(NOV 12) This week I had an
opportunity to interview Julia Fikus, of Germany, one on one about
her boxing and Thai boxing career and about her upcoming fight that
will take place this month.
WBAN: Tell us something about
your childhood.
Originally I am from Magdeburg [Germany] which is the regional
capital of Saxony-Anhalt. I was born there and raised within a
big family which is spread all over the entire country. However,
I have no siblings. I was raised in a decent family, my parents
were always hard working trying to give me the best. When I was
a teenager I grew up in a rather shady area in Magdeburg. Our
district was quite known for socially deprived people and I had
to learn how to defend myself against some dipshits trying to
rip you off or kill you to get your stuff. Luckily me and my
parents moved to a better area when I was 16. That was the time
I started focusing on the real important things in life. I
successfully graduated from school and finished my vocational
education. At the age of 23 I moved to Berlin.
WBAN: When did you start boxing? Was this the first contact
sport that you participated in?
In Magdeburg, I first began with thai boxing, and initially took
my first steps towards traditional boxing. I have always been
extremely interested in Martial arts, especially Asian martial
arts. I do think it is a very tough and violent sport. You can
hurt your opponent by kicking as well as using your elbows and
knees towards your opponents head---quite thrilling. I have also
tried Karate but that was just boring and I skipped it. Coach
Daniel Hiller, who is currently my trainer, and friend
introduced me to professional boxing. .
WBAN: I know that you have been successful in kickboxing--can
you tell us something about your career in boxing?
Actually I never did kickboxing, thai boxing was always my
thing. Back in the days I started thai boxing at the LaOnda Gym
in Magdeburg. It was always a good opportunity to fight. There
were huge events in Magdeburg where I had the chance to fight in
front of 2000-3000 people. The crowd was sizzling and we had
quite a big fan base. Even the media was interested. It was a
great time which on the other hand also left its marks. And I am
not talking about my injuries! There are a lot of freaks and
maniacs in the martial arts/boxing scene.
WBAN: What is more important at this time---boxing or thai
boxing?
At this time, it is definitely professional boxing. I am not
doing any thai box ing bouts any longer. I am totally focused on
pro boxing.
WBAN: Can you describe the difference between boxing and Thai
boxing?
Pretty easy! In Thai boxing you can use fists and legs whereas
boxing is rather straight, kind of cleaned up. This makes the
boxing even more dangerous. If you are a proper boxer you can
systematically place your punches which can be a tremendous
weapon. To me pro boxing is also a very aesthetic sport
especially when it comes to women's boxing. As it is a very
strategic thing you have to have a certain intelligence and
understanding in order to be successful in this sport.
WBAN: Can you describe your personal style in both sports?
Can you describe yourself as a more "technical" boxer, or a
"Classic" puncher?
I would say that I am rather a technical puncher in both sports.
WBAN: Do you have an idol in sport/life.
In sports I do not need any idols. I do have a couple of
fighters who I really like to watch such as Lucia Ryker (now
retired), Floyd Mayweather, Tomazs Adamek, Arthur Abraham or
Mikkel Kessler. For me, my parents are who I look up to.
WBAN: Many people say, that "boxing is not a sport for a
woman", what is your opinion when you hear this kind of
statement?
Ballet is not a sport for men, but there are men who dance it
any way. This is stereotyped thinking.
WBAN: Is there any particular female fighter that you would
like to fight? What is your goal in sport of boxing?
At the moment I have no specific idea. When the time is
right---I would like to fight against every woman in the world
with no mercy. My goals are: I would like to be one of the
leading figures in the world of boxing. I would like to present
emotionally good and fascinating fights.
WBAN: What is the state of female boxing in Germany? Here in
Poland we had Agniesza Rylik and Iwona Guzowska but now female
boxing is not so popular in our country...
In my mind it is the same in Germany. In Germany, there are so
many opinions: They love it, they hate it. I think that the way
of presenting (on television) was not the right one. To watch
boxing, especially female boxing, at the prime time with no
additional fees, has glutted the market. But now there is an
end. They stopped it.
WBAN: What is your agenda for 2010, where and with whom do
you want to fight?
In 2010 there is a lot to do. I will come to Poland to make one
or two fights and one „Interconti”. There is the title of WBF (I
am the newcomer of 2009). In early 2010, I will box in Africa, a
fight which was already planned in 2009. I would really like to
fight more out of Germany, more international fights.
WBAN: Your next fight is scheduled for November 15, 2009, do
you know who your opponent will be for that fight in Berlin?
Yes, I will be fighting on that date, and there is a „Heimspiel“(Home
Game) for me. I can not really say something about my rival. I
hope that she has the right experience and knowledge.
WBAN: Do you want to say something to polish boxing fans?
I have heard a lot of good things about polish boxing fans. The
people in Poland are fair and competent and anyway--- that is
why I am so excited to come and box. I will do my best to not
disappoint the polish fans. Who knows what the future is going
to bring, but for now, I am really excited about this
opportunity in Poland.