Idman.biz
"When I came to Thailand, the weather conditions were very difficult, and I had difficulty breathing."
These words were said by Azerbaijani kickboxer Nihad Taghizade, who currently lives in Thailand, in an interview with AZERTAC.
We present that interview.
- How is the training process going in Thailand? What are the differences in the training system there?
- Training is held twice a day, in the morning and evening. The trainings are hard, but I have been doing this sport for 12 years. The body is already used to this rhythm.
- You have been there for three months now. What has been the most difficult for you during this time? Fights, training, or adaptation?
- When I first came, the weather conditions were very difficult, and I had difficulty breathing. But when it comes to fighting and training, we are already in this sport, we are ready for any difficulty. I think that no matter how painful it is, waving the Azerbaijani Flag on the other side of the ocean and working towards such goals makes you forget all the difficulties. We are currently training in Thailand at our own expense. We do not have any financial support. This creates certain difficulties in terms of staying here and continuing training.
- You have had three fights and won each of them. Did you expect such results from yourself? In general, how do you assess your performance?
- Yes, I already have three fights and three wins. Two of them ended in knockouts. After so much hard work, I think we deserve the victory. Although we are abroad, people's support on social networks gives us extra motivation.
- What tactics worked in the fights you won by knockout?
- I used my hands more. But I must note that my leg kicks are also strong enough.
- What was it like fighting Thai fighters? What features of them surprised you?
- Thai athletes have been in this sport since childhood. Gloves and equipment have become toys for them. They grow up in gyms. They are very calm and patient in battle. No matter how many blows they take, even if they fall to the ground, they immediately get up and continue fighting. These features surprised me.
- What are your future plans? Will you continue to stay in Thailand or will you return to Azerbaijan?
- I am still in Thailand and there are fights ahead. As always, I am ready for the fights. My plan is to get a license to participate in the "ONE Championship" organization. I am moving towards that goal and I believe that I will soon wave the Azerbaijani flag in that ring as well.
- What are the main differences between the fighting sports systems in Azerbaijan and Thailand?
- The main difference is that in Thailand they work more on endurance and strength. This makes them more physically resilient. But I think that our athletes are in no way inferior to them.
