Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam |
How do you feel before this big event ?
HN : Calm, as usual.
How was your preparation?
HN : Good. I prepared well for this fight in Bazeilles of Ardennes in France.
What about your weight for the fight ?
HN : Everything is ok, 13 days before the fight I was already under the weight limit (160 lb) with no real privation. Mous Ouicher is asking me to eat more.
Isn’t it a real problem to be under the weight ?
HN : Not at all, I prefer to be in this situation. Some have to starve themselves before the weigh-in, as for me it’s right the opposite, I am in top shape!
Concerning your sparring, what’s you schedule for the next to last week ?
HN : After 160 rounds of sparring over the last four weeks I will slow down a bit with only 40 rounds.
Have you prepared something special for this fight ?
HN : My preparation always depends on my opponent, especially when I know his name in advance.
What does that represent to you, competing for the world title in a hall like Le Palais des Sports in Paris ?
HN : It has always been one of my objectives, this is the continuity.
But what does this fight represent for you ?
HN : A new step in my career.
What do you know about your opponent ?
HN : He is rather small (5′ 4″) and has an aggressive style.
Among your past opponents, who do you think is the most similar to Avtandil ?
HN : LUIS GONCALO JEFFERSON (God rest his soul) and also MARTIROSYAN
What are the the keys of the fight ?
HN : In a fight there is only one key, and I will find it along the way.
Fighting for the title in Paris, with family and friends supporting you, is it an advantage or additional pressure for you ?
HN : None of them, it’s a pleasure.
Did the decision of the WBA for an interim title discourage you ?
HN : Lies can last for years but the truth always comes out. What’s important for me as a boxer is to show to the WBA and other federations that I am the best with or without their belts, and with or without their ranking.
What do you think about people arguing that it just a world semi-final disguised in a world championship ?
HN : Those who like me support me and those who don’t like me are against me but I need both of them. You have to endure heatness to appreciate coolness, my detractors are boosting my motivation and I must thank them for that, I need them, it’s a proof that I am there.
What message do you want to send to your fans all over the world?
HN : See you at Le Palais des Sports, Paris on October the 30th and keep following me, I still have many other surprises for you !