[Tyler_Durden]

Interview with Badr ‘The Golden Boy’ Hari

Badr Hari, who hasn’t heard of him? This absolute world class kickboxer has recently gone through some positive changes: From ‘Bad Boy’ to ‘Golden Boy’, from rebel to respectful, from boy to man. 2 things haven’t changed though: his unprecedented talent and the low amount of interviews he gives. For all those reasons we are extremely honored and excited that Badr Hari, to many opinions the best kickboxer in the world, wanted to give us an exclusive and extensive interview. With special thanks to Badr, Mike and Roman for their patience and time!

Badr, how do you feel now, a couple of days before your fight against Mourad Bouzidi?

I feel good. My body is free of injuries and I’m in good shape. I’m looking forward to the fight against Bouzidi.



What are your thoughts on Bouzidi? In The Netherlands he has a good reputation, but because he doesn’t fight in K-1 he is pretty unknown to the big public.

Bouzidi is a talented, young fighter. He is a great talent and is he is greedy and motivated. I think it’s going to be a great fight! Of course he wants to win, show his talent and put up a good fight. Fighters like Bouzidi are very dangerous because they’re hungry for the victory.

This is your first fight after the K-1 World Grand Prix Final. After you gave yourself some time off, when did you start the preparation for this fight?

Preparation for this fight? I think it was about 5 days ago. I know that’s not a lot, but my motivation for this fight was not quite big, to be honest. I think I only had 5 or 6 training sessions as preparation. But at the same time this is a test for me. I want to see if I’m also in good shape without a long time of preparing myself. I behave differently sometimes, and this was another completely new thing in my life. I also liked it to relax for a long time, just enjoying my vacation. Last year was a heavy and quite a good year for me. I really had a hard time getting motivated to the fullest and to counter that, I just wanted to bang! Then my manager Simon Rutz called and asked if I’d like to fight in the Czech Republic. I told him I didn’t really look forward to it but he convinced me and told how badly the Czech people want to see me fight there. So I said: “Okay, let’s do this and we’ll see what happens!”



You don’t fight very often. What are your hobbies besides training and what do you like most when you’re not preparing for a fight?

I’m a big fan of movies and tv series. I’m a real movie-maniac! My favorite movie is ‘Cinderella Man’, a movie with Russel Crowe and Renee Zellweger. The story’s about a boxer who has to go really deep to achieve his biggest goal. In my opinion, that’s one of the best movies.

Are you satisfied with what you have achieved so far?

Yes, I’m happy with every fight, because I learn every time. You learn more from your losses than from your victories. But when I look at myself, I did a good job so far. I’m content.

What are your plans for 2010? Besides defending your IT’S SHOWTIME world title and fighting for K-1?

Fighting for titles is not the most important. I want to show the people a good fight, the audience should be well entertained. And I want to convince people that they saw a real champion at work.



According to Michael Schiavello, K-1’s sports commentator from New-Zealand, this year the K-1 World Grand Prix title will be won by Sem Schilt, Badr Hari or Alistair Overeem (if he decides to fight in K-1 again). Do you see anyone else who has a chance of winning that title, besides the three of you? Which opponent really gives you trouble?

I don’t know if it’s right to speak of only 3 big names in K-1. Every fight is still a fight between two heavyweights. We’re talking about sportsmen who live for their sport. Everything can happen in every fight, it’s dangerous to think easily about your opponent. Two years ago I fought Alistair for the first time. People said he wouldn’t stand a chance against me, but he did win by KO in the first round. Every fight is a fight at its own. I don’t know how this year’s going to be. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, see who will be added to the circuit, and see who stays. Also important is who is well prepared and who isn’t. It’s difficult to predict, but the Final is still far ahead.

You fought Sem Schilt two times. The first time you won by KO in the first round, the second time you lost by KO in the first round. You used the same strategy; chasing him and attacking him with punches so he would break down under the pressure. The second time this strategy didn’t seem to work. There’s a big chance you will face each other again this year. Are you planning to change the game plan with Mike or will you use the same style of fighting with a slight modification?




I don’t know yet. I think a fight against Sem will always be difficult for me. But it’s exactly the same for Sem. We give each other a tough time. Maybe I will change my game plan the next time but at this moment I really don’t know. First I want to see how he will fight his other bouts and then we will try to find an answer for his KO (thus Badr with a big smile!).

During the press conference on the day before the K-1 World Grand Prix Final, you and Alistair seemed to have a verbal fight. It really looked like you have a problem with him, is that true?

No, I haven’t got a problem with Alistair at all. But after my loss to him at NYE he started to talk a lot and said a lot of stuff. That was a painful period for me. I knew I had to wait a whole year to get a chance to settle the score. I bit my nails out of frustration and I waited patiently, but it seemed like there wasn’t going to be an opportunity to get even. Therefore I was very motivated in the Final and I was determined to win, if we would meet each other. There was a lot of emotion as well, but that’s common at such a loaded duel. But it’s not like I hate him, though.

