brutus
08-12-2008, 11:10 AM
Source ([Only registered and activated users can see links] ed_if_it_goes_to_the_Second_Round)
Last April, Po'ai Suganuma faced the then undefeated Jared Hamman in a meeting between two of the top young prospects in EliteXC's light heavyweight division. After landing a strong punch, Suganuma followed with a spectacular flying knee that floored his opponent; causing the referee to scramble across the cage and stop the fight. It took only 15 second for the bout to officially end, but the result was not without controversy.
While most agree that it appeared as though Suganuma scored a flash KO upon the impact of the knee, by the time the ref stopped the fight, Hamman seemed to have fully regained his senses.
ProElite.com caught up with Po'ai Suganuma to talk about this Friday's rematch at ShoXC, where he hopes to put to rest any controversy that may have tainted his first victory.
Q: Tell me your thoughts about the first fight with Jared.
Po'ai: I didn't really develop much of an opinion during that fight. There wasn't much to get from it. So I really don't know what to expect this next fight-- at least from my own experience.
It was quick, there was a lot of reaction. I think he was a little surprised that I was the first to attack. I think in most of his other fights, he is usually the initiator, so I think that threw him off. So this time I expect him to be a little more aggressive.
Q: What did you think about the ending, the controversy after the ref stoppage? Do you think the ref made the right decision?
Po'ai: When I was in the ring myself, I thought it was the right call by the referee. I knew Jared wasn't out, but he wouldn't have been able to defend himself.
Later on when I saw the video, I guess from a fan's perspective, he looked like he still had a chance. So I guess the referee could've let it go, but it don't think it would have made a difference in the result of the match.
Q: So how's training going? How are you feeling?
Po'ai: Great. We just got a new Muay Thai coach who used to be working with Chute Boxe for a long time. I've also been going to a boxing gym along with everything else at the Penn place. My punches are a lot stronger, my timing is better, the Jits is getting better. You know? I consider myself an infant in this sport and I plan on continuing to grow.
Q: What do you think is going to happen in this rematch between you and Hamman?
Po'ai: You never know what's going to happen, but I expect he's going to come in hard; and I'll be waiting for him. As arrogant as it is, I would be surprised if it goes to the second round just because I want to go in there and take it to him.
Q: This is somewhat of an obvious question, but how important is it to get the victory on ShoXC?
Poa'i: It's pretty important, but every fight is important. You can't take anybody lightly because you never know when it is going to come back and bite you in the ***. You know? Every fight is important, and every fight you gotta go hard and train hard for it.
Q: Any closing comments on your mind?
Po'ai: I wish I had some time, maybe another fight, before getting this rematch. But I'm glad this rematch is happening, so I can put to rest some of the controversial issues that came about from it.
Last April, Po'ai Suganuma faced the then undefeated Jared Hamman in a meeting between two of the top young prospects in EliteXC's light heavyweight division. After landing a strong punch, Suganuma followed with a spectacular flying knee that floored his opponent; causing the referee to scramble across the cage and stop the fight. It took only 15 second for the bout to officially end, but the result was not without controversy.
While most agree that it appeared as though Suganuma scored a flash KO upon the impact of the knee, by the time the ref stopped the fight, Hamman seemed to have fully regained his senses.
ProElite.com caught up with Po'ai Suganuma to talk about this Friday's rematch at ShoXC, where he hopes to put to rest any controversy that may have tainted his first victory.
Q: Tell me your thoughts about the first fight with Jared.
Po'ai: I didn't really develop much of an opinion during that fight. There wasn't much to get from it. So I really don't know what to expect this next fight-- at least from my own experience.
It was quick, there was a lot of reaction. I think he was a little surprised that I was the first to attack. I think in most of his other fights, he is usually the initiator, so I think that threw him off. So this time I expect him to be a little more aggressive.
Q: What did you think about the ending, the controversy after the ref stoppage? Do you think the ref made the right decision?
Po'ai: When I was in the ring myself, I thought it was the right call by the referee. I knew Jared wasn't out, but he wouldn't have been able to defend himself.
Later on when I saw the video, I guess from a fan's perspective, he looked like he still had a chance. So I guess the referee could've let it go, but it don't think it would have made a difference in the result of the match.
Q: So how's training going? How are you feeling?
Po'ai: Great. We just got a new Muay Thai coach who used to be working with Chute Boxe for a long time. I've also been going to a boxing gym along with everything else at the Penn place. My punches are a lot stronger, my timing is better, the Jits is getting better. You know? I consider myself an infant in this sport and I plan on continuing to grow.
Q: What do you think is going to happen in this rematch between you and Hamman?
Po'ai: You never know what's going to happen, but I expect he's going to come in hard; and I'll be waiting for him. As arrogant as it is, I would be surprised if it goes to the second round just because I want to go in there and take it to him.
Q: This is somewhat of an obvious question, but how important is it to get the victory on ShoXC?
Poa'i: It's pretty important, but every fight is important. You can't take anybody lightly because you never know when it is going to come back and bite you in the ***. You know? Every fight is important, and every fight you gotta go hard and train hard for it.
Q: Any closing comments on your mind?
Po'ai: I wish I had some time, maybe another fight, before getting this rematch. But I'm glad this rematch is happening, so I can put to rest some of the controversial issues that came about from it.