Amin Asikainen Interview

Photo: Danish-Boxing.dk

by Teddy Stenmark

23.02 - Finnish Middleweight fighters Amin Asikainen and Kai Kauramäki clashed for the Finnish title in what was probably the best fight of the card on February 15th in Helsnki. The 27-year old Amin proved to be the best of the two and naturally, I had to get a few words with the new champion.

Teddy: You just recently boxed a beautiful fight with your Finnish Rival, Kai Kauramäki in Helsinki and won it on points over ten rounds, was it the toughest fight of your life?

Amin: No, it wasn't. My toughest fights fought were as an amateur so far. It was a lot easier than I first thought. Kauramäki is always difficult to box against, because he's so tall. I prepared well for the fight and with the right tactics I didn't have any problems at all, although it was a tenrounder.

Teddy: You are now 4-0 as a pro, what will be your next move? Will you defend your Finnish belt?

Amin: Of course, if there is someone to box with, I would be happy. My manager/trainer (Pekka Mäki) is going to build me something to work for. There have been discussions with MSE (Modern Sports & Events). I hope that they liked my fight against Kauramäki. I'm already training to be in the ring again in April.

Teddy: Kauramäki is a couple of years older than you! Did you guys ever meet as amateurs?

Amin: Yes, we met once. It was at the Gee-Bee-tournament in Helsinki, about eight years ago. I lost that fight with only one point. I was 18 years old then.

Teddy: How many amateur fights did you have, how many Finnish amateur titles (Youth, Junior, Senior) did you win?

Amin: I have boxed 175 bouts with 135 wins, four senior titles and one as a junior. I have participated in two World Championships; Budapest -97 and in Houston -99. In Budapest I was in the place 5-8. Of course there have been many International tournaments that I've Participated in.

Teddy: I found you a very technical, precise type of fighter, which are your biggest assets as a fighter in your own opinion?

Amin: Just as you mentioned, the technique is the best weapon off mine. Not to forget my fast hands and good condition together with that tactical mind.

Teddy: Do you know when you are fighting next?

Amin: I have spoken with Pekka, and he told me sometime in April.

Teddy: At what age did you start boxing? What made you chose boxing?

Amin: At the age of 11! My best friend, Joni Turunen took me with him to the gym. Joni is boxing today as well! We have the same coach. First time we didn't have the guts to go in. We were outside, watching it from a window. But then the next time we went in.

Teddy: Do you have any role models as a boxer, some fighter/fighters out there that you truly like (style wise)?

Amin: Not really, but I liked Sugar Ray Leonard when he was active in boxing

Teddy: You are tied to the promotional team P3 boxing that get very little TV-coverage in Scandinavia, Could there be a change of that in the future?

Amin: You know what, I'm not tied with P3 Boxing the way you think. My manager Pekka Mäki is working for us, to find best possible solution into the future and P3 Boxing still have that deal with MTV3-Finland. But yes, there can be change of that if something comes up.

Teddy: Name a Scandinavian fighter that you really would like to fight!

Amin: I don't have anyone special in my mind. But maybe some big name, I'm ready for anyone. What can I say? I can make my weight (69 kilos). In that weight I'm at my best. I did give Kauramäki some advantage in this my last fight.

Teddy: Who are your closest friends in boxing?

Amin: There are a lot of them. But just to name two. Joni Turunen and Juho Tolppola (Pro)

Teddy: What's the name of your trainer?

Amin: Pekka Mäki

Teddy: Have you participated in any other Sports prior to your boxing career?

Amin: Yes I have! I've played some football. Our team from Kirkkonummi, reached Bronze-medal in Helsinki Cup, I think it was -93.

Teddy: What thoughts cross your mind just as you are about to enter the ring?

Amin: I'm so focused on my work there that basically I'm thinking just some
tactical stuff. That's it.

Teddy: What's your ambition as a boxer? What are you aiming at?

Amin: I'm working hard to be a European Champion. That's my main goal!

Teddy: You turned 27 years old in January, How long do you think you will stay in boxing?

Amin: As long as this is interesting and I'm going somewhere. Maybe five or six years!

Teddy: I know this isn't a question I should ask you, but I do it any way and you can pass it on to your promoter if you like! In my opinion there is too little activity in Finnish pro boxing (not enough cards), do you feel the same way and in that case, what should they do about that problem?

Amin: I also think that we have too few opportunities. Maybe promoters could do more cooperation with each other. Let their "own" boxers fight on some other promoters cards.

Teddy: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Do you come from a boxing family? Has anyone in the family boxed?

Amin: My father is from Morocco, but he lives in Denmark right now. Maybe once in a year I visit him in Herning. I have a half-brother, Jamil who lives in Finland and two sisters in Denmark. My family comes outside of boxing. I'm the first Boxer.

Teddy: What's your hobbies beside of boxing? Do you concentrate full-time on your career or do you have another job on the side parallel with your boxing career?

Amin: I play indoor bandy now and then. I have a girlfriend Minna at my side. We live together and we are planning to have some family in the near future. Let's see!! I'm also working as a doorman now and then. When I have time outside of boxing. So boxing is not my only income.

Teddy: Finally Amin, Who is the greatest Finnish boxer that ever lived in your opinion?

Amin: It has to be Olli Mäki. My first coach, he trained me my first year at the gym.