GLORY Matchmaker Cor Hemmers has compared the upcoming Rico Verhoeven vs. Badr Hari ‘Collision’ to mega boxing rivalry Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier.
The GLORY Collision pay-per-view event; to be streamed on UFC.tv, will be GLORY Kickboxing’s biggest showcase to-date, with 14 fights spread over the GLORY 36, SuperFight Series and Collision cards at König-Pilsener-Arena.
Speaking exclusively to MMA Plus in the lead up to GLORY Collision on December 10, Hemmers gave his distinct thoughts on the monumental Rico vs. Badr match-up.
As the matchmaker of GLORY, Hemmers was hugely influential in bringing the coveted Verhoeven, Hari bout to fruition. A staple figure of the kickboxing scene since the 80s, Hemmers has lived through the sport’s fluctuating growth. From GLORY’s humble beginnings, the promotion now enjoys a great broadcast partnership with ESPN as well as an ever-budding relationship with the UFC.
Verhoeven vs. Hari presents arguably the first time in the promotion’s history where a headline fight such as Verhoeven and Hari has merited a PPV moniker, something which Hemmers much likens to the build of 1971’s classic boxing feud, Ali vs. Fraizer.
“You can compare this fight for kickboxing to what the fight of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier was for boxing. A fight where you watched at night with your parents.
“Also this fight like that of Ali has controversial storylines. Ali had his title declined in 1967 and gained a controversial reputation by not fulfilling military service. He converted to Islam and he could not compete with the Champion for a while, even thought everybody wanted to see it. Then finally he was given the chance in 1971.
“This fight between Badr Hari and Rico Verhoeven will be no different. Badr Hari because of his character, quotes and private circumstances has become a well known and often controversial person next to the sport. This fight will certainly attract the attention of many interested people, media and followers that are not a fan or unfamiliar with the sport, in principle.”
Comparing the styles of “The King of Kickboxing” and “Golden Boy,” Hemmers explained the necessity of Hari’s 88% knockout credibility against Verhoeven’s impressive conditioning.
“Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages. Badr is a fighter who is going for the knockout. This is spectacular for the fans but also hold risks.
“Rico is more a strategist and technician, he takes fewer risks than Badr and this makes it difficult to enforce a knockout win but because of that it is also difficult to defeat him. He is always in excellent condition and he will do everything to achieve that. Fitness, technique and his strategic insight and analysis are his strong weapons.
“Although Rico decided most of his fights on decision, he nevertheless has a knockout power when the timing is right.
“If I balance the two athletes against each other at this time I say it is an open fight with a small advantage for Rico Verhoeven on paper. Why? Because Rico Verhoeven at the moment has more fighting rhythm.”
With such expectation surrounding the big Collision contest, the intrigue has encompassed whether or not Badr will be able to utilise his knockout prowess against the technically savvy style of Verhoeven. It has proposed an almost paradoxical ‘what if’ question which has left many unable to predict their winner for Saturday night.
Despite the misconception that Hari’s only chance is to capitalise on Verhoeven early, Hemmers claimed not to count Badr out if the fight escapes the opening round.
“I think that even though Rico is the more strategical fighter, his power is still underestimated. Therefore, the most dangerous situation for Badr can be when Rico dares to take more risks and [decides to take] the initiative.
“If Badr get tired this will work as an advantage for Rico. Although Badr remains dangerous until the last moment and has that fighting character, it could be detrimental to his timing and stamina.
“We have seen in the past that Badr can impose tremendous mental and physical pressure to his opponent; such as in the fight against Sem Schilt. This pressure can take away a lot of cardio and confidence of the opponent.
“Badr takes risks, and can also process a down and come back surprisingly (like her did against Zimmerman).”
Oberhausen, Germany will host Saturday night’s epic match-up, a fight which has been almost a decade in a making. With huge stakes on the line, Hemmers firmly maintains that the Collision PPV – through the stardom of Rico and Badr – could help solidify the sport of kickboxing to a whole new generation of fans.
“The fight will certainly be an inspiration for all potential new young practitioners of the sport. It will show the greatness of the sport, the attraction and publicity around it. The financial opportunities to become successful and be a star.
“It may sound strange considering the different styles but I don’t think this fight will go the full rounds. In my prediction the fight will end by a knockout from either athlete. Who will be the strongest fighter in balance we will see on December 10th in ‘GLORY Collision’ where the two absolute greats of kickboxing of recent years will meet.”
