"After the fight with Badr, I took some time off to relax. Right now, I am intensifying my training schedule again, so it's time to focus good and train hard. There is a lot of positive things developing in kickboxing, so I am very excited about the future...there are a number of interesting fights ahead of me; there is really a future, and of course, kickboxing is my game. We can make a living and there's a lot of respect internationally, so I want to be around and be sure I will fight a number of exciting fights in the near future...There are some exciting fights coming up," stated K-1 stand-out Gokhan Saki, who talked about his future plans and much more. Check it out!
PC: How are you doing my man?
GS: I am doing very well. After the fight with Badr, I took some time off to relax. Right now, I am intensifying my training schedule again, so it's time to focus good and train hard. There is a lot of positive things developing in kickboxing, so I am very excited about the future.
PC: Obviously your last fight against Badr Hari didn't go as planned. You came out very aggressive. What was the game plan heading into that fight?
GS: The game plan was to move very well, in and out, left and right, with an aggressive style. I was very very fit for the match.
PC: It's rare to see such a tall fighter throw effective uppercuts against someone so much shorter than him. Did that catch you by surprise or was it simply not your night?
GS: I think we have to consider Badr is an excellent fighter and very complete. I feel he has had extra insight because he was already moving towards boxing. I don't think it's so unusual because for a taller fighter, it's possible and quite safer to throw an uppercut like this. Things like this happen in kickboxing. I was very well prepared, very fit, and had the right game plan, but Badr caught me with the uppercut and after the first 8 count, I wasn't able to recover. I showed my heart and my fitness to get up directly after the uppercut, but too bad I couldn't recover after that.
PC: Moving forward, both you and Hari were supposed to be making moves to boxing after that fight. You both have decided to stick around in kickboxing for a little bit. Did you postpone your move to boxing because K-1 seems to be making a strong comeback?
GS: Obviously there are a number of interesting fights ahead of me; there is really a future, and of course, kickboxing is my game. We can make a living and there's a lot of respect internationally, so I want to be around and be sure I will fight a number of exciting fights in the near future.
PC: You don't have an opponent yet, but do you have a preference or just whoever they put in front of you?
GS: For my next fight, I do know my opponent now, and I look forward to showing the world my capabilities. I will finish this one with a KO.
PC: Will you still look to come to the States to get some training or is it all on hold until you're completely done with kickboxing?
GS: The boxing is on hold right now. There is so much going on, but of course, if the opportunies come for me instead of another round, I am interested, but my focus right now is entirely on kickboxing.
PC: Who are your kickboxing influences and who are your boxing influences?
GS: For my kickboxing, honestly, I look at my own capabilities and go from that. I am a complete fighter and a real technical kickboxer. I feel a kickboxer has to have the complete package. My kicking skills and hand speed are quite rare for a heavyweight. For boxing, my influence is of course Mike Tyson; the speed, the intensity was really great!
PC: You said you took some much needed time off. When you take time off, is it completely away from the gym and training or were you doing some things?
GS: I continued to do my cardio and fitness training almost right after my fight. Recently, I picked up the kickboxing workout, so I stayed busy and have a great start towards peaking on my next fight.
PC: Last time we spoke, you told me about the beauty salon you and your wife opened. How is that doing?
GS: The beauty salon is doing very well. Thanks for asking.
PC: I feel sorry for your next opponent. I feel we will see you at your best. Best of luck to you in May, and we gotta keep you on the site. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
GS: Thank you very much and keep an eye on me. There are some exciting fights coming up.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]