|
 KOTB 10: Revanche (Preview + Interview)
The King of the Beach promotion is proud to host KOTB 10: Revanche on Saturday night. It’s been a roller coaster few months for us in Rio, but we’re so glad you’re here with us because we feel we’re building something special here. KOTB 10 will feature our first ever PRIDE-style “freakshow” fight, as well as a number of very important divisional fights and a bit of revenge in the main event.
Magnus Karlsson (4-0, 1-0) v Alejandro "Osito" Sepulveda (6-3, 0-0)
Opening the main card is a historic fight in our super-heavyweight division, as Chilean newcomer Alejandro Sepulveda takes on undefeated Swede Magnus Karlsson. What makes this fight so special? Well, Karlsson will come into the fight holding a 16-inch height advantage, as well as 125 pounds in weight on his opponent. Sepulveda came to us looking to financially support his village of Lota, and was willing to take on all challengers. That first challenger will be Karlsson, who has a dangerous ground and pound game that should provide quite the puzzle for the much smaller Sepulveda. Will speed and technique be enough to beat strength and size? It’s the age-old question, and we’re excited to see the result.
Diederik "The Hidden Blade" Boschman (2-0, 2-0) v Edward Smith (3-1, 0-1)
Next up, we have a pair of light-heavyweight contenders looking to make their stake for a title shot. Suriname-born Diederik Boschman has been a buzzsaw in his first two KOTB appearances and has himself a fitting new nickname to show for it. He’ll be looking to use his lethal clinch game to disrupt the standup attack of former title-challenger Edward Smith. The Brit had trouble with the champion’s clinch over the course of almost five rounds, so he’ll probably be looking to keep things at range with his boxing game. BREAKING NEWS: Light-heavyweight champion James Diaz has been M.I.A. since his title defense, so KOTB has been forced to strip him of the belt. The status of the division is now up in the air, so it should add even more significance to this matchup.
Diesel Hendrix (3-0, 1-0) v “Slick” Rick Sharp (1-0, 0-0)
In what should be considered a title eliminator bout at welterweight, American wrestle-boxer Diesel Hendrix will take on an Australian prospect in Rick Sharp. Hendrix is coming off a “fight of the night” victory in his KOTB debut and is looking to put his hands on his opponent. Sharp will be making his KOTB debut, but comes out of a great gym down under and holds a BJJ purple belt to go along with his slick hands. This could be a shootout on the feet, unless Sharp has the takedown game to test Hendrix’s grappling defense.
Sandu "Big Bear" Lungu (4-1, 1-1) v Shaquille O Neal (1-0, 1-0)
It’s not too often you can witness two 6’9’’ 280 pound guys go toe-to-toe outside of the NBA, so make sure you don’t miss our co-main event, as Romanian title contender Sandu Lungu takes on the rising American Shaquille O Neal. Lungu will probably look to stay at distance and work his well-rounded standup game against the kicks and clinch dominance of O Neal. That being said, we haven’t seen enough of O Neal to say for sure, and well, anything can happen when bodies of this size clash. KOTB has been working hard reinforcing that canvas all week in preparation for this one.
"Megaton" Thiagus Davaru Silva (5-0, 3-0) v Ezekiel "Power Trip" Puchowski (5-1, 2-1)
Our main event is a fight that the fans have been clamoring for since the two fighters engaged in a semi-final matchup at KOTB 2. Thiagus Davaru Silva would go on to win the tournament, as well as the super-heavyweight belt, only to test positive for steroids in the post fight examination. Silva has not fought since but has promised to test clean, so KOTB has given him a one-fight deal to show that he can. Ezekiel Puchowski, on the other hand, has become a real KOTB fan favorite in Rio since that loss, with a number of promotional appearances to go with a vintage performance at KOTB 6. We caught up with both fighters before their big matchup, so hear what they had to say:
Hey Ezekiel, thanks for taking a break from training to join us today.
Not a problem at all, my friend. Always enjoy talking to you.
You started your MMA career in Russia while living in Poland. What brought you to Rio?
Well, I did a grappling match here in Rio before my KOTB debut. I lost by close decision and I’d like to repay him the favor, but that’s another story *hahaha* But I fell in love with energy of this place. Poland is so dreary and dull in comparison.
You’re now onto your 4th fight with the organization, are you beginning to get recognized here?
You know, I get recognized but not for fighting. I'm always the loudest person here at the beach, club, etc. Always loud with a big smile on my face accompanied by, some would say, an obnoxious laugh *haha*.
You get to avenge your only loss on Saturday, do you have a different gameplan coming in. Is this the biggest fight in your MMA career?
This is definitely my biggest fight. This time we'll be fighting on an even playing field.
Your opponent, Thiagus Davaru Silva, is coming off a title win but was stripped of the belt and hasn’t fought since. Do you have thoughts on the steroid scandal, or Thiagus in general?
Everyone has their reasons for doing what they do. I should've been able to overcome him despite the PED use. Overall, he’s not a bad guy though. Honestly, I wish him the best of luck.
A win here puts you near, or at, the top of the pile in the division. Are you hoping a victory gets you a title shot?
Well, to me, he is STILL the KOTB SHW champ despite what went down. Beating him makes me the lineal KOTB SHW champ. I think a title unification bout is necessary for the org to move forward.
Thanks, Ezekiel, good luck on Saturday night.
_________________________________
Hey Thiagus, long time no see, thanks for joining us today.
Yes, nice seeing you.
We haven’t seen you since your title win at KOTB 3, how has training been going?
Training ... has been... good. A little exhausting ... but good. I'll just leave it at that.
You had your title stripped after that last victory. Any comments on what went down? What kind of changes have you made since?
Well, it is what it is. As far as the training goes, I've switched training camps and I’ve had a couple of altercations, which have strained some trainer-coach relations but they'll get over it.
How have the fans treated you here since then? Is there any animosity over how things went down?
The MMA has community has virtually turned their back to me. Fans, trainers and fighters all look at me like I’m scum. Its fine, I embrace being the "heel" everyone’s made me out to be. Steroids have nothing to do with technique.
You have a victory over your opponent on Saturday; do you think this fight will have the same result?
Of course, Puchowski plays this fake "Mr. Nice Guy" act and its honestly disgusting. I don't like the guy and it'll show in our fight.
Do you expect a title shot with a victory Saturday night? Do you feel ready for another shot at the belt?
Most definitely, Guy Mourtneant is not the true champion, just a fill-in until I take my throne back.
Thanks, Thiagus, good luck on Saturday night.
Article views:
210
» Donate to this author |
