MTA: You are participating in the Muaythai Premier League which will offer a new type of league format on their events. What are your thoughts on the format?
Julie: This is the first tournament I have ever entered into. I am very honored to be invited to compete alongside the best of the best, whereas in the UK the top shows only usually feature regional fighters fighting for world titles because they can sell tickets. As a top fighter & promoter, Clifton knows who the top fighters are , what a fighters needs consist of and a lot of effort/headache has gone into the league tables, he needs to be applauded for what he has achieved with all this and I really hope to still be in the tournaments final stages to represent the UK as I always have done to the best of my abilities.
MTA: Last year you had to withdraw from a bout with Miriam Nakamoto after you suffered a cut during practice. Miriam made some comments that seemed to indicate the cut was an excuse to pull out of the fight. "I think she should've fought. My coach (Kirian Fitzgibbons) would've slapped some super glue on it and thrown my butt right back into (training) camp, end of story. He is a believer that there is always a way to work around injuries. He would've said, "Miriam put some tussin on it and walk that shit off." and on a side note, it really sucks for all of the people who made non refundable travel arrangements. I'm the one over here so I've heard about it first hand." What were your thoughts when you first read about these comments?
Julie: I have to admit to being upset about these comments when I first read them. I am well known for not pulling out of fights despite injury or illness and it is a fact that women struggle enough for recognition in muaythai without us being negative toward each other on top. The cut that I received wasn’t a bad cut but it was right in the middle of my forehead, it would have opened up with a jab or a glove rub. The blood wouldn’t bother me but some refs can be over-zealous when it comes to females getting cut and I didn’t want to risk it against an accomplished opponent who like myself loves to elbow. I would never let fans down purposely and to play on it was a little insensitive, but I guess Miriam was disappointed and she was venting anger at the time. I really can't see any trainer at that high level taking a risk and sending a fighter in for a world title with an obvious disadvantage and I'm glad that my trainer decided to abandon the match.
MTA: Miriam was supposed to be part of the Muaythai Premier League with you and now she has pulled out due to a knee injury. What are you thoughts on her withdrawal form the league?
Julie: Unfortunately injuries happen in contact sports and an ACL reconstruction is extremely serious, not so much in the operation but in building the strength and kicking confidence up in the gym afterwards. Its a long, tough haul and I wish her a speedy recovery. The pull out from the premier league at least proves that Miriam's trainer isn't as inhumane as she made out in her interview and has her best interests at heart. After all its not as if we fight for a massive purse to risk permanent damage.
I think a lot of people instantly believed that Miriam and myself would be finalists because we are extremely well promoted in the scene, but there is an amazing field of female talent in our category and I know I will have to be 100% on the day to beat any of them. I cannot rule out any name of making the final and I will take every opponent very seriously as they are all dangerous.
MTA: As far as a fight with Miriam, is that something you want, or could you care less if you ever fight her?
Julie: I always like a test and I perform better against top fighters, even though Miriam hasn’t got my experience in the ring. I respect her as a fighter and like her style of fighting so it would be a great fight. I wish a promoter would take us seriously enough to pay a decent purse, as no matter what happens in the league this is the best female fight in the world unless Germaine decides to compete under full rules. Fans do want to see this fight and with us both being WBC Champions, one of those diamond belts would be a nice goal for both of us to fight for.
MTA: When asked how the fight with you would have gone if it had happened she said "I have no idea. I do not predict anything when I fight, except that I will hurt anyone who is trying to hurt me and I will hurt them more than they hurt me, period." Can you tell us how you think a fight with Miriam Nakamoto would go?
Julie: I would never underestimate any opponent under muaythai rules, but at the moment I am no. 1 at my weight with a lot of experience and a lot of wins. I'm not recognized as a fighter who knocks opponents out, but I am extremely strong and I do know how to win bouts under pressure. If I get things right on the day then I strongly believe I am unbeatable, unfortunately, muaythai can never carry a 100% prediction.
MTA: You are set to fight Martina Jindrova on September 2nd. What are you thoughts on her as an opponent?
Julie: Martina is a very classy and strong opponent for me to fight, looking at her stats she has a great record and is usually heavier so will be strong in the clinch + with a big k1 and kickboxing background I am expecting good speed in her strikes. I watched her fight Valentina recently who didn’t let Martina get into a flow, but you can still see that she is very skillful. I will dig deep and pull out a win as I would be a bit disappointed to leave the league early on and miss out on competing in the lovely destinations on offer.
MTA: The next few months you will be kept busy with the Muaythai Premier League, what are you plan after the league's season is over? Is there anyone in particular you would like to fight?
Julie: I will continue fighting, but only if the money is right. I am always excited to enter the ring and until that feeling expires, I know I am still capable of competing at a high level, win, lose or draw. I have never avoided anyone so I'm always up for any challenges,but the promoters need to realize that I have worked hard and my opponents have a lot to gain by beating me.
I'm not a huge fan of the UK muaythai scene as it can be very sexist and everyone is a no. 1 fighter if they can sell 50 tickets. this often leaves a lot of decent fighters unrecognized on some of the bigger shows. However, I love the sport, my fan base and the positive messages that people in the UK and all over the world send me, it means so much to be an ambassador of the women's muaythai scene.
MTA: You have accomplished a lot throughout your career, is there anything that is left that you want to make sure you do before you hang up your gloves?
Julie: I have nothing more in the way of accomplishments and belts to gain and I feel that I don’t need to prove myself time and time again as no. 1 especially at 34 yrs old. In an ideal world I would like to follow in the footsteps of Gina Carano and make it into films and television or maybe do a tour of seminars in the USA, as I have always had some great feedback from my UK based seminars I do. There have been various presenting opportunities lately which I really enjoy doing and there are a lot of things on the go at the moment, all of which are very exciting with some amazing future prospects. I have also released the "JK muaythai" global app through the Apple store which has been exciting making and seeing live. I love the publicity of being a multiple World Champion. I have a brilliant team behind me with my husband/trainer Nathan, dietitian Jan Czerwinski, Breathe Unity Athlete Management, Publicist Rebecca Richardson and Product Sponsor RealFitReview.com and I would like to express my thanks as they have all contributed to help me be where I am today.
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