On November 7, the worldâs number 1 kickboxing league, GLORY World Series, is presenting a Lightweight World Title bout between current champion, Davit Kiria of Georgia, and The Netherlandâs challenger, Robin van Roosmalen, at GLORY 18: Return to Glory.
What makes this title match particularly interesting is that the clash will complete a highly-anticipated Kiria vs. van Roosmalen trilogy, with the two previous meetings having gone in Robinâs favour. However the reigning champion is determined to not only retain his crown but also turn the royal tables on his adversary at the Grand Hotel and Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Leading into the battle GLORY declared: âWith the title belt now wrapped around his waist and the desire for revenge stronger than ever, Kiria (22-9 with 7 KOs) is double motivated to beat Van Roosmalen (32-6 with 19 KOs) on November 7. As for Van Roosmalen, the championship dream is on his mind morning, noon and night and he surely feels confident he will achieve it in Oklahoma.â
Davit, how has Ashihara Karate affected your style of kickboxing?
It makes me stronger and a hard worker. I never give up till the fight is finished; thatâs what karate gives me.
Have you trained with Sensei Suzuki in Japan or has all your Ashihara training been in Georgia?
I havenât trained with Sensei Suzuki, but I have trained with many Ashihara practitioners in Georgia, Russia, Holland and Germany. I have much experience in it.
What has been your favourite kickboxing victory, so far?
My favourite kickboxing match is my title fight. It is the greatest fight for me.
Where are you training for GLORY 18?
Iâm training in Holland with my team, Golden Glory Zuidlaren, with my Georgian and Dutch trainers and my sparing partners.
Who are your coaches and training partners?
My trainers are Dave Jokers and Bachuki Partsvania, and my sparring partner is Giorgi Khupenia. Here also for a few weeks is my good friend from Germany, Ardalan Shaikoslami, who is helping with my preparation.
Is it difficult to come up with a different game plan when you and Robin van Roosmalen both know each otherâs styles so well after having fought six rounds together?
I believe in my team, and Iâll be coming with a new game plan which will work out, I believe. I will show this on November 7. I learnt many things in the last two fights, so it will be better for me to fight against him again. Now I have the rematch and I am hungrier.
So you believe you have the secret formula to stop Robin on November 7?
Of course I believe it: I always believe in myself. When I have wanted something with all my heart and mind, I have always achieved it. And for November 7 both are saying âyesâ so itâs a definite yes.
Your prediction for Davit Kiria vs. Robin van Roosmalen?
I will winâŠIâm going for the win. Thatâs all I see it in my mind and in my dreams, so this is my prediction.
Your sponsors?
My sponsor is Daavision and I want to say thanks to them for sponsoring me; I am very happy for that.  And Nikco Sports Shoes are sponsors for my training equipment.
Davit, is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to say to my fans, friends and people who follow kickboxing and who actually support me: Be sure to watch the fight on November 7 at GLORY 18. There will be great things happening and, as always, I will be doing my very best to win for my dreams and to win for my future, for my friends, family and country⊠Osu.
By Marc Wickert for Knucklepit.comÂ
