Michele Mastromatteo on the hunt for the IKBO world title: “To win you need to be strong in your head”

A great chance: to win the IKBO world title. Michele Mastromatteo will have this opportunity tomorrow, at the most awaited event in Italy by lovers of Thai Boxing and Muay Thai: Thai Boxing Mania, at the Pala Gianni Asti (ex PalaRuffini) in Turin. Reigning European Thai Boxing Champion with the title won in France in October 2021, Michele is one of the Italian fighters best known in the world, eighth in the WBC world ranking, category 90 kilograms: in his showcase there are already many Italian championships, the European Muay Thai heavyweight title (in 2016) and the ISKA World Vice-Champion title obtained in 2014: “I am happy to be back to fight in the home ring. It is the seventh time in my career at Thai Boxing Mania and in the past six editions, I have always won. I want to continue this positive streak“.

This year, however, more effort will be needed.

“It’s true: a four-way tournament was structured to win the IKBO world title. Two semifinals and, for those who win, the chance to become champion in the final. All in one night “.

What difficulties will arise in a mini-tournament of this type?

“Certainly the physical effort will be considerable. We will open the evening with the first two matches while the final will be closing: in that interval, the pains will be felt. It will be essential to recover your strength to give your best in the most important meeting “.

What tactic should be adopted in these situations?

“I think it will be useful to preserve the legs in the first match. The ideal would be to win on points without suffering particularly heavy blows. But at the same time we won’t have to hold back: the semifinal is by no means taken for granted ”.

Come to this challenge as a European champion.

“Triumphing in France against the title holder, Fabien Fouquet, was very important, not only for the recognition obtained but also for the conviction in my means. It is not easy to win by points against an opponent who plays at home in a match over five shots ”.

How are these appointments physically prepared?

“Constant and complete training: weights, explosive strength, running, athletics in addition to the ring with specific exercises on fighting technique and match simulations. In periods of maximum intensity, I happen to carry out 9 workouts a week “.

“And many sacrifices. My coach and my athletic trainer try to vary the work as much as possible to make the days dynamic. We alternate athletic, technical and tactical training, weeks of loading and weeks of unloading “.

Thai Boxing is not just physical.

“Mental preparation is essential: to win you have to be strong in the head. I do not collaborate with any mental coach currently: my ability to focus on the goal to be achieved, at this moment, is at the top. Instead I took some lessons to improve breathing ”.

Another aspect to consider is the power supply.

“With training and activity in the ring, we constantly lose weight. A correct diet and effective hydration are therefore essential. I relied on a nutritionist whom I rely on blindly. Furthermore, we must not forget that, before each meeting, there is a weight measurement. We must therefore remain within the right parameters ”.

How was this passion born in you?

“I accompanied a friend to the gym when I was 17. In the first three years I combined the activity in the ring with football: I played in attack, I was a bomber. Then from the age of 20 I seriously dedicated myself to Thai Boxing, starting with boxing which is the basis of the sport I practice now ”.

Are you ever afraid when you step into the ring?

“I try to transform fear into energy. During the fight you have to be lucid, without being overwhelmed by emotions. In the beginning it is not easy. Experience helps. Each athlete experiences these sensations in a personal way: I begin to feel the tension on the day of the weight test. Then it becomes pure adrenaline ”.

Why would you recommend trying this sport?

“Because it increases self-esteem, security and is a self-defense tool. There are no age limits: I train children of 5 years and adults of 50. It is used to keep fit ”.

Personally, however, what did it do you?

“I grew up mentally and as a person. I have learned to never give up and to react to adversity. And then, over time, I have also become a good cashier “. She concludes laughing.