Simon Marcus will take on Joe Schilling this upcoming Saturday at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI. The fight is a highly anticipated re-match to their February 25th bout, which Marcus won via (T)KO. Simon took some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority regarding the upcoming bout with Schilling. MTA: You recently fought two opponents in China, not in a tournament format, but you literally faced two different fighters in one night with you being the only fight for each. How was that experience?
Simon: It was a unique challenge and I really enjoyed it. I wanted to win both my fights without taking damage or getting hurt and I did so successfully. Also I tried a few different things so the fight's were not as exciting as most of mine but I got both victories none the less.
MTA: You recently spent time training in Thailand where you also fought and defeated Kaoklai for the WMPF world title. How was your training in Thailand?
Simon: I actually only trained for two day's before the fight and it was really hot to say the least.
MTA: In a few days the re-match with Joe Schilling will take place. Are you approaching this fight any differently than your first encounter?
Simon: No, I am not approaching this fight differently. I am going to Vegas to win and that is my approach, which is the same as the first encounter.
MTA: You have had three fights since the first fight, while Joe has had none. Do you think having remained active serves as an advantage for you?
Simon: Yes I do. Reason being without much down time I have been training steadily and focused keeping my techniques sharp and my cardio and strength are now peeking as I had planned. Also I have been able to avoid injury so I will be 100% ready for my fight with Schilling.
MTA: Schilling protested the result of the first fight, ultimately having his appeal denied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Do you feel this re-match is necessary, you didn't seem to hesitate accepting it when it was offered to you?
Simon: I dont think the rematch is completely necessary. However, as a fighter if I defeat an opponent and he still has a doubt in his mind as to who is the better fighter I have no problems accepting his challenge and proving it to him once again. Also many fans wanted to see the rematch and I want to give the people who support the sport what they want to see. Not to mention I didn't get the chance to do a lot of things I wanted to in the first fight.
MTA: Last time the crowd was clearly on Schilling’s side, boos poured when you walked out but you seemed to feed off of it. Are you expecting the same kind of reception this time around or do you think you might have made a few more fans after your first win?
Simon: I’m not sure how the crowd will react to me but it is far from my concern when I am in the ring. I plan to give them a good show and make sure they get their money's worth.
MTA: Last time there was a few people, most probably drunk who were yelling at you after you had won the fight and you were back in your corner. What is going through your mind when you see these people who are not trained fighters such as yourself talking and yelling insults at you?
Simon: I try not to pay too much attention to those people because anyone can yell and talk trash when their in a big crowd of people. But I believe the real Muay Thai fans will show respect to me regardless of who they were cheering for.
MTA: At the end of the last fight it seemed you were walking to pay your respect to Joe's corner and when you walked by him you extended your hand to him and he got upset, turned and made a move towards you, but the ring officials were able to intervene.. Was anything said in that moment or what was the reasoning behind that?
Simon: After the fight I went to show my respect to Joe and he walked away so I taped him on the stomach with my hand and I guess he didn’t like it so he turned around looking upset. Nothing was said though.
MTA: It seems last time there was a lot of verbal jabs from Schilling leading up to the fight. This time around it seems things have been pretty quiet, why do you think?
Simon: I think Joe doesn’t want to eat his words and face all that embarrassment again.
MTA: The winner of this fight is set to fight Artem Levin in June for the WBC world title. How important is it for you to earn that title shot?
Simon: Once I step in the ring it is all the matters in my world. For me I dont just fight to compete at the top level but to be the best. This fight gives me the opportunity to prove that to myself and the world so it is of very great importance to me.
MTA: How is the fight going to go this time around, same result as last time?
Simon: I will win the fight probably by knock out. But there will be no doubt who is the better fighter.
MTA: Any words for your supporters Simon?
Simon: I want to thank everyone who supports me and who supports Muay Thai and Thai culture. I will never stop improving as a fighter and as a martial artist, and continue to show the world what an authentic traditional Muay Thai Champion is. I also hope to be a model athlete that proves when you believe in yourself nobody can stop you.
Simon: I try not to pay too much attention to those people because anyone can yell and talk trash when their in a big crowd of people. But I believe the real Muay Thai fans will show respect to me regardless of who they were cheering for.
MTA: At the end of the last fight it seemed you were walking to pay your respect to Joe's corner and when you walked by him you extended your hand to him and he got upset, turned and made a move towards you, but the ring officials were able to intervene.. Was anything said in that moment or what was the reasoning behind that?
Simon: After the fight I went to show my respect to Joe and he walked away so I taped him on the stomach with my hand and I guess he didn’t like it so he turned around looking upset. Nothing was said though.
MTA: It seems last time there was a lot of verbal jabs from Schilling leading up to the fight. This time around it seems things have been pretty quiet, why do you think?
Simon: I think Joe doesn’t want to eat his words and face all that embarrassment again.
MTA: The winner of this fight is set to fight Artem Levin in June for the WBC world title. How important is it for you to earn that title shot?
Simon: Once I step in the ring it is all the matters in my world. For me I dont just fight to compete at the top level but to be the best. This fight gives me the opportunity to prove that to myself and the world so it is of very great importance to me.
MTA: How is the fight going to go this time around, same result as last time?
Simon: I will win the fight probably by knock out. But there will be no doubt who is the better fighter.
MTA: Any words for your supporters Simon?
Simon: I want to thank everyone who supports me and who supports Muay Thai and Thai culture. I will never stop improving as a fighter and as a martial artist, and continue to show the world what an authentic traditional Muay Thai Champion is. I also hope to be a model athlete that proves when you believe in yourself nobody can stop you.
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