Jamal Ben Saddik – Ready for GLORY 4 Tokyo and Errol Zimmerman
By Dave Carpinello
22 years old, amazing potential talent and fighting for a chance to win his share of $600,000 in prize money that will be awarded during the GLORY 4 Tokyo – Heavyweight Grand Slam fight card, which represents one-half of the ‘GSI presents DREAM 18 and GLORY 4 Tokyo – New Year’s Eve Special,’ double-header event at Saitama Super Arena. Jamal Ben Saddik recently talked with PunchDrunkGamer about the upcoming tournament, his opponent Errol Zimmerman, combat sports and more!
PDG: You are set for the GLORY 4 Grand Slam Tournament; how does it feel to be fighting for GLORY in the tournament?
Jamal Ben Saddik: It’s an honor for me to fight at such a great event as GLORY. I’m grateful that I have gotten the opportunity to fight there and put my name on the record. 😉
PDG: Your opponent is no easy match, a legend at that; how are you preparing for Errol Zimmerman?
Jamal Ben Saddik: As you just said it yourself, Errol was a legend, I’m the new Number One around here. 😀
PDG: Can you give the fans a breakdown of your training schedule? Such as days, hours, workouts?
Jamal Ben Saddik: I train two times per day, six times a week. In the morning I train kickboxing and in the evening cardio and fitness.
PDG: 22-0 with 19 knockouts. Beyond the obvious, how would you rate yourself as a top tier kickboxer?
Jamal Ben Saddik: I am just at the beginning of my career. I’m still very young and eager to compete with the best fighters in the world. Although, I can’t wait to knockout a few of those fighters. After the 31st of December, there is one thing I am sure of… that every kickboxing fan in the world will know my name.
PDG: Now that K-1 is rebuilding and GLORY has taken the sport by storm with the purchase of It’s Showtime; what do you think of the future of kickboxing as an international sport?
Jamal Ben Saddik: It is always a great thing when kickboxing is taken to a higher level by organizations like GLORY. It is obvious that kickboxing is still growing so I do not think that we should be concerned about the future of the international kickboxing, it will continue to grow!
PDG: If you could have a dream fight against any one kickboxer past or present. who would it be?
Jamal Ben Saddik: The only dream I have at the moment is to be fighting in the big final at GLORY 4 Tokyo on the 31st of December, no matter who the opponent is standing in front of me.
PDG: How has being a part of Golden Glory and GLORY elevated your training and career so far?
Jamal Ben Saddik: Thanks to Golden Glory and GLORY I have been offered a chance to prove myself on such a big stage. And being a member of Golden Glory allows me to train with Cor Hemmers, who is in my eyes the BEST coach in the world.
PDG: How did you get involved with combat sports?
Jamal Ben Saddik: I was always fascinated by fight-sports growing up. So I went to train kickboxing at the nearest gym and now here I am.
PDG: Do you play any video games during your downtime and do you enjoy a good beer when you are not training?
Jamal Ben Saddik: I am really not into video games and to be honest I don’t drink alcohol at all. It is all about the training!
PDG: What do you think of the nickname ‘The Moroccan Semmy Schilt’ being given to you?
Jamal Ben Saddik: I could not care less… I do not want to be compared with ANYONE. I am just ME, Jamal Ben Saddik. I have got my own style and I will walk my own way to the top!
PDG: Thanks for your time Jamal; is there anything else you would like to add?
Jamal Ben Saddik: No problem, thank you! I would like to especially thank my parents, my family, my friends, my couches, my sponsors and just everyone out there who believed in me and has supported me all the way!!
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