Hamicha: Heir to the Throne

Seen by many as the heir to the Glory welterweight throne, the man born Mohamed Mezouari is set to compete this weekend at Glory “Collision 3.” It will be a quick turnaround, as he fought just six weeks ago at Glory 78, scoring a first-round knockout of Vedat Hoduk. After a few opponent changes, the 25-year-old will now face Samuel Dbili. Hamicha says it doesn’t matter who is in front of him; he is looking to make a statement, get the finish and earn his shot at the title.

Kickboxing is a way of life in Hamicha’s ancestral land of Morocco as well as for the Moroccan community in the Netherlands, where he was born. When he was young, his friends, family and other acquaintances were involved in the sport. Naturally, he became involved as well.

“I started kickboxing at the age of eight,” he told Sherdog “At that time in my neighborhood, the sport [of] kickboxing was very famous. All the other kids in my neighborhood were kickboxing and I have an older brother who was also kickboxing. I went with him to the gym and from that time I’ve been training and fighting.”

Hamicha has dedicated his life to kickboxing, but makes time to enjoy himself as well.

“Most of the time I just train,” he said. “I like to know more about the sport. I like to hang out with my friends and enjoy life a little bit.”

Kickboxing and Morocco go hand in hand like jiu jitsu and Brazil. When asked about the country’s affinity for the sport, Hamicha says it is in the spirit of Morocco’s people and points to former K-1 superstar Badr Hari, a fellow Dutchman of Moroccan descent and now a Glory stablemate, as an inspiration for many.

“I think Moroccans are like warriors. They like to fight. What keeps us close to kickboxing is Badr Hari. He wrote history. Everybody who looks up to Badr wants to achieve things like he did. He’s somebody that also grew up in the streets of Amsterdam, he did it. So, you know, it’s not only a dream, you can achieve your dream if you work hard for it.”

Hamicha and Glory “Collision 3”

Hamicha made a huge statement in his first three fights in Glory. No opponent has been able to last even two minutes with him. Going into “Collision 3,” he claims his training is going well and he feels ready to keep the show going.

“For me, I’m very motivated,” he said. “Directly after my fight I kept training. My training is going good, actually great. My weight is good and I am very motivated for this fight. I cannot wait for this fight.”

Glory “Collision 3” is exclusively available on pay-per-view and can only be purchased online at www.gloryfights.com. You can purchase and stream the pay-per-view for €19.99, £17.99 or US$24.99 from anywhere in the world.

After his win at Glory 78 a month and a half ago, Hamicha said he wanted to take a break, but he was offered a spot on “Collision 3” and took the fight. With a win, Hamicha thinks he will get a shot at the welterweight title.

“You know when they asked me about the title after my fight I said I wanted to enjoy my win and get a little bit of rest and that did not happen,” Hamicha said with a grin. “I have a fight on the 23rd and that fight is very important for me, when I win that fight then I want to rest and then we will negotiate a title fight.”

When asked if he promised to take a break this time, Hamicha said with a laugh, “This time, for real bro. It’s been a very long training camp for me.”

Glory’s current king at welterweight is Cedric Doumbe, but the Frenchman is rumored to be headed to MMA rather than keep his kickboxing throne. For Hamicha, it doesn’t matter whether Doumbe has the title or not. Hamicha wants to be the champ, doesn’t care whom he beats to get it, and holds no ill will.

“I wish him the best of luck in what he does,” he said. “For me the title is important. If he holds the title then the fight is going to be against him. If he doesn’t hold the title, I just want the title. That’s it for me.”

When asked about the recent recognition of kickboxing by the International Olympic Committee, Hamicha, is optimistic about what the Olympic Games can do for the sport of kickboxing.

“I think it will do great,” he said. “A lot of people around the world practice kickboxing. But it’s not like boxing and other sports in the Olympics. It needs to grow. And I think the Olympics is a really good platform to let kickboxing grow.”

As for why fans should tune in this weekend, Hamicha’s streak of three straight blistering knockouts should be enough reason by itself. Nonetheless, he is willing to promise fireworks.

“I’m motivated,” he said. “I come to win and I will do everything to win. I think this fight is going to be spectacular.”

Hamicha will fight Dbili ay Glory “Collision 3” on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the GelreDome in Arnhem, Netherlands. International fans can get the pay-per-view at gloryfights.com.