After the K-1 World Grand Prix Final, it was said there was a fight between Ray Sefo and Alistair Overeem, because Ray was cheering a little too enthusiastically, is that right?

Yes, I’ve heard that too. I called Ray a couple of days after that incident and asked him if it was true.

So, was it? It looks like that incident will be continued in the ring.

Yes, maybe they will fight each other in April at the first K-1 tournament. It will be a nice match, but I think it will be a very hard and difficult fight for Ray, but you’ll never know; anything can happen in the ring.

You have changed a lot since your ‘misstep’ in the World Grand Prix Final in 2008. You are more calm and grown-up. At the end of 2008 you were maligned and you were the least popular fighter. These days you’re at the top of the popularity contests. How do you explain that?

A lot can change in a year, of course. Before my fight against Remy Bonjasky I was already quite popular. But then everyone turned against me, I took one step forward and two steps back. This year it was different: I took one step back and two forward.



This question has undoubtedly been asked to you for a couple of times, but what exactly happened? Why did you go on while Bonjasky was already on the ground? I’ve watched the fight over and over again and it seemed to me that you just couldn’t handle the psychological pressure of the point loss in the first round.

Honestly, I don’t know what happened. It wasn’t because I was behind on points, though. Against Zimmerman I received an eight count but I won that fight by KO, so that wasn’t the problem. When I fought Remy, everything just got black before my eyes, everything was switched off. You can compare it to Mike Tyson biting Evander Holyfield’s ear. The adrenaline was so high, it reached it maximum.

You started kickboxing when you were 7 years old, but most people only know you because of your performances in K-1. How was your first fight and how did you get into K-1, as a young fighter from The Netherlands?

My first fight was when I was 11 years old. I was very aggressive and savage when I was young. I fought a lot of matches. I was very sharp, hardworking and had a big motivation. And look at me now, I’m 25 years old and everyone who knows K-1, knows me. I kicked ass!
In 2005 I fought my first match for K-1. The organization saw some footage of me and asked me if I wanted to fight over there, so I flew to Japan. My opponent was Stefan Leko. I won by KO with a spinning high kick and the promoters were surprised to see my abilities. Then they offered me a contract and I’m still fighting there.

Between 2000 and 2005 you were trained by Thom Harinck of Chakuriki Gym. He is also the coach of Peter Aerts and the first ever K-1 World Champion Branko Cikatic. What was the reason to end this cooperation after 5 years?

(After a short silence) This is a personal matter.

You are now training with Mike Passenier, a famous Dutch coach. What’s the difference between Thom and Mike?

Thom is a great coach, but his approach of techniques, strategies and style is still old school. Mike, on the other hand, is very innovative. He sees things other people don’t see, he is a great strategist and he is open to new things. He studies fighters and training methods all day long to come up with new things that can help you with your preparation. Mike’s way of coaching looks like it’s of an extraterrestrial level, so good. And he is still motivated to improve things, that’s the difference.



When you were 18, you clearly didn’t look like a heavyweight. You weighed around 81 kilograms (+/- 178lbs). Now, about 7 years later, you weigh 20 kilograms (44lbs) more. How do you explain that?

When I was 18, I was around 84 kilograms (185lbs). It’s true I didn’t have the body of a heavyweight. But the older I got, the heavier I became. Add all the weight training I did. Back then I had the body of a boy, and through the years that became the body of a man.

How much do you weigh at this moment?

I think I weigh approximately 103 kilograms (227lbs). During the last WGP I weighed around 107, 108 kilograms (235-238lbs). I was better prepared, did more and intense weight training and watched my diet. Now, after a long period of rest, I lost some weight.

You have a new strength and conditioning coach, Papa Mike. On Youtube is an example of your training with weights and a ball. Do you train a lot with weights or do you do more training without weights?

Most of the time I train without weights. Sometimes I train with dumb-bells or a combination of both. But most of the time my I train without the extra weights.

Are you on a special diet?

I have a strict diet and it seems as if Papa Mike is with me day and night. He makes my breakfast, lunch, diner, everything. He takes care of what I’m allowed to eat. That was in my preparation for the World Grand Prix. At the moment I don’t have such a strict diet, I just have to watch what I eat.

You said you didn’t train a lot for the fight against Mourad Bouzidi, but how does your preparation look like when you train for the K-1 World Grand Prix Final?

Before the last Final I trained really hard. I was very motivated too. During your preparation everything comes down to how motivated you are. It also decides for a part how far you’ll get and how much you’ll win. That was also the only thing I could think of: Winning the Final! My training is not always the same. Sometimes I do a little more, sometimes a little less. It depends on how I feel at that moment. I don’t have a special program which I follow, I just do what I think is best at that moment.

Don’t you miss the confidence to win a fight, if you don’t prepare yourself well or don’t train a lot, like now?

