Another Peter Aerts interview
Kicking off the event as the reigning Heavyweight Champion!
The strongest kickboxer of the 20th Century turning 40.
It's no surprise that Peter Aerts, who always thinks of the fans first, was voted number one in the fan favorite poll, thus securing him a spot in the Final 16 tourney. His opponent is Kyokushin Karate's ultimate weapon, Ewerton Teixeira. Before losing a decision to Alistair Overeem in last year's Final 16, Aerts had been in every single K-1 Final - a total of 16 times in a row! Though he won the reserve match against Gokhan Saki, he didn't get a chance to make it into the Final itself. Always up for a challenge, Aerts lost enough weight to challenge Kyotaro for the 100 kilo Heavyweight Championship.
Unfortunately, the weight loss was too much for him and he was KO'ed in the second round. Is his next challenge to defeat the effects of age on his battle-worn body? To win that war and thus silence any doubters, Aerts is undergoing a strict training regimen at the Chakuriki Gym. Following is an exclusive interview with the three-time K-1 champion.

"I was so hungry, I couldn't concentrate."
-- You lost a lot of weight for the Kyotaro fight, but it looks like you're back in top form.
Aerts : Yes, I'm back to my regular weight. I can eat what I want and I feel great. I've been dieting for the last few years. Usually I weigh 106 kilos, but when I train I go down to 103 and I'm always hungry! But I'm okay now! I've got lots of energy, too.
-- You didn't seem to have much power back in April.
Aerts : My condition was good, but I couldn't focus. I was too light and too hungry.
-- How have you trained since then?
Aerts : A little power training, but not much sparring. I started doing a little last month though. I've just been trying to keep relaxed.
-- How did you feel when you lost to Alistair and didn't make it into the top 8?
Aerts : I was disappointed in myself. I didn't even think I might lose. Actually when I fought Gokhan Saki, I wasn't in good shape either.
-- But the fans chose you to be in the Final 16.
Aerts : I always appreciate the fans who support me. I'll definitely go to the Final this year.
-- Your impression of Ewerton Teixeira?
Aerts : He's very built and he's strong. His dojo, Kyokushin Karate is very strict. But I also train hard every day and I'm ready to win.
"Teixeira has a powerful build"
-- It will be your first time against Teixeira. What will you have to be careful of?
Aerts : He's got a strong kick, and a powerful build. So I just have to fight my way.
-- Since he lost to Alistair, he's been training in the Netherlands. Did you know that?
Aerts : I heard about it.
-- He's probably become stronger after training there.
Aerts : Of course.
-- Are you nervous at all.
Aerts : No. I'm not worried at all. Our styles are different. He's learned a little kickboxing and has improved somewhat.
-- What do you think his weakness is?
Aerts : His punches are hard, but not so hard that I can't take them. But he's powerful, so I can't let him touch me. But you can't tell until you've fought him, so I can't say for sure.

"If I have the chance to knock him out, I'll win"
-- You are very popular with the fans.
Aerts : Thank you!
-- Of course fans all over the world look forward to watching you fight. You're called a legend. With all the new fighters coming up, what kind of fight would you like to have.
Aerts : I really like fighting. And having an exciting fight is important. I don't go for points, but for a KO. That's what everyone wants to see. Even if I have more points, if I have even a 1% chance for a KO, I'll go for it.
-- I can't wait.
Aerts : I'm in great shape and I plan to have a great fight for the fans. Ossu!
http://www.k-1.co.jp/en/news/2010/0927_wgp_01.html
´If I have the chance to knock him out, I´ll
win´.... duh ... what a great quote, LOL
Thanks for posting, stark
Down to earth, realistic, and confident, and with a
never-ending hunger for victory.Unlike Cro Cop who
seems to have lost his desire for fighting
altogether.No matter the result he is already a
legend and an example.Thanks for posting Stark!
I`m thinking of a second round KO due to punches :D
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