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Earlier this year former world champion Malcolm Klassen (33-6-2, 17) signed with Asian manager Alexander King Shah. After signing with Shah we were able to send some questions to Malcolm ahead of the next chapter in his career. 

AB-What drew you into boxing?
MK-What drew me into boxing was the fact I was one of those kids who never backed down from a fight, I always stood my ground and never ran away from fights then my moms brother took me to a boxing gym because he saw what I could be, he is also the person that raised me.

AB-You made your debut almost 20 years ago, what advice would “old” you have for “young” you if you could speak to yourself before your debut?
MK-Normally I tell a lot of young fighters that boxing isn't a easy game nd if you are a fighter you need to train hard, if not if you and disrespect the game you can get knocked out badly.

AB-As you may be aware many fight fans around the world struggle to watch fights in African nations, and sadly they may not have seen many of your fights other than your 2009 fight with Robert Guerrero. Do you think this has hindered your career on an international basis with things like getting credit for your ability?
MK-On my site I never worried whether another fighter disrespect or undermine they see it in da ring who I really am and after fights they always confess how hard I punch and good I am.

AB-Staying on a similar theme, how would you describe your style to those who haven't seen you? And do you feel like your style has changed over the years?
MK-I can adapt to anyones fighting style I can fight on the back foot I can attack.

AB-Whilst Alexander Shah has been a great promoter in the Asian region your decision to sign with him seemed a little bit peculiar to some. What was it that drew you to Alex, especially so late in your career?
MK-Mr Alexander King. He is a good Promoter and manager and got connections in the industry and he looks after his fighters thanks to him we secured several big fights in 2017 and the first is against Mikhail Alexeev.

AB-At 35 years old you are around the age where most fighters consider retirement, yet you are currently on a solid 6 fight winning run with good wins against the likes of Justin Savi and Paulus Moses. Do you feel your body has a set number of fights left, or do you feel as young as ever?
MK-My age isnt a factor you only feel as old as you are, I mean I got good hand speed and I'm a accurate puncher.

AB-In your 41 fight career you have shared the ring with a real list of notable foes, like Jeffrey Mathebula, Mzonke Fana, Cassius Baloyi, Robert Guerrero, Will Tomlinson and Paulus Moses. Who would you say was the best fighter you've faced?
MK-The best fighter between Will Tomlinson and Paulus Moses I would say Paulus is a good fighter, I mean he is also a former World Champion my record speaks for it self.

AB-It's clear on twitter that you're trying to secure big bouts and you've called out numerous notable fighters. If you could hand select your next opponent, who would that be?
MK-If I would hand select any fighter to fight for now I would say I would wanna fight anyone....

AB-Finally, is there any idea of when we will be able to see you in the ring next? And what should fans be looking for when you do get back in there?
MK-My nxt fight will be in August in Russia on the 26th with me its fire works and good entertainment thats why im called "The Stone" I will fight Undefeated russian WBC champion (Ed's note - WBC Youth Super Featherweight champion) Mikhail Alexeev and hope I will get Lomachenko or Leo Santa Cruz soon to come. I also wanna say thanx to my Russian Promoter RCC Promotion Mr German Titov and my  manager/promoter Mr Alexander King Shah for believing in me and in giving me the opportunity again.

(Image courtesy of boxrec.com)

Over the last few years Alexander King Shah has been putting on some great shows in Asia, winning awards and creating a buzz for his fighters. Although his fighters are getting more and more attention he has mostly gone under-the-radar for fans who haven't followed the growth of boxing in, and around, Singapore and Malaysia.

Thankfully we were able to send some questions off to Mr Shah recently, and get to know him a bit better, whilst getting to learn not only about Mr Shah, but also drove him into boxing, and what he has in the pipeline as he looks to continue to build his reputation in the sport.

AB-Firstly Mr Shah, what drew you into being a boxing promoter, and manager?

AS-I grew up watching Ali and Tyson fights on TV , and also my interest to promote is wanting to be just like Don King during those times promoting big huge fights 

AB-Building on that, boxing isn't particularly well linked with Singapore historically, is there any reason you've stuck to Singapore for most of your shows rather than spread into more well defined and established markets like Thailand, Japan and the Philippines?

AB-If you look deep in history of Singapore boxing Singapore actually do have more than 200 local pro boxers recorded by Boxrec, this was like 40 to 50 yeas ago and it was confirmed by many senior citizens in Singapore most of those have passed and some can't be found.they have kept themself at a low profile level .

Singapore was the Mecca of boxing in Asia this was also confirmed by many 

That is why I am doing most of my promotions in Singapore to revive back the interest among the public but I'm not closing my doors I do have vision and would love to promote elsewhere too I did promote this Jan in JOHOR Malaysia 

AB-As a promoter you've had a real mix of fighters on your card, and worked with some of the best prospects from Central Asia, which of those fighters would you say puts on the best fights for the fans?

AS-I've got alot of feedback from fight fans there are 3 fights tat gave them goosebumps

Qudratilo Vs Adonis cabalquinto 
Azizbek Vs Martin Rios
Farkhan Vs Kaseba 

AB-And staying on that note, which fighters do you work with? Is there quite a big stable of contracted fighters that you have or is it a case of working on a fight-by-fight basis with fighters?

AS-I have signned 2 fighters World Champion Malcolm Klassen from south Africa and former 2 times Wbc Asia champion Roman Zohailov from Uzbekistan, I just signed them exclusively and will be working closely with them , Malcolm klassen first comeback fight will be in Russia this august agaisnt Russian 10-0 undefeated super Featherweight Mikhail Alexeev

AB-Although your shows have been stacked with really interesting match ups I can't say I've been able to see streams of many of them, has there been problems getting TV coverage in Singapore for your shows? If so has there been thoughts of working with television companies like Boxnation in the UK to try and increase coverage of your fighters?

AS-Most local singapore TV stations don't pay for TV rights but I'm working on something we have been approach by a foreign TV stations and will looking into negotiating with them 

AB-Outside of the fighters you manage, and as a fan, what is the one dream bout you wish you could make before the end of 2017? And likewise using a fighter you do work with, what fight would you like to make with one of those?

AS-My Dream is to promote the WBC world title and to make Malcolm Klassen a WBC World champion , there have been talks about lomachenko vs Klassen in the near future to come many fight fans wants to know about it what I can say that it might happen and if it does it will be a dream fight for me and Malcolm and the whole of Africa 

As you know lomachenko is the best in the world nobody have yet to beat him* he was supposed to fight Gamboa but it didn't happen and klassen to was supposed to fight Gamboa and it didn't happen 

But Lomachenko Vs Klassen I hope it will happen I know there are rumours about this matchup as for now we will concentrate fighting Mikhail in Russia we go one at a time 

*(Ed's note- at 130lbs Lomachenko is unbeaten)

AB-Of course you won the 2016 Asian Boxing Promoter of the Year, would you regard that as your biggest honour in boxig so far?

AS-I was honoured and emotional all hard work paid off without the help of many like my partner's family and friends non of this would happen also the Singapore fans have been fantastic , this is th biggest award I received from WBC , the first award I received from WBC was when I promoted 4 Wbc Asia titles in a single nite breaking Brico Satig records , I laugh but we are friends 

AB-Could you tell us anything about your future plans? Is there any more big shows coming up in 2017 from yourself or any other big signings on the horizon?

AS-Currently we are in talks for Farkhan Vs Manus boonchanung, the history Manus was an Olympic gold medallist and a Thai superstar ,Farkhan beat him in sea games that put Manus into retirement after that fight and now both are in the pro boxing and Manus wants a rematch but in a pro fight this fight will happen in Malaysia and it will be a Superfight I hope to get the fight on Live TV in Malaysia and Thailand 

We are also looking to sign Female pro boxers we have been scouting and in talks with some of them hope it will happen soon 

AB-I see you've left Cartel Promotions (Alex recently tweeted that he'd left), can I ask what the reason for the split was? 

AS-I left Cartel International Promotions because I have other plans like signing and managing fighters also to build up my own  branding  e.g Alexander King Management although we split i am still In good terms with the board of directors 

AB-Finally, any final words for our readers?

AS-2017 is still the begining winning the Wbc Asia promoter of the year award signing World champion Malcolm Klassen. I how fight fans around the world could give Singapore a chance watch and support fights here we have several other promoters promoting their own events and I hope they too get the most of support from fight fans around the world 

AB-Thank you very much for your time Alexander, it's much appreciated and good luck in the future, especially with your two new signings.

(Image courtesy of boxrec.com)

Over the weekend we had a chance to send an interview the way of Japanese based American Brandon Lockhart (8-5-1, 7). The Light Middleweight-come-Middleweight celebrates his 6th year as a professional fighter in 2017 and looks to continue on a career which has seen him share the ring with a world title challenger and reach the final of the All Japan Rookie of The Year. Although not a huge name Brandon has always been of interst to use as a foreign fighter making his way in Japan and really charmed us a little whilst back with an apearance in a Morioka Gym video promoting one of their shows

Like many fighters who fight away from their land of birth Brandon has had a great reaction from the fans in his new home and has really made himself a part of the local community, as you'll find out during the interview, which we really do want to say a huge public thank you for.

Asian Boxing-Hi Brandon, thanks for agreeing to this interview, it means a lot to us and our readers, especially given the language barrier a lot of Western fans have with Japanese boxing in general. That leads nicely into my first question, how hard was it to adapt to life in Japan as a "Gaijin" in the country? And what originally attracted you to Japan to in the first place?

Brandon Lockhart-In my opinion, moving to a foreign for anyone is a huge leap into the unknown.  Small things we don't pay attention to or take for granted can become bigger things in other countries.  My transition to the Japanese life style was smooth in my opinion. I previously studied abroad here for 4 months in college, so I had a feint idea about life here.  Even though my time abroad here helped, there were many things I was not prepared for such as long periods of isolation, working in a different culture and system, and being totally independent.  But I learned to adjust and had an open minded which I think is the most important thing to have living in a different culture.  

I first came to Japan because I just wanted to experience something different.  Up until that point I had never been abroad in my adult life.  I just wanted to get away in a sense and have a story to tell.

AB-Along a similar line, what attracted you to boxing?

BL-Boxing has always been something I have been interested in.  Growing up my family and friends would get together and watch matches on cable TV.  Huge stars such as Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe were from my city of Brooklyn, so it filled us with a sense of pride.  At a young age basketball was a common and readily accessible sport so that's what I came to love.  It wasn't until I came to Japan that I found a boxing gym near my house, so then I decided to give it a shot.

AB-Again staying with your early boxing, did you have much of an amateur career or not?

BL-In the beginning, it was just for fun and fitness but then I started to become serious.  Without any experience I decided to become pro.  So I learned along the way, which has been difficult but rewarding.  I learned so much about myself in the ring.  My fears, worries, strengths and ability to persevere after a hard lose.  My biggest learning experience has been the lesson of controlled aggression.  KOs are great but just brute strength is not enough in this sport.  Thinking, adjusting, pacing and timing are keys to be great in this sport.  Watching better fighters than myself and losing fights have taught me  to be mentally strong as well as physically.

AB-During your career you've faced a few notable fighters, who would you say the toughest you've faced, and what about them made them tougher than the others?

BL-To date I think my hardest fight was the Fuchigami fight.  Not so much that he was a better fighter than me, but because there were so many new things I wasn't accustomed to.  Being a main event fighter, going to fight so far from home, him having so much more experience than me and having the pressure put on myself that I would lose on the score card if the fight went the distance.  I was overwhelmed by the experience so when I knocked him down twice I kind of tightened up and went for the kill too early and ran out of gas.  But because of this experience,  I became a better fighter.  

[Editors note - Makoto Fuchigami is a former Japanese an Oriental Middleweight champion best known for facing Gennady Golovkin in a world title bout. Brandon fought him in June 2016]

AB-Is there any idea when you'll be back in the ring? Or who your team are looking at get you in with next?

BL-Not too sure on my next opponent yet but hopefully soon there will be talks soon.  I'm ready to get back in the ring.

AB-I know you're part of the Morioka gym, which also has Naoto Iwai and Hinata Maruta among others, what's the general feel of the gym?

BL-The gym is like family.  I'm so proud and honored to be apart of Morioka gym.  We support each from the small kids to the pros to the regular gym members.  We all want to achieve the best for each other.  We are taught not to be just good fighters but also good human beings.  Greetings and how you conduct yourself are important points in life that are reinforced in the gym.  It's something's difficult to fit in Japan being a foreigner, but I feel right at home in Morioka gym.  

AB-Away from boxing I understand your a teacher, what was it about teaching that appealed so much?

BL-Well, I have always wanted to be a teacher.  I lost my way in college and really didn't have a clue in what I wanted to do in life.  So I came to Japan on a program called J.E.T.  It's a program where native english speakers come to assist in schools around Japan.  I enjoyed teaching but was put in a very limited role due to the emphasis of test based English rather than conversational English.  So with the help of a friend, I run an English conversational school in my city.  It has its up and downs but I enjoy it very much.

AB-And moving further away from boxing what do you enjoy to do in your spare time?

BL-In my down time I like to play video games, watch movies and enjoy time with my kids.  I have 2 girls aged 10 and 8, and a boy who just turned 2.  So I'm always doing something. Lol. It's great being a father.

AB-Also is there any messages you'd like to leave fans with? Any parting words?

BL-Just want to let everyone know that life is a strange and wonderful thing that we don't know where it will take us.  Just enjoy the ride, give thanks and take it for what it is. 

Again we'd like to say a huge thanks to Brandon for taking time out of his week to answer our questions and we wish him, and the rest of the Morioka gym, the best of luck in the future.

(Image of Brandon courtesy of the Morioka gym)

Recently we were in touch with our good friend Mikko Marttinen, who is the international manager for Indonesian teenager Iwan Zoda (8-1, 7). Through Mikko we managed to ask Iwan some questions ahead of his April 2nd fight against unbeaten Hungarian Szilveszter Kanalas (8-0, 6).

Asian Boxing-Hi Iwan, can we ask what first got you into boxing? Was it your trainer or were you a fan of the sport before hand?

Iwan Zoda-"I was nine years old and I joined my friends at Damianus Yordan's gym. First it was just for fun but little by little I started to enjoy it more and more. My parents and grandmother (who he was living with at the time) were against me boxing. They said nothing good would come out of it. I had my first amateur fight at 13 and won. I didn't know anything about boxing before going to the gym."

AB-Could we if he has any amateur experience or whether it has been a "learn on the job" type of thing so far?

Mikko Marttinen-He had about 40 amateur fights and lost 4 times. When he was 17 he knocked out Julio Bria in a national tournament. Bria has twice represented Indonesia in world amateur championships. When Iwan was not selected for the national team despite knocking out the number one amateur in the country he decided to turn pro.

AB-Could you tell us something about Iwan's team? 

MM-His trainer is Damianus Yordan, the older brother and former trainer of Daud Yordan. My role is advisor and international agent. The Indonesian airforce supports him but he's not employed by them and he is not under contract with any promoter.

AB-What do you feel are your best assets are in the ring, and what flaws would you like to build on?

IZ-"I can fight as both orthodox and southpaw. I still need to develop my physique."
 
AB-As we all know your big break out win to many was the rematch over Petchchorhae. Could we ask how it felt losing to Petchchorhae the first time around? What you learned from the loss? And how you felt when you avenged the loss?

IZ-"I was still inexperienced in the first match, having only one six-round points victory in the pros before the fight. I learned that I needed more weight in my punches. For the second fight my trainer convinced me I can beat him. After beating him I felt extremly happy. It was the proudest moment of my life."

AB-What his current aim is in boxing, is it money, glory, legacy, a combination of those things or something totally different?

IZ-"My goal is to achieve something where people can not look down on me anymore."

AB-Do you feel a lot of pressure on yourself now before fights given the fact that some view you as the next star of Indonesian boxing?

IZ-"I hope they are right. I don't feel any pressure at all, in the contrary, it gives me strength and confidence."

AB-With boxing in Indonesia being quite small at the moment, does you feel you have any domestic rivals?

IZ-"So far nobody has been able to match me."

AB-What does he know about his upcoming opponent?

MM-He has seen highlights of Kanalas's last fight. He believes it will be a challenge but one that he can manage.

AB-Any predictions for your up coming bout?

IZ-"I will win inside ten rounds."

AB-Are you shocked that international fans are paying attention to you?

IZ-"I was not aware that people know me outside of Indonesia. I only concentrate on my training."

AB-Any messages for fans who are following you?

IZ-"Thank you for following me. I would love to get to know my fans from abroad."
 
We'd like to say a huge thanks to both Iwan and Mikko and we, of course, with Iwan the best of luck in his upcoming bout. For those who haven't seen Iwan before we have featured the video of his brilliant win over Petchchorhae Kokietgym from last year, a win that helped Iwan earn some well deserved international attention.

For those wanting to follow Iwan's career, we suggest following his team on twitter @iwanzoda.

Earlier this month we sent a number of interview requests to various Asian promoters. One of those promoters to return our request was Dr. Siraphop OneSongchai Ratanasuban, the head of OneSongchai. Dr Sirahop kindly passed on some questions we had for current WBO Bantamweight world champion Pungluang Sor Singyu, who is currently enjoying his second reign as the WBO Bantamweight champion, and returned the answers to us earlier this week.

The exciting and fun to watch 27 year old has been a professional since 2004 and has run up an excellent record of 51-3 (35) with wins over Eden Sonsona, Monico Laurente, Rey Megrino, AJ Banal and most recently Ryo Akaho. The aggressively minded Thai is now set to return to the ring on February 12th as he defends the title against Filipino challenger Jetro Pabustan

AB-Could you perhaps tell our readers something about yourself, for example what got you in to boxing? Did you have much of an amateur or Muay Thai background?

PSS- I got in Professional Muaythai with more than 100 fights first, then I go into boxing as a replaced boxer, then I was good.  So I turn to Prof. boxing right away.

AB-And staying on that theme, how would you describe yourself as a boxer?

PSS- I am training hard.  It is ืnot god gifted.  I am diligent.  

AB-Who currently makes up your team? And have you worked with those particular people since the start of your career?

PSS- I have promoter madame Pairyakorn Ratanasuban, manager Sorjor Sanya Sor Singyu, trainer Aek.

AB-As we are just a few weeks away from your first defense, of your second reign, as WBO Bantamweight championship can you tell us how your
preparations have gone so far? Have you been sparring with anyone different to usual?

PSS- I got Philippine trainer.  My promoter invests me with good basic trainer.  

AB-What do you know about Jetro Pabustan, your upcoming opponent?

PSS- I am not worry.  If I fight in Thailand.  I know Jetro is from Philippine with strong Manny Pacquio backed him up.  The best boxer in the world.

AB-We know all 3 of your losses have come when you have fought outside of Thailand, do you feel there was a reason for those losses? If there an advantage of fighting at home in Thailand?

PSS- Home town always rule 100%.  I won for sure in Thailand because I train well with good foods, good used to weather.

AB-Given that you have fought a lot of notable names, could you tell us who the best opponent that you've faced has been?

PSS- I remember my best opponent are boxers who beated me.  They teach me not to be careless and train harder

​AB-Thanks for answering our questions

PSS-Thank you very much

Recently we reached out to Korean promoter Andy Kim, the head of AK Promotions, who helped us ask some questions to a couple of his most promising fighters. One of those fighters was former Pakistani amateur stand out Muhammad Waseem (2-0, 2), who made his debut last year by winning a Korean national title.

Prior to turning professional Waseem ran up a very solid amateur record, reportedly 89-16 (2) whilst winning various international level medals and appears to be on the fast track to success in the professional ranks. 

We'd like to thank Andy for passing these questions to Waseem on our behalf and returning the answers as well as Waseem for answering the questions

AB-We all know boxing isn't particularly big in Pakistan, so firstly what made you decide to take part in the sport?
MW-Yeah its right that boxing is not given importance in Pakistan, however boxing is a very challenging sport, its tough, needs alot of hard work which matches with my personality and thinking which made to go for boxing.

AB-As an amateur you were a fantastic fighter winning numerous medals, however what made you decide to turn professional?
MW-I wanted to win wbo,wbc and other highly respected titles which was not possible to win in amateur career so i turned pro to fulfill my these dreams.

AB-Staying with your days as an amateur, what was your proudest moment? What was your lowest point as an amateur? And who was the best fighter you faced in the amateur ranks?
MW-Actually there were many moments in my amateur career which were special for me but there were two special occasions which made me proud one was winning silver in Glasgow commonwealth games, second was winning gold in combat games china 2010.however I got disappointed when I lost to Monogalia's boxer Nayambar [Tugstsogt Nyambayar] in an Olympic qualifying round in a close fight in 2011, he got silver in 2012 Olympics. He was also the toughest fighter I have faced.

AB-Although your professional career only started last year you already have title level experience, what was the thinking behind fighting in a 10 rounder on your debut? Was there any worry about the distance of the bout?
MW-I decided to go for the title fight in my debut because my coach Mr. Hong put alot of effort and trained me hard, he knew already that I would easily win over my opponent so I went for 10 rounds, I was not nervous at all about such a big challenge.

AB-Could you describe your style to fans who haven't seen you fighting yet?
MW-For my fans,I had a different approach fighting in amateur but after turning pro I have changed my style,some times I go for in fight style and some times fight from distance with my opponent 

AB-Finally what are the hopes for your professional career? Both for this year, and for the longer term?
MW-I hope I will go for title fights such as wbc wbo in the end of this year and coming years to become world champion.

For those who haven't seen Waseem in action we've included footage of his debut below.