Belief in yourself is not something you can or should train, you just have it. If you are about to fight in a match, you have to make sure you are already convinced of winning that fight. That’s confidence. And train a lot? Yeah well, if you’re in a bar somewhere and someone touches your women you can’t say “Oh no, wait. I have to train for six weeks first, then I’ll have confidence, so come back then!”

What goes on in your mind when you enter the ring?

I’m not going to lose! I’m definitely not going to lose! I can’t lose! I may not lose! Never!

Do you have any special rituals, some sort of superstition, or something you do before you make your way to the ring?

Yes, I pray. I pray to stay healthy! Health is the most important thing in life. If you win or lose, that doesn’t matter if there’s something with your health.



You have a special entrance. Mike Passenier and Melvin Manhoef yell a lot to you and encourage you. Does that really motivate you?

It gives me a boost, I mean it. The things Mike and Melvin are yelling at me really motivate me to the deepest to turn the fight into a real show-piece. By the time they’re done, I’m wide awake and for me there’s only one thing to do, which is winning!

According to a lot of people you are either the best or one of the best fighters in kickboxing. What do you think is the reason for that? What’s your biggest weapon?

My perseverance, the will to always win!

You’re a typical stand-up fighter, but you do have 1 professional MMA fight on your record. How come, and are you planning to do more MMA fights?

Haha, that was in 2002. I replaced Melvin Manhoef that day. He was supposed to fight but he got injured at another event. Then they asked me if I wanted to replace him. Sure, why not! It was just fun to do. But it would have been different if I had known that day where I would stand today.

So it was just once in a lifetime?

I don’t like MMA, because I don’t like guys grasping and embracing each other hahaha. No, seriously, MMA just isn’t my cup of tea.

Is boxing your cup of tea? Because it was said that you have plans to represent Morocco at the Olympic Summer Games in London (2012) in amateur boxing. Is that true?

Yes, we’re working on it but it’s not easy to realize this dream of mine. Negotiations are still going on.

But the qualifications for the Olympics already start at the beginning of next year.

Yes, but that’s no problem. First of all, the Commission has to agree with me being an amateur boxer. We already had several conversations with the Olympic Committee and they will decide if I will be in consideration for it.

Last question! Which victory means most to you personally, the one over Sem Schilt or the one over Peter Aerts, your favorite fighter?

Definitely the one over Peter Aerts. He is still my favorite. I still watch his fights as well. He might not be as dominant as he used to be, as the old Peter, but he still has this spark in his eyes, the will to win. He gets recognized everywhere he goes, he’s an icon. When I defeated him, I was very happy because, once again, it means you win from one the very best ever! And it was a great fight too. Like I said before, to me it’s not only about winning or losing, it’s about giving the crowd a great fight. I care less about losing, as long as you put up a good fight.



This interview was taken before the news got out that Badr Hari is going to fight Hesdy Gerges in the Amsterdam ArenA. As soon as we find an opportunity, we will ask Badr what he expects of this fight and how he feels like having to fight a student of his old trainer.

[I_LOVE_KNOCKOUTS]

Internationale klasse hier!

[Tyler_Durden]

Met een special thanks for Sebas!

[chief108]

way to go dudes!!!

thnx a lot!

[Marquis]

Leuke interview man.

[chief108]

is ook een nederlandse versie van hoor

maar omdat dit zo'n mooi interview is heb ik gevraagd of ILKO's het ook wou vertalen
helemaal omdat Badr ook zo fucking veel fans over de hele wereld heeft....

[Kebal]

thx for the translation

[I_LOVE_KNOCKOUTS]

Originally Posted by Tyler_Durden

Met een special thanks for Sebas!

You're welcome!

Originally Posted by chief108

maar omdat dit zo'n mooi interview is heb ik gevraagd of ILKO's het ook wou vertalen
helemaal omdat Badr ook zo fucking veel fans over de hele wereld heeft....

Heb jij dat gevraagd? Heb ik effe gemist haha.

[Judas]

TOP!

[chief108]

Originally Posted by I_LOVE_KNOCKOUTS

Heb jij dat gevraagd? Heb ik effe gemist haha.

okee feitelijk heeft Tyler het jou gevraagd, maar ik had Tyler gevraagd om te regelen dat er een Engelse vertaling van zou komen
zo beter?

[I_LOVE_KNOCKOUTS]

Matsj better!

[roy s]

I asked chief to ask......

[knc007girl]

wow

[sikkwittet]

heheh, wow


.ru for the win

[chief108]

Originally Posted by knc007girl

wow

I knew this one would make you post

[flip-mo]

Originally Posted by knc007girl

wow

Hey Q,

welcome!

[Donjopie]

For al the guest !!

In our members area we have the exclusive K1 battle scramble serie !
( Le-banner/Hari/Sato/Por Pramuk etc etc )

And al the Pride events !

Watch tis BADR HARI teaser and become a member

http://www.chief108.com/showthread.php?t=1488

Here a members area screenshot :

[I_LOVE_KNOCKOUTS]

Goed bezig Jopie!

[roy s]

Originally Posted by knc007girl

wow

welcome....