FightHype.com recently caught up with two-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky. Bonjasky will be facing K-1 sensation Badr Hari in their quarterfinal match this Saturday in Japan for the 2007 K-1 World Grand Prix. The fight will be aired live on thefightnetwork.com.
TN: How was your training for this fight?
RB: It was good. We trained hard and precise. Good preparation with good sparring partners.
TN: Badr Hari has been known for his temper at times. How do you think this will play into your fight?
RB: It will not affect me in any way.
TN: When getting ready for a tournament, do you focus primarily on your first opponent and adapt afterwards or do you come up with a gameplan for everyone?
RB: Yes, I always focus on the first fight. You will never know who will be your next opponent.
TN: Out of Kaman, Aerts and Hoost, who do you feel is better?
RB: I would not say better. Every fighter has his own specific skills and talent. All three are complete fighters and champs.
TN: Who is the best person you have trained with?
RB: I trained with many great fighters and they all had the possibility to show my weaker points so that is a possibility to learn much about your fighting level and to improve them.
TN: What is it about Mejiro Gym that allows it to put out so many great fighters?
RB: I started my fighting career in Mejiro Gym, but in Holland, we have many good fighting gyms like Vos Gym, Chakuriki. They all created champions. They all have good trainers, good strategies and this will attract talented fighters.
TN: Who do you look up to for inspiration?
RB: Muhammad Ali
TN: You always look relaxed in the ring. Is there anything you do to get mentally prepared for your fights?
RB: I do not have a special ritual or focus. I always want to give 100% and I want to be proud about myself after the fight.
TN: In a place like Holland, where the nightlife is so good, does it ever become a distraction?
RB: No. I grew up in Holland so the nightlife in Holland is not so spectacular for me as for foreigners.
TN: Any training tips?
RB: Train hard and clever and fight easy! Create your goal, make your training plan and try to peak at the right moment.