"We are talking with one of the world's top trainers, [Naazim] Richardson, at the moment and we will visit him soon to get to know each other better. Like I always say, before we are getting married and move in together, let's take a walk in the park first and get to know each other's likes and dislikes...The most important thing is that they click. Some kind of chemistry that sets him off. Otherwise, you don't trigger a guy like Badr," stated Mike Passenier, founder of the legendary Mike's Gym in Amsterdam, as he gave us an update on former K-1 Heavyweight Champion Badr Hari's transition to boxing. According to Passenier, it looks like Hari will be working with world-class trainer Naazim Richardson, who might be best known for his work with future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins. Check out what else Passenier had to say!
PC: Hey Mike, how is everything going?
MP: Percy, the man that makes it happen. I am fine, thank you; enjoying a well-deserved vacation and some sun, getting my focus back, and getting a lot of new trainings ideas.
PC: Is there any update on Melvin Manhoef and the next time we can expect to see him fight?
MP: Melvin is busy opening his gym in Hoofddorp, but when I get back tomorrow, we will start to prepare for the final 16 for K-1. Next year, we hope to fight in the U.S. again. We are talking at the moment to some organizations.
PC: You really seem to get inside of your fighter's head while giving between-round instructions. You truly know what each and every fighter you have is capable of doing.
MP: I like to work very close and personal with all of my fighters, so I know what makes them sad or happy, but most of all, what makes them tick, and this is what you need to know to push them a little bit closer to the edge (laughing).
PC: Do you have any up-and-coming fighters that we should start to learn the names of and become familiar with?
MP: Murthel Groenhart is somebody who can have it all. He is with me since he was a little boy; that means 100% Mike's Gym. He has good, hard, and strong punches, good kicks, and devastating knees, and a personality. Of course I have Artur Kyshenko. He is a household name in the K-1 Max family, but making his way to become the absolute #1 in that division. Sergii Laschenko is the guy who will be knocking on the door of the top heavyweight fighters this season. Also, I have a strong set of youngsters who are on the crossroads of becoming a fighter or something else. So if you see me entering the stage with somebody in the next 3 to 5 years by the name of Maik, Clay, Mellony, Thymo or Masaro, then you know they made the right decision for fighting. Because at the age they are at, a lot of loopholes like friends, girlfriends, parties, clubs, etc. play a part into they life. And like life, you need to find the right balance in everything. It isn't what you are willing to do for the sport, but also what you deny yourself to come fresh to the gym the next day and the day after that. Of course, last but not least, I have strong Danny Van Bergen, a very good MMA fighter who can fight 65-70kg (145-165lbs.), but for a reason, he doesn't get a chance. Maybe you can see them in person because my good friend and CEO of "It´s Showtime", Simon Rutz, is making his way to bring stand-up fighting to the U.S. He wanted to realize this in the beginning of next year, but hasn't yet because of the many offers he has to put on his show in different parts of the world, like India, Brazil, Australia, etc. But one thing is for sure, he is coming to the U.S.
PC: I did not expect the type of buzz that was received when putting it out there that Badr [Hari] was making a move to professional boxing. Apparently, a lot of his fans would love to see this. How has Badr been doing and is he prepping for a move to the States here soon?
MP: We are talking with one of the world's top trainers, [Naazim] Richardson, at the moment and we will visit him soon to get to know each other better. Like I always say, before we are getting married and move in together, let's take a walk in the park first and get to know each other's likes and dislikes.
PC: Now that we have a little more confirmation on his choice of trainer, we can put it out there. He will be visiting Naazim Richardson here soon in hopes of landing him as his trainer. That's important to Badr for several reasons because not only is Naazim a great trainer, but he has done a wonderful job with Bernard Hopkins, who has a similar past to Badr, as well as Naazim being a Muslim. All of those were very important aspects to Badr wanting Naazim, correct?
MP: The most important thing is that they click. Some kind of chemistry that sets him off. Otherwise, you don't trigger a guy like Badr.
PC: Once he makes the move to boxing, will you continue to be in his corner and give advice as well?
MP: I'll visit him as often as necessary. If he needs me, I'll be there. But I am also aware of the fact that there can be only one captain, otherwise it doesn't work. If they want me in the corner and dressing room, great! If not, you'll see me in the stands. I will visit if it is possible when he prepares, even if it is to satisfy my own curiosity. And maybe, just maybe, I have a trick up my sleeve; nobody knows (laughing).
PC: I know your gym [Mike's Gym] has had some history with Golden Glory's Gym in the past. Is that something that is cleared up now and what is, or was, the beef there between you guys?
MP: There is no beef, but in my opinion, you shouldn't be too friendly with the competition. I am glad that they are there. Competition is always healthy. I hate it when a fighter says, "I cannot fight him because he is my friend or we used to train together." Or, "I will fight him, but I don't want to knock him out." Bullshit! If it costs them money, it costs me money. This is costing money and at the end of the day, I have a family to feed. No bakery gives me bread for free or for a sack full of sorrys and apologies and other bullshit. And for sure, no one of the competition is gonna feed me and my family, so fuck that! What if you come home and this guy is breaking into your house or worse, raping your wife? What do you say, "I am sorry honey, but he is 2kg too heavy or he is my friend and we used to train together." No! You beat the living shit out of him. Now that's the mentality you should be entering the ring with and don´t be too friendly because that makes you soft.
PC: I have a couple of questions for you from fans as well. Are you getting interest from MMA guys/girls and if so, can you give some names?
MP: Recently, when I was in Chicago, I made a deal with my very close friend Mike Kogan to work with some fighters. When I was there, I trained with one of his fighters who is a close friend of yours and gave him some pointers. He is fighting soon and I can´t wait for the results. If there is a devastating knockout, you´ll know. I can´t say his name, otherwise it will ruin the surprise, and a surprise is only good if it comes out of nowhere (laughing).
PC: The next fan wants to know if you plan on conducting any seminars anytime soon and if so, where and when?
MP: Mike Kogan is handling that for me, but one step at a time. I really want to. The reality is that I just rebuilt the gym after the fire and I don't want to rush things, otherwise we make mistakes.
PC: And the last question is, Golden Glory opened a gym in California. Do you plan on opening one in the States and if so, on the East Coast where the market isn't over-saturated? They feel you would make a killing if you decided to do that and assured they would sign up right away.
MP: I am honored, but like I said, one thing at a time. It does makes me think. Who knows? I hope to climb the ladder of K-1 or "It's Showtime" one of these days with an American stand-up fighter. That is one of my dreams. But there is a Mike's Gym in Brazil, so why not put one in the States?
PC: As always, I appreciate your time; best of luck to you and all of your guys. I stress to all boxing promoters that with Badr, they are getting an international star and not just a promising boxer, but an amazing kickboxer with star power. Is there anything else you would like to say in closing?
MP: I would like to thank BloodStain Lane for his unconditional love for the Mike´s Gym fighters. For the rest, stay tuned to FightHype.com and follow my man Percy Crawford for all the scoops and inside info. And last but not least, be all that you can be! And thank all the fans for their love and support.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]