Hey Paul, Rico has always been really talented - and packed a decent punch. He trained with Kevin Barry alonside Masalino Masoe, Robbie Peden (from time to time) and Sean Sullivan among a few others - but since then has changed trainers (not sure who). He has always struggled to deliver against big time opponents. He has fought in Auckland many times and to be honest disappointed often - although winning / because of his power more often than not. For example almost lost to Norm Graham among others - Maybe he is finally pulling finger and getting fit - but the fact remains he doesn't seem to able able to pull out the big fights - against the Gurkans, the Russian for eg - he put on a good show and couldn't quite make the step up to the next level - love to see him do it but never quite enoiugh. Compared to a Zambidis he is not in the same class - Zam has taken the step up and succeeded in the big fights - which is my point as related to Gurkan ...

Sandy both fighters have always prefered Kickboxing rules rather than Thai Rules - neither has a history of enjoying the knees.

That fight against Chanpuek will be very dangerous for Gurkan - he can really kick that guy - I hope gurkan gets him ut of there early for the sake of his fight with Zam.

Good point about Zam's chin - yoy are right that will be the ultimate test. And it will be interesting to see how he fights backing up rather than moving forward which he does so well at 70 Kilos.

Sounds like it is going to be a huge fight - hope the crowd behaves with two sets of passionate fans.