Xtreme Vale Todo 3! in Tamarindo

A tourist left the event and said," (it) was money well spent. What an event!”
Xtreme Vale Todo 3 took place at Le Beach Club, on 12 February. This event included not only a boxing show but also a mixed martial arts competition. The event brought sports lovers and the town of Tamarindo in general together, tourists included. Fighters from France, Canada, and Costa Rica attended the tournament, as well as some representatives of Female Boxing, such as Costa Rican boxer and World Champion, Hanna Gabriel. The main events on that Friday were the fights between Sivianny Chacón and Sebastien Garguier, from France, and between French Jeffrey Frachey and Johnny López. There were 12 more fights, including an exhibition fight between Canadian-born Chris Horodecki and Ferrid Kheder, from France.
For Tamarindo, the most exciting fight of the night was Thai’s, a long-time resident who is known by everybody. He was the most applauded Frenchman by the Ticos, and many considered him like the town's representative.
We interviewed him, and he told us how he lived this experience.

TN: What do you think about the attendance of boxers like Hanna Gabriel?
Thai: She attended the event to show her belt; her being there was very important because she is a leading sports figure. She and the most important boxers were in my corner helping me and encouraging me, including Donny Lalonde, an international boxing star.

TN: According to you, what was the most important fight?
Thai: All of them. The mixture of disciplines was quite interesting. It was like a fight between Ticos and French. I practically fought for Ticos because I am almost one of them. And they gave me even more support than to the opponent.

TN: How did you prepared for this competition?
Thai: It was difficult! It started 10 days earlier. I always train three hours a day. Quirós helped me for this event. He is one of the best coaches in Costa Rica. I trained with him for four days, from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We didn´t work much on strength because I am very strong but I am short man, and I have had to fight with tall men with low reach.

TN: Were you nervous after the defeat at Voodoo Lounge on 28 November 2009?
Thai: I had a lot of pressure back then. It was the first time that I had stepped into a boxing ring in 11 years. I had no structure. I went there with no help. I lost because I could not handle the pressure, and my opponent was the champion for Latin America. He was a 20 year-old… I am 40.

TN: How did you feel during this fight compared to the previous competition?
Thai: I stepped into the ring without pressure, with the people’s support and the champions’. I could not lose there. My mindset, my will, and showing that I was wrong the first time represented 70 percent of the triumph.

TN: Did you always feel the support of the people?
Thai: Yes! People's support was very important. I was the French, I had a Tico as my opponent, and I was the star of the night. It was incredible! I was filled with confidence. The support of the people was the best reward, the greatest gift.

TN: How did you live this fight? Describe it to me
Thai: I started the first round not as strong, loose. I wanted to work on my technique, and not to fight to kill. I touched him twice and that sped up my machine (laughs).

TN: When is the next fight, Thai?
Thai: On 17 April, probably at Le Beach Club, under the same organization of Christian de la Cruz and Jean Francois Billon.

TN: Were there any negative aspects in the event?
Thai: Two knocked out. I was afraid that they were unconscious. It's part of this sport, but I didn´t want anyone to get hurt. But overall, it was good, my people were there.

TN: What is your boxing experience in Costa Rica?
Thai: I have taught children of CEPIA Association, and did a summer camp with sports activities with them.

TN: What is your view of boxing, in general, in the lives of people?
Thai: Boxing saved my life. At one point, my life was difficult. Through boxing I found a better way of living. In my 40s, boxing gives me confidence and self-esteem. I have several wounds, but it is a reward for me to step into the ring at my age. I feel good!

TN: What is the difference between this sport and others?
Thai: Boxing is the only sport where you cannot fool anyone. Your manner cannot be hidden; your fear, if you have fear, can be seen through your eyes. This sport is transparent and your peers are highly respected.

TN: Were you scared?
Thai: No! I was so focused and did not want to disappoint the people there.

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg