Hassan N'Dam N'jikam vs. Avtandil Khurtsidze RBR

While he isn't the step up many have been hoping for, Khurtsidze isn't a terrible opponent.

This isn't the first time N'Dam N'Jikam has been scheduled to face him (he dropped out of a previously scheduled date, but my memory of the details is foggy...it might have been injury? Last year, maybe?)

Since then, Khurtsidze has continued to put together decent wins on the European circuit.

 

Yeah, but strong like bull.

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I don't know...it's 9pm in Paris, so it should still be a bit early for a main event.

 

This interview is from Monday.

"How do you feel before this big event ?

HN : Calm, as usual.

How was your preparation?

HN : Good. I prepared well for this fight in Bazeilles of Ardennes in France.

What about your weight for the fight ?

HN : Everything is ok, 13 days before the fight I was already under the weight limit (160 lb) with no real privation. Mous Ouicher is asking me to eat more.

Isn’t it a real problem to be under the weight ?

HN : Not at all, I prefer to be in this situation. Some have to starve themselves before the weigh-in, as for me it’s right the opposite, I am in top shape!

Concerning your sparring, what’s you schedule for the next to last week ?

HN : After 160 rounds of sparring over the last four weeks I will slow down a bit with only 40 rounds.

Have you prepared something special for this fight ?

HN : My preparation always depends on my opponent, especially when I know his name in advance.

What does that represent to you, competing for the world title in a hall like Le Palais des Sports in Paris ?

HN : It has always been one of my objectives, this is the continuity.

But what does this fight represent for you ?

HN : A new step in my career.

What do you know about your opponent ?

HN : He is rather small (5′ 4&#8243 and has an aggressive style.

Among your past opponents, who do you think is the most similar to Avtandil ?

HN : LUIS GONCALO JEFFERSON (God rest his soul) and also MARTIROSYAN

What are the the keys of the fight ?

HN : In a fight there is only one key, and I will find it along the way.

Fighting for the title in Paris, with family and friends supporting you, is it an advantage or additional pressure for you ?

HN : None of them, it’s a pleasure.

Did the decision of the WBA for an interim title discourage you ?

HN : Lies can last for years but the truth always comes out. What’s important for me as a boxer is to show to the WBA and other federations that I am the best with or without their belts, and with or without their ranking.

What do you think about people arguing that it just a world semi-final disguised in a world championship ?

HN : Those who like me support me and those who don’t like me are against me but I need both of them. You have to endure heatness to appreciate coolness, my detractors are boosting my motivation and I must thank them for that, I need them, it’s a proof that I am there.

What message do you want to send to your fans all over the world?

HN : See you at Le Palais des Sports, Paris on October the 30th and keep following me, I still have many other surprises for you!"