THE MAN BEHIND THE POWER

08.03.06:European heavyweight contender Richel Hersisia, 31, today underwent shoulder surgery in Cologne, Germany. It is obviously too early to judge the success of the operation, performed by Dr. Peter Schaeferhoff, but sure enough the power-punching Dutchman with a fine record of 27-1 (21 KO’s) was feeling his share of nervousness during the last few days. Thus, he was more than happy to get the distraction of an interview, which shows us more about the man most only know from his impressive ring performances.

Q: Hi Richel, thanks for giving us the time to learn about you as a person, because this interview is going to be as much about yourself as it is about your views on boxing. The first question that is often asked, is why are you a boxer, why do you like this particular sport?

RH: Well, boxing is a nice sport, isn’t it? When I was a little boy back home on Curacao I liked watching boxing with my father on television. I was fascinated by boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard or Marvelous Marvin Hagler and it became a dream of mine to also become a professional boxer.

Q: You just mentioned Curacao, where you were born. What does Curacao mean for you?

RH: Like you said, it’s my homeland, it’s the country where I was born and that’s very important to me. I feel good when I’m there and the weather is always nice.

Q: So when did you come to the Netherlands? RH: I came to the Netherlands together with my mother and my brother when I was 13 years old – that’s almost 19 years ago now!   Q: Do you like the country and the people? RH: Yes, I certainly do because there are many more possibilities for people here than on Curacao. To move here gave me a chance to start boxing and I got the possibility to become a professional boxer in the Netherlands. Photo: Richel Hersisia relaxing during the Q&A.

Q: And where did you start out with boxing in the Netherlands?

RH: I was developed at the boxing gym Kristalijn in Den Haag. I started there at the age of 17.

Q: Now let’s get to the person Richel Hersisia more. What is the most important thing for you in life?

RH: Health and happiness are definitely most important to me.

Q: What kind of music do you gladly hear?

RH: I like to listen to rap and hip hop, like songs of 50 Cent or Dr. Dre. It really depends on which mood I’m in.

Q: Do you like to watch movies?

RH: Yes, I like watching action movies or thrillers the best. My favourite actors are Wesley Snipes, Al Pacino and Denzel Washington.

Q: And books? Do you like to read books?

RH: I used to, but unfortunately I don’t have enough time to really get into it like before I turned pro. But I would like to get back to it one day.

Q: What does family mean to you? And do you have any people that you admire in your private life?

RH: Oh, my family means everything to me. You can trust and depend on your family when you really need them. Outside of them, I admire people set out to make the best out of their life and who succeed, reach their goals.

Q: Do you cook? What is your speciality?

RH: Yeah, sometimes I cook, when I have the time. My speciality is Spaghetti Bolognese, which fits perfectly with boxing, doesn’t it?

Q: From your point of view, what are your strengths and what are your weaknesses?

RH: Well, my biggest strength is that I look at life in a positive way. And I’m somebody who doesn’t give up easily once I set a goal for myself. However, sometimes I can’t pull a line and that’s maybe a weakness. I always keep on going because I’m a perfectionist.

Q: Are there things you are afraid of?

RH: The only thing I’m really afraid of is that I get a serious disease. Can’t think of anything else…

Q: Imagine you had the power, what would you change in the world?

RH: It’s not realistic, but my priority would be that poor people would always have enough to eat, that nobody would starve on earth. And second, but equally important, that there would be peace all over the world.

Q: Let’s just go back to boxing now for a few questions. Which goals to do you have at this moment in your boxing career?

RH: I want to achieve all that is within my reach – what that will be, we will see. But it’s definitely a dream of mine to one day become European champion. Mind you, the Netherlands never had a European heavyweight champion! Anyway, I’m dreaming of a big and important fight and having signed a promotional agreement with Universum Box-Promotion, it will hopefully come soon.

Q: Universum have a bunch of good heavyweights and you may fight one of them soon. Is there anyone who you would rather not fight?

RH: No! In the ring, I will fight anyone, no exclusions.

Q: In your pro career, you probably boxed in more countries than any other current European contender did. Which trip was the best for you?

RH: That’s easy, my first fight in Curacao in 2002 was by far the best trip. After 15 years I came back to my homeland and did so having fullfilled my childhood dream of becoming a professional boxer. I fought for my first title, winning the WBA Fedecentro heavyweight crown. I left Curacao as a boy with a dream, came back as a man and was treated like a hero and was a champion when I left again. That was very, very special for me.

Q: Many thanks for sharing these insights with us and good luck in your coming fights!