Interview with Mark Hunt (April 2001)

This is an interview with Mark Hunt who has won the K1 Oceania two years in a row. Mark is currently managed Lucy Tui.

So how did you first get involved in the sport?
I was in a street fight 7 years ago and one of the bouncers asked if I would like to Thai fight so that is how I got involved.

How did it feel to win the Oceania tournament for the second time?
I felt really good but the first Oceania was the best feeling because it was my first and it was exciting to get that opportunity to fight in Japan for the first time...

It looked as though there may have been a bit of bad feeling between you and Nathan Briggs. Was that the case?
No there wasn;t any bad feelings, I just was'nt as prepared when I fought him the first time, I wanted him to know what I am like when I have trained and prepared for a fight. Nathan is a good person I like him.

>The fact that Briggs defeated you once seemed to result in people overlooking you the second time. Do you feel that was the perception?
Yes I do, but I was not ready the first time.

>What are your thoughts on joining the eight man line up on June 16th where you will join the likes of seasoned veterans Ernesto Hoost, and Stan Longinidis as well as other regional K-1 winners?
I am very excited to be in the June 16th tournament and to be able to go to that next level. I think I am fighting Matt Skelton first my trainer told me...

What are your thoughts on your fight with Jerome LeBanner last year? I lost before I went into the ring, I don't think I have ever been so nervous. It was a great experience ,I will never have that feeling again because I have overcome that sort of experience and know now what to expect when going into big event shows and Japan itself. I would love to fight Jerome again and hope that I get that opportunity ....

The heavyweight division in Australia is changing with Stan Longinidis, for over a decade the name synonomous with kickboxing down under, indicating this will be his last year and Sam Greco’s retirement. What are your thoughts on Stan and Sam and have they inspired you in any way?

Stan has always been an inspiration to me, he helped me get through Japan and he is a great ambassordor for kickboxing Worldwide not just for Australia. Also that we are the same height has helped me to see that fighters of our height can be just as aggressive and smart. Sam Greco has inspired me with his never say die attitude. They have both helped me in their different ways.

Both yourself and Peter Graham are considered the most likely candidates to >do well in the new generation of young heavyweights. What is your opinion on Peter?
I like Peter Graham we used to be stablemates then I moved out West to live with my girlfriend. Peter has had a martial arts background with Kyokoshin Karate so that has helped set a platform to help with his mental and physical preparation, I wish him all the best for his future in the sport.
I have been informed that we are going to have a rematch as a Super fight in New Zealand on the 21st July NZK1 so it is all business now.

Is there any special way you train for your fights?
Just train hard..running,swimming, explosive work on the pads. I try to eat the right foods before a fight....but being a Polynesian background it is very hard.

Which of the K1 stars out there would you in particular like to fight?
I would like to fight all of them because they are all quality fighters.

How do you see the sport growing in Australia, do you think muaythai will be legalised in more states?
NSW is the only state in Australia and the world I hear that does not do Muaythai. It is all because of the safety of the sport, but lets hope soon it will be all legalised, I don't really know much about the politics of the sport I just want to fight and make money....

Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
I would like to thank all the people who have helped me get here to where I am today; my girlfriend Julie, Alex Tui who was my first trainer here in Australia, Lucy Sassen Tui and my trainer now: Hape Ngaronoa from Liverpool kickboxing and my fitness trainer Shane and all my family & friends who have supported me...
Thanks to Dan from MuayThai Online for this interview.

Regards Mark Hunt K1 Oceania Champion back to back..