"His hand is fine. In the beginning, we needed to adjust the workout, but now, we are training 100%. Now the hand is no longer an issue. Badr seems to be more focused than before. He doesn't need to tell me twice, so I'm pushing him every training as far as I can go...whether he is focussed or not, there is always some kind of chemistry between us when we are together, but when he is in a stage like this, that makes the work a little bit nicer. For instance, it feels good when you make a scedule for a week and on a wednesday, you already accomplished 97% of the work. That means you have 2 days for other things to perfect," 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 training for his upcoming rematch with Gokhan Saki. Check out what else he had to say about the fight and much more.
PC: Hey Big Mike, how have you been my man?
MP: I am fine, thank you.
PC: Obviously Badr had some hand issues. How is the hand doing now and how is training going right now?
MP: His hand is fine. In the beginning, we needed to adjust the workout, but now, we are training 100%. Now the hand is no longer an issue. Badr seems to be more focused than before. He doesn't need to tell me twice, so I'm pushing him every training as far as I can go.
PC: As Badr explained to me, he feels both he and Gokhan are completely different fighters now. Now that you are working with a focused and more disciplined Badr Hari, what is that like?
MP: Well, whether he is focussed or not, there is always some kind of chemistry between us when we are together, but when he is in a stage like this, that makes the work a little bit nicer. For instance, it feels good when you make a scedule for a week and on a wednesday, you already accomplished 97% of the work. That means you have 2 days for other things to perfect.
PC: I think this fight will be a very explosive fight from start to finish. What type of fight are you expecting from Gokhan?
MP: I cannot tell you this because either I am lying on purpose or I reveil my game plan. You may say a lot about me, but never that I am a liar or a sellout. No liar because the truth will always come out and backfires on you, and no sellout because the last time they had a voice here in Holland we, well...
PC: I spoke to Mike Kogan a little bit about you and we were talking about the footage that came out of Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparring some young kid that called him out. I understand you have been known to get in there and beat the hell out of people that insist they can whoop your ass too.
MP: (Laughing) You make me look bad, man. (Laughing) Well, every trainer can vouch for me that if there is a form of disrespect, you should set the record straight immediatly. Otherwise, they walk over you and you'll become a guest in your own gym. I have respect for everybody who comes to the gym and I'll embarrass nobody, even it takes forever to learn him something, but please don't try to embarrass me or disrespect me in front of my fighters. Then I won't do the same to you. To be honest, as you can see, I'm getting a little older and greyer, and I have a group of gifted fighters around me who are looking out for my behalf and tell such lowlifes to reconsider or else. Mike Kogan is funny and a very, very, very, good guy . He is a good and genuine and honest person with nothing but good on his mind with love for the game and fight scene. I am training every morning at 6:30 and getting back in shape, so watch out (laughing).
PC: Mentally, you really know how to get the best out of your fighters. You really know the right things to say and when to say them. Who was your mentor figure when you were coming up in the fight game; who taught you the ropes?
MP: As long as I remember, I am fascinated by great men, so I tried to find what makes them good in what they are. The key is to do or say things at the right moment. I watch a lot of documentaries. Did you know that in 1974, the Dutch played against the almost unbeatable Brazil. Johan Cruijff, the captain, told the referee that Brazil is wearing the wrong color socks and that they should change. In those days, the tape was applied over the socks and there was a maximum amount of time to change. Can you imagine the panic that got into the team. That was mental, and of course, the Dutch won. As you know, I take my work very serious and try to cover all areas of the game, so also the mental aspect.
PC: I'm xcited to not only see the conclusion of Badr's kickboxing career, but then his move to the States to see his progression into the boxing world. I never got your take on your meeting with Naazim Richardson on record. What were your thoughts from the meeting?
MP: He is a fascinating man who knows a lot about what he is doing. I think they hit it off. There was nothing but chemistry in that hotel lobby, so I think that they are a match made in Heaven considering all the arguments I had before I started training with Badr (laughing).
PC: This is kind of an off the wall question, but if you were going to battle with 4 guys, what 3 guys would Mike Passenier bring with him and why?
MP: Of course, I come with the heavy artillery, Joerie Mes, my logo. Melvin Manhoef, a world-class MMA and K-1 fighter. There are not many fighters who can do both diciplines on such a level. And Badr, of course. I had the privilege to train all 3. A fighter is the embodiment of the thoughts and wishes of the trainer. All come to an end [in fighting], but before that, let me thank all 3, and all of my other fighters, for making me the trainer I am today.
PC: Best of luck to you guys on January 28th. I really look forward to this fight and I wish you the best of luck in 2012. I know you have a lot of fighters that fans should keep an eye out for. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
MP: I hope for all that their best day in 2011 may be their worst day in 2012. Much health, fortune and all good to all. And Percy, I wish you a good 2012 and thank you for entering my life because you can never meet a good person too early in life always too late.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]