It’s been just about six months since former GLORY welterweight champion Nieky Holzken lost his title to Cedric Doumbe at GLORY: COLLISION. And at GLORY 42 on Saturday, “The Natural” will get his shot at avenging that loss.
Holzken (90-12), 33, recently won a boxing match in April–a third-round TKO victory over Cagri Ermis, improving his record 12-0–but hasn’t stepped into the GLORY ring since losing the title to Doumbe back in December of last year. Meanwhile, Doumbe successfully defended the title against Yoann Kongolo at GLORY 39 in March. At the time, Holzken said he was rooting for his Doumbe to win so he would be able to face him for the title.
“Of course I wanted the rematch,” Holzken told MMA Plus via text message. “I want my belt back.”
As for dealing with the tough loss, which snapped his 12-fight winning streak in GLORY, Holzken said, “Yeah, it sucked, but there always comes a time for winning and for losing.”
Prior to the first fight with Doumbe, Holzken defeated Murthel Groenhart at GLORY 34 and jumped right into his fight camp for GLORY: COLLISION, which he said had a negative affect on him. This time around he said he will be “Stronger, sharper and more complete” when he steps into the ring at AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France on Saturday.
Holzken, who signed a new four-fight deal with GLORY in March, says he’s “very motivated” to get in the ring against Doumbe, who has become a bitter rival over the last year. However, the former champion won’t be hunting for the knock out, saying, “Winning is the most important thing.”
Should he prevail in Paris at GLORY 42, what would it mean to him to win back the GLORY title?
“Everything. It’s mine.”
