Interview with Kim "The Fireball" Messer (June 2002)

Kim Messer is one of the world's most famous female fighters, having competed in all styles across the world and fighting the very best from each country. Kim as an amazing history and personal story and is a true champion. She recently announced her retirement from competing and this interview looks into why she retired, what the highlights of her career were and what she has planned for the future.

She currently teaches in Bellevue, Washington with her husband Mark - see the www.fireballsite.com web site for more details.

Can you tell us your full fight record?
In Kickboxing it was 18- 5- 1.
In Boxing it was 10-2-1

At only 4'11 didn't you find it hard getting matches?
My height really wasn't' t a problem it was my opponents height that would be the concern. Normally my opponents are 4 to 5 inches taller than me and that's why my fighting style is the way it is. As the shorter person I have to move more and be the slicker fighter.

Out of all the different styles you have fought, boxing, full contact, kickboxing, thaiboxing? Is there one you prefer above all the others?
My first love has always been kickboxing/ modified thai boxing. There's nothing like tagging someone in the head with a kick. But I've come to really enjoy boxing also. Kickboxing is harder on the body, and there is a lot more combinations to throw which make it very exciting. In Boxing the upper body movement is very beautiful and techniques are so crisp and clean. I'd have to say more than any one style, I just enjoy fighting!! The "sweet science" of fighting is the same in either sport they're just executed differently. That has been the best part, becoming knowledgeable in all the styles.

Did you find it hard switching to straight boxing?
I think that many people find it difficult because they try to chase two rabbits at one time. They try to do kickboxing and boxing, and become "so-so" at both. When I decided I wanted to get a World title in Boxing, Mark, my trainer and husband, told me,"No more kicking". Absolutely NONE!! He knew that I had to re-train my body and if I would have kept kicking I wouldn't have been able to make the transition as smoothly as I did. (I do have to admit though I did accidentally kick a few people.)

What brought about the decision to retire?
It was a combination of doors of opportunity closing in the fight game and windows of opportunity opening in other areas. In kickboxing I had fought my way up through the ranks and won titles, but found no money. In Boxing I fought my way up through the ranks, got the title, defended it, and was paid very well. I feel like things have come full circle since the reason I moved to Seattle was to train with and learn from Maurice Smith and now I've just purchased his gym facility. So there is a sense of completion about the whole thing. I also agreed a long time ago to leave the retirement decision up to my husband because as a fighter I understand that good fighters all have one thing in common.....they don't understand the meaning of the word QUIT. And many (especially the best) have stayed in the game far too long.

Who or what have been your major influences in your career?
Without a doubt the first and most and long lasting influences on my training was my husband and our friend and first instructor "jumping' Joe Fay. Their philosophy was that whenever I stepped into the gym I would be treated like a little man. Next would be Maurice Smith and then although I never trained with them, my idols Rob Kaman and Raymond Dekkard.

Is there anyone you wish you had fought and haven't?

There are a few rematches I would have liked to have. But mainly whoever was put in front of me I would fight. I think the most anticipated rematch would have been Regina Halmich and I.

What have been the highlights of your career?
Winning my first world title of course!! Not only was it my first shot at a title but it was a GREAT fight!! I can remember how loud the crowd was and the announcer created such suspense announcing the decision. Francis Farley who was the main event, told me later on that he heard the crowd and thought " Oh no, I have to follow that act.?!" I get goosebumps just remembering.
But the most meaningful moment in my life and fighting career is when I went to my Birth country of South Korea and won the IFBA World Boxing title. The whole country was cheering me on and I felt that I had meet a moment of destiny.

How do you rate the Japanese fighter Naoko Kumagai?
She's probably the best Japanese fighter they've ever produced. But I think she stayed in the game way too long, and I hear she isn't fairing too well lately.

What do you think of some of the British fighters you have fought-Lisa Houghton, Cheryl Robertson, Michelle Stucliffe?
In general if you've seen one British fighter you've seen them all. They stand kind of tall and square and don't have a lot of rhythm which is why Prince Naseem Hamed was so successful and popular there, he broke all the rules and knocked guys out. Over here in the US though competition is a lot deeper.

What are you plans now for the future?
I'm enjoying teaching and building up the gym. My husband and I plan to be a part of Kickboxing and Boxing forever. Our hope is to build the sport, to create a knowledgeable and supportive fan base and help those who want to compete succeed. It's exciting to see students learn and maybe have a future world champion hiding in the ranks.

Could anything persuade you to fight again?
A million $ cash!

Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
I know I could never have accomplished what I did without Support. And that is what I plan to do. I want to teach people whatever their goals, whether it be for fitness, fun, or a World title. Seattle is a great place to train, we have a strong Kickboxing & Boxing Community. So if there are any competitors out there Male or female, come check out our gym and if you really want to accomplish your dreams, don't forget --you must sacrifice to achieve it. Hugs and punches, Kim "Fireball" Messer