and can we expect to see you soon in the TMF studio again?
Andy: I visited TMF once because of my streetfight. I don't think they knew about my match. I did not receive an invitation yet, so I don't know. I'll check with my management and I'll let you guys know.
FC108: Previous to this match you had won twice from Masato, once on points and once by TKO. Did you feel you had the psychological advantage, or were you not thinking of that, and went in to the ring 'blank', like you never stood on opposite sides of the ring before?
Andy: It has some influence, of course, and I was my own favorite stepping into the ring. Masato also took it into account, and the first round was very clearly a round of respecting each other. After that, the fight was really on, and you forget having fought each other before. Then it is only about winning.
FC108: According to you, to what extent was Masato burdened by the pressure to win, because it was his last match, which he obviously wanted to win more than ever?
Andy: Sorry, but I really don't know. I can imagine that he would have given anything to beat me, and that that fact would add pressure, but on the other hand, he didn't have anything to lose against me either.
FC108: Masato himself declared he liked to fight you for his final match. Do you think it's because you had already beaten him twice in the final tournament, or do you think there is another explanation?
Andy: Everybody wants to beat his biggest bogey opponent. In Masato's case that was me.
FC108: What did you expect from Masato's gameplan? Did you think he would use his regular style, or that he had changed it a bit, because his style didn't work against you twice before?
Andy: He didn't fight differently. His game plan worked to the extent that he has won. Our styles are a little similar. For one, we both like to use our hands, and like to make combinations.
FC108: You fought at New Year's Eve. Did you get a chance to celebrate it properly after the fight? In other words: was the hangover on the 1st of January due to alcohol or due to your loss?
Andy: We made a party. We were still sitting in the Saitama Super Arena when it turned 0.00. We did the countdown together and went to a karaoke-bar afterwards, were we enjoyed the food and the pretty voices (like cats howling out of tune) of my teammates. My wife and eldest son were there as well. It was a bit of a pity that the rest of my family couldn't be there. But when the clock striked 12 in the Netherlands I connected through Skype and had another small celebration.
FC108: We heard that you were already in the Saitama Super Arena at 15:00 in the afternoon, but your fight wasn't scheduled till 22:00. For goodness' sake, what did you do to kill the waiting time? Do you check out a lot of the other matches, or do you do something completely different?
Andy: At three o' clock we were introduced to the audience. From 5 o' clock I had a nice sleep, and something to eat and drink, and after that, we slowly started to do the taping, the rubbing in, and the dressing. Quite relaxed, I watched all the MMA matches, and finally at 22:00 I was given the chance to show what I've got.
FC108: Fans always like to hear the things they cannot see themselves when they watch an event. Do you have some fun 'behind the scenes' stories that you would like to share with us? Maybe about K-1 Dynamite, but we would welcome other examples as well, of course! For instance, do you have any specific 'rituals' which you perform before each fight?
Andy: I don't have specific rituals before a match. I have to honestly say that I didn't even have contact with the other fighters, because we were in quite an isolated place this time. It isn't possible either, as a fighter, to go into the hall to look at the other matches for a bit, because you would be overwhelmed by fans. This is ofcourse very different from the Netherlands, where people are more inclined to have an attitude of “hey, look at him”. What is always entertaining to see, though, is the tension which everyone has before a fight. Every fighter, and every trainer or cornerman handles it differently. One starts to rattle about nothing, another gets impatient, and a third person is really unpleasant because he is just staring at the wall in total concentration.
FC108: In 2009 you lost 3 times, 2 of those were to Petrosyan. Do you have the same feeling towards Petrosyan as Masato had towards you? That you would like to fight him a third time because 'third time's a charm'?
Andy: I don't know, because I don't know what Masato thought of me. I do know that Petrosyan and me will meet again. The end of my career is still far away, and the same goes for Petrosyan, I think.
I do find it difficult, though, he and Stjepan Veselic are the only fighters who have beaten me without me having beaten them in return. In the case of Veselic there is no chance to change that, but believe me: with Petrosyan I won't leave it hanging like that...
FC108: January 30th is Faldir Chahbari you opponent at Beast of the East. Faldir is a fighter who is known for his difficult style. Can you reveal a little bit about the gameplan that you will use to fight him, and the way you prepare for him?
Andy: Faldir is a top-class fighter who really does have a difficult style to fight. I'll do my best, and try to unsettle him in his game. I train hard. Fortunately I don't have any injuries, and so I will be able to start this fight in good shape.
FC108: The Dutch fans are very happy that you are going to fight at IT'S SHOWTIME in the Amsterdam ArenA, the 29th of May. What does fighting in the ArenA mean to you?
Andy: The ArenA is something special, it's the biggest event of Europe, and it's the home of my favorite (soccer)team. The first time in ArenA, against Chahid Oulad El Hadj, I had goosebumps upon entering. That passionate, that heartwarming. I fought that one really for the audience, and I plan to do the same against Panjunsuk.
FC108: Like you said, your opponent in the ArenA will be the Thai Panjunsuk, someone who has fought Dutch top-class fighters before, but has quit for a while to do boxing. What is your impression of him, and how would you compare him to other top-class Thai fighters whom you fought previously, like Yodseanklai Fairtex and Buakaw Por Pramuk?
Andy: Panjunsuk is a difficult fighter, he knows his boxing and kicking, and he is physically very strong. It's impossible to compare him to other Thai fighters, because every Thai has his own unique qualities. Panjunsuk did embrace a European style over the years that he has fought here, and so he doesn't fight with a typically Thai style. It's going to be an interesting experience for me.
FC108: What was in sports for you the peak of 2009?
Andy: Beating Kyshenko. I'd rather been able to say 'winning the K-1 Max' or beating Masato, but unfortunately, that didn't happen.
FC108: In the meantime, a new year has started. Do you think of this year as giving you the opportunity for a fresh start? Do you feel you can start with a clean slate, or has 2009 left you with unfinished buisness?
Andy: You always want to win, but 2009 is the past. 2010 is a new year. Even if you would beat every opponent from 2009, this time around, you still have lost to them in 2009, so that year is still ruined. I'm starting afresh and eager at the 30th of January, and I'll try to make this a good year.
FC108: What are your wishes and dreams for 2010, in sports and in private life?
Andy: Private: health, love and happiness.
In sports: winning what there is to win.
FC108: We of FightClub108.nl wish you all the best for 2010, with success in all areas, and we hope that you will be able to make your dreams and wishes come true.
Is there anything you want to say to the readers and fans for this year?
Andy: I would like to wish all fans, and all the persons who supported me in the past, lots of happiness, love, and health in 2010. And also, for everyone fighting terrible illness, and those who have experienced hardship in their lives, I wish them plenty of love, friendship and trust, so that they can be healthy again, and overcome all obstacles in 2010.
My special thanks goes to GO FAST, Q-dance, MDY, BOOSTER/TWINS en REAT.
Thank you for this interview and the support.
Was signed:
Andy Theodorus Egbertus Antoinetta Souwer
FC108: Andy, thank you so much for this interview, and also thanks for the great fireworks on December 31th against Masato! On the radio there was this commercial for the Diamond-collection fireworks, but FightClub108.nl likes the explosions of Souwerrrr Powerrrr best!
FC108 thanks Ataraxia for translating this interview from Dutch to English