PFC5 Pre Fight Interviews

Aside from the main event almost being moved to this evening by both Robinson and Hammond proving their hunger for that belt, this time around, we also tried a different approach. We asked each fighter to introduce themselves, talk about their game plan for their fight tomorrow night and what their plans were after PFC05, however, we did the interviews face to face at the weigh in...  So if some of their answers seem hungry, we can't blame them ;) haha.

Before we get into that, just a major thank you to the PFC team for always being so efficient and consistent.

The weigh in ran so smoothly, we almost forgot it was raining outside!!

 The vibe was pumping, the fighters were all psyched up for their fights and everyone made weight... well, almost at least :)

 

 

 

Armand Muela vs. Faradji Said

Muela (34), fighting out of Invictus, holds a record of just 1 fight, but confidently says that he feels no pressure in taking on a fight at short notice. Muela says "I have never met my opponent, but I have been training very hard and will prove that I am here to do a job". Muela say sthat he would be grateful to fight again after PFC05 and would like to thank his coach, Marius for pushing him to become the fighter we will see tomorrow night!

Said (30) fights out of PFC, with a boxing record of 2-0, taking 1 W by UD and another by KO, say sthat he has never seen his opponent fight but that's okay. Said says that he is ready, after 5months of training for this fight.

When asked about his gameplan, Said said: "I'm going to be the one controlling this fight, I'm going to work like a machine!"

Said goes on to say that he will be taking a break after his fight tomorrow night, to spend some time with friends and loved ones. Said would like to thank Neville, Angelo and Alice Adinall as well as his friends and loved ones for their support, Joseph Shinana at Mojo Boxing and BoxingBarbie for the interview

 

Carlo Schippers vs. Michael Clacher

Schippers (29) fights out of Tricore MMA, says that he is both excited and nervous to be defending his PFC title. Schippers mentioned that Clache is a good fighter, but that he is working on himself and is keen to develop his own already acquired skills. After PFC, Schippers will be defending his U63kg Cape Fight League title at CFL10. Schippers is grateful to have the opportunity to be competing on a platform where he is able to display his skills, develop himself and keep K1 alive in South Africa. Schippers thanks Neville, Angelo, Alice (the PFC team) for the opportunity to compete tomorrow night, as well as Boxing Barbie for the feature and his coaches and team mates.

Clacher (23) holds a record of 11-5 and fights out of Thaiholics. When asked about his gameplan for tomorrow night, Clacher said that he would be sure to beat Schippers upfront, and make sure that he doesn't make it a dirty fight.

Clacher adds "He's just another fighter in my way of getting that title!"

When asked about future plans, Clacher mentioned that he is set to go pro in August, before his transition to MMA next year and has future aspirations of competing at EFC. Clacher concludes by thabking his coach, Nic Radley, training partner, Ryan Siegelberg, his friends and family, and his girlfriend, who is currently in England, for always standing beside him and supporting him.





Ashley Robinson vs. Wade Hammond

Robinson (who asked me not to look at him while interviewing him... must be the hunger, haha), better known as the Mercurial (24) is originally from Paarl, fights out of Tricore MMA with an amateur record of 12-1, pro am record of 4-1, pro record of 0-1 and a boxing record of 1-0. When asked about game plan, Robinsons said

"Hammond is a cool guy, he trains with the best team mates... but tomorrow, we will see, it's not about who you train with, it's about what you train for"

Robinson went on to say that Hammond  is a technical fighter, he comes forward and is aggressive. After PFC, Robinson will be competing in a 4man Knock Out tournament at Ray's a week after PFC, and he happily adds that he will be doing this at 80kg, before moving on to compete at CFL a week later. Robinson would like to thank his coaches, teammates and sponsors, USN, Amy Carter, Jasper Basson and H&H trailers.

Hammond (23), or as most know him- Weet-Bix, holds a record of 16-7-3. With a recent move to PFA, Hammond trains under Matthew Leisching (boxing), Don Madge (Muay Thai) and Mike Mouneimne (Head coach and manager).

Hammond randomly drops "I'm on weight, I've been on weight my entire camp. I had weet-bix and some nice chicken before coming to weigh on". Hammond jokes on "Robinson has been dieting, drinking liquids and starving, hopefully he is able to refuel and rehydrate by tomorrow, he's gonna need it". Hammond mentions that with his team, they have worked on a few game plans, and he has worked extremely hard, without drinking for 8 weeks (hard to believe, haha). After PFC05, Hammond will defend his CFL U71 title (rumoured, against Robinson). when asked what his take was on fighting Robinson twice, he confidently said

"I'll beat him twice in a row, I'm fine with that."

 After CFL, Hammond will be defending his PFC title in September/ October (yes, that's what he said, HIS title), before moving on to work on his pro boxing career with coach, Leisching. Hammond concludes by thanking his team, PFA, and sponsors- GNC and Adiddas as well as everyone else who has contributed to getting him ready for tomorrow night, where he will display his gratitude.

See below for the full fight card:

BoxingBarbie would like to thank all fighters for taking the time out for interviews and would like to wish all athletes Good Luck for tomorrow night!! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter: @BoxingBarbieZA for live updates tomorrow night :)