MTA: You recently defeated Aleide Lawant, how would you rate that fight for yourself?
Julie: I am over the moon to win this fight as it proved to everyone that the accidental head butt resulting in a no contest by Maria Bastastin in December was the only thing stopping me from winning the Enfusion Finals. I was so left not only scarred for life but hugely disappointed with what happened as I worked very hard for the opportunity of winning the $4000 prize. I do totally respect Aleide though who gave me the opportunity to prove the point and also for being an outstanding and strong opponent who remained dangerous throughout the 5 rounds. I would recommend any promoter to deal with Aleide and her team as they were truly professional throughout.
MTA: You beat Aleide, what is next for you?
Julie: I am now 14 x World Champion, so have got rid of the dreaded number 13 and it seems silly to keep striving for World titles/belts, obviously there are so many World Champions out there that I felt I had to unify as many as I could to stand out as the worlds best female fighter. Again it seems silly to have to keep on proving points, but that’s the nature of the game, if the money is good then I will keep proving myself. I would also of course like to continue in the MPL when it restarts and win the finals, hopefully against Valentina.
MTA: Miriam Nakamoto made it seem like you do not really want to fight her. She said the following about when she spoke to you and your husband in Long Beach: “I mentioned that we really should fight. Neither her or her husband seemed particularly enthused by the prospect”. What is your response to that?
Julie: It’s a totally false claim, I have always been open to challenge. My husband and I met Miriam in Los Angeles at the MPL and she challenged me. I shook hands and agreed that the fight should happen as it will be a great contest I’m sure. She seems very excitable and hot headed but seems to think that I need to beat her, yet it is the other way around realistically. In the past I have constantly paid or taken fights for free to prove myself as the best, now I am at the top of the tree, I need to be paid— simple as.
MTA: It seems there is some bad blood between Miriam and yourself where does that stem from?
Julie: I feel that enough people lie in the sport, promoters, orgs etc etc and when fighters start doing the same it makes me wonder if the sport is actually progressing (especially for women as we need to stick together). I can honestly say that Miriam’s trash talk (although disrespectful) doesn’t bother me as I have always answered my doubters inside the ring. The sport of Muaythai does need a character like Miriam and a little attitude can develop good interest in our fight so I do admire her for being herself even if she isn’t my “cup of tea” personally.
MTA: Aside from wanting to fight Miriam, is there anyone else you are currently interested in fighting?
Julie: I have openly said that now is the time for all challenges. I am 35 years old next month and moving on to different opportunities even though they are still Muaythai based. There are so many people with opinions on who can beat me, yet no-one has offered a challenge properly so I am left with the thought that they are just using my name and falsely challenging me unrealistically to gain media attention for themselves. I could lose my next 5 fights, yet will still be “Queen of Muaythai” as my career through sacrifices/hard graft and taking risks has earned me the name and not one fight so no fighter should expect to de-throne me through one performance. Alongside Miriam, Tainara Lisboa has openly challenged me, also Helene Garnett from the UK who many think can win inside the distance (which is typical of the UK, seeming I haven’t been hurt in 58 fights and Helene fights at 70kg). I would like to fight them all soon as my retirement is long overdue but the money has to be right as I am through with struggling in the sport. I hold all the aces now so come and get it girls.
MTA: You plan on doing some seminars in the near future; do you have any exact dates and locations for those?
Julie: I really enjoy doing seminars, our feedback has been amazing and we already have confirmed another 4 dates in the UK between April and June. My dream is to do a tour of seminars in Los Angeles during the summer. I will cover our flight costs through sponsorship but need 4-5 gyms confirmed. I would also like to train there and fight Miriam at the end of the week on a show if possible but I wont get involved with WBC again which I know Miriam wants, although their promotions are great and the belts are the nicest, they hold no great regard for their female champions which isn’t right. Hopefully a few gyms and a decent promoter can sort this.
MTA: Thanks for your time Julie, any words for your supporters?
Julie: Thank you so much for your continued support from the USA and I really hope to be back this year and meet many of you personally. From September I will be teaching in a boarding school as part of an elite Muaythai program where alongside a decent private school scholarship, children can also train 2 x per day with me to become a World Champion under the Touchgloves regime in a new, fully equipped, purpose built Muaythai centre for those interested in private schooling and sports.”
No comments:
Post a Comment