"When I stop, there will be new heroes that step to the plate and carry on the torch, maybe not like me in Badr Hari-style, but...and this doesn't stop it either. I just move on to the next chapter of my life. This chapter will be my final, my Mona Lisa...my...my...my...I can't explain, but I will show you. Just sit back and relax and you will see...this guy runs more than a marathon runner. It reflected also on me because you need also the other one to make a fight. It takes two to tango," stated kickboxing sensation Badr Hari, who talked about his upcoming January 28 rematch with Gokhan Saki. Check out what else he had to say!
PC: How have you been doing my man?
BH: First of, all my sincere appologies for replying so late, but I am working so hard on myself these days that after training, I don't have any energy for an interview. All I wanted to do was rest and take care of my body. I have to because I am motivated and focused and pushing the boundaries every day a little bit further. But besides that, I am okay.
PC: No problem at all. I figured you were busy training. January 28th is rapidly approaching for the conclusion of your kickboxing career against Gokhan Saki. You have dedicated your entire life to the sport of kickboxing, so emotionally, how are you feeling now that you are winding down your career?
BH: I think there will be some emotions, but it will be different. I see it like this, it is not the end, not for kickboksing, because there was kickboxing before me and there will be kickboxing after me. Before there was Badr Hari, there were guys like Rob Kaman, Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Ramon Dekker, Jan Wessels and on and on. And when I stop, there will be new heroes that step to the plate and carry on the torch, maybe not like me in Badr Hari-style, but...and this doesn't stop it either. I just move on to the next chapter of my life. This chapter will be my final, my Mona Lisa...my...my...my...I can't explain, but I will show you. Just sit back and relax and you will see.
PC: This is a rematch from 2004 in which you stopped Gokhan. Obviously, both of you guys are different fighters now. How do you feel you have grown as a fighter since your first fight with him?
BH: It's like apples and oranges. I was very young and restless and unfocused at that time. I was already a star at that time, but I didn't shine so bright as nowadays.
PC: When I see guys like you and Gokhan both making moves to boxing, it's hard to imagine kickboxing surviving. What do you think of the future of kickboxing once you guys pursue other careers?
BH: Like I've said, there was kickboxing before me and will be also after me. The same goes for guys like Saki. Maybe kickboxing will be more interesting because the skills of the fighters will be more on the same level. It's just waiting till the right fighter stands up and gives that little extra what will make him special.
PC: You have had so many huge fights in the sport of kickboxing. Where does this fight rank?
BH: I can tell you after the fight. For example, before my fight against Tony Gregory, I was very excited also because he fought the European boxing champion, so I thought this will be a good measurement for me, but this guy runs more than a marathon runner. It reflected also on me because you need also the other one to make a fight. It takes two to tango. The only positive about this fight was like Mike [Passenier] said after the fight, "If this is the challenger..." That was, for me, the confirmation that I need to go to boxing.
PC: Naazim Richardson asked me about you the other day. You guys seemed to hit it off well. I can't wait for you to get in the States and working with Naazim. He's very high on you because of your size, but he says your mentality is your biggest attribute. What were your thoughts on Naazim after meeting him?
BH: I was sold almost immediately. This man really knows what he is talking about, and in so much tranquillity. I was surprised that I was I so comfortable around him, so I wanted to know more of this boxing genius. At first, I wanted to go to Philly, but that wasn't possible because of the surgery and recovery of my hand, so I watch a lot of his fighters and his comments and tips in between the rounds. But I must say, hats off! I see more and more simularity between Naazim and Mike, so maybe that's the reason why I feel so comfortable.
PC: Best of luck against Gokhan Saki in January my man. The heavyweight division needs you, so I also look forward to your move into the sport and also I look forward to meeting you in person. Is there anything you want to say to your fans in closing?
BH: Thank you. Stay tuned because it is going to be crazy in 2012. I wish health and prosperity for all.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]