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 After a few up and downs in his long Brutal Deluxe career, Kiyoshi "The man" Matsumoto eventually got the lightweight belt back around his waiste...
(Feyd Harko) : Hello Kiyoshi, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions!
(Kiyoshi Matsumoto) : Thanks, and to start I'd like to thank the fans for putting me in this position now, they've backed me the whole way, even through my change of managers and they are the reason I am honored with the BDX title once again!
(FH) : "BDX new lightweight champion" : how does that sound?
(KM) : I would have to say nothing sounds better than that, other than 'reigning BDX lightweight champ', that is my ultimate goal, to be a proud holder of this belt for years to come, this is my home, here in BDX.
(FH) : Many were saying at the end of 2011 that your better days were behind you after loosing 5 of 8 fights, and that you should retire... How sweet was it to put together that streak of victories, and finally getting this belt back?
(KM) : Oh, that was a tough time for me, every loss has it's learning lessons that you need to recognize. At first I was stubborn and wanted to count the L's as flukes or mishaps on my part, but then I took some time to re-evaluate myself and my career, which allowed me to understand that my opponents did very well to overcome me and get the wins they had. From there it was a re-building process, and I'd have to say I'm the best fighter now, than I've ever been in my life! I am not going to retire for quite some time, and hopefully this belt will stay around my waist for as long as I can help it.
(FH) : Did you have any doubts during those days? How much of an impact did you new coach and new training camp had?
(KM) : Yes, I had my doubts, and my concerns wether I really was able to come back and possibly get this belt back, but my new coach, Jake Kelley kept me training hard, and repeated positive affirmations to me that kept me hungry for another fight - and another win! So, they both had a great impact on me, and I have to give a big thanks to them both.
(FH) : 17 fights in BDX (a record) and half of these were tilte bouts - Were you affected not to be one of the 4 firsts BDX Hall of Fame inductees?
(KM) : Well, I'd be lying if I said it had no effect on me, I had thought about it a bit from time to time, wondering if maybe I wasnt as good as my stats and record had shown. But Jake kept telling me that my time will come, and that every win I get will only bring me closer to that group of BDX HOF. And for the fans, I am not stopping at 17, my goal is to set an unbeatable record here.
(FH) : Your two bouts against Burgundy were two of the most exciting fights BDX fans have ever seen, and you're now 1-1... Do you except a ruber match someday? How would that go?
(KM) : Haha oh yeah, Burgundy is a true brawler, he is one man that most fear to step in the cage with. But I fear no man, for I am The Man, and one of us have to leave that cage a winner, and I can only picture myself getting the win if we are ever to have that rubber match. I do expect him to want a re-match one day, I would if I were him, it's only right with us both going 1-1, and him having the finish in the first match. Like I've said though, I am a better fighter now than ever before, and I'm only getting better with each day that passes, so if that final match between us happens, I will be ready.
(FH) : But enough of the past, you've got a title defence coming up against Johns, who spent the last 2 months preparing for that opportunity - Some people don't guve much chance to Johns... thoughts on your next opponent?
(KM) : Yeah we only look to the future now, and Johns is a great opponent, one that has had a bunch of time to properly prepare for this opportunity. We felt a little rushed with our re-match against Burgandy, but it was for the better, it had me starving for a win. I hope Johns comes in with the best gameplan he can have, because I am confident I can beat him anywhere it goes. But don't misunderstand, that is not cockiness, thats just my new found confidence that has me ready for anything, and with his subs on record, we know it's possible he may want to bring this one to the ground. We will go into that title defense with him with a great strategy and we will settle for nothing less than a great title defense victory.
(FH) : Some fans are already talking about a potential superfight against the welterweight champ Newson, who beat you a long time ago - Could a move to 170lbs happen eventually?
(KM) : To be honest, I have not thought much about that. 155lbs is our natural weight, and this is where I'm most comfortable fighting, though we will not say we are against that re-match happening. It'd be a damn exciting fight, that's for sure. He clearly beat and out-worked me in that match, but our re-match -if it ever happens- would not go the same.
(FH) : Anything you wish to add?
(KM) : Not too much, I'd just like to thank the fans again, and remind them to stick with me, because I am not going anywhere! BDX is my home, my place to reign, and the org that has supported me through the long time I've been here. To be honored amongst BDX HOF, is a large step for us, and something I have always worked toward. To be clear though, it is not my destination, this is not where I stop, there are larger goals on my calender, ones that I am determined to see materialize. Thanks to everyone, and thanks for the interview!
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