As a fan I hope Mark stays in there a little longer than what's been mentioned. I honestly think winning the 2001 K1 Japan final isn't the best and biggest win we're going to see from him should he continue to be in the circuit for a few more years. I'm honestly not just blurting this because he's my favorite fighter and local, but I truelly believe that he won't be giving the belt away without an all out war. And the guy can dig very deep when he really wants to.
I really hope Mark will evaluate his steps very carefully should he decide to chuck it in too soon. The guy is capable and very strong. WInning another final or two would set him up for life beautifully.
Honest guys, what is five or six hundred grand these days? Well probably a lot, if like me you don't have it. But what can you buy with it?
My cousin just re-financed his 3 bedroom Flat in Maroubra cause he had to buy his ex-wife out. Just an average looking older flat 30 years old and it's worth half a million dollars. At the same time, how many years of work would it take to save or pay of half a million dollars. Quite a few, probably 20 plus even if your on very good money.
Mark is up there at the moment. Wow World K1 Champion. Man, that is big. As a photographer, I watch most elite sportsman at the top in many fields with such admiration and envy. Not envy for the fame and money, but envy for what strengths they must have in both mind and heart. I imagine the sorts of qualities and talents one must posses to be at the top of any sport, but then to be at the top of a brutal fighting sport like K1, for that I believe these talents and qualities have to me multiplied ten fold.
When Mark does finish up, I hope that we see him set up for life. Another GP win or two could see him comfortably sitting on 3 or 4 great investment properties returning 5 or 6 hundred dollars a week each at least and doubling in value every 5 or 6 years That way he could enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for the rest of his life without ever having to do a job he mightn't like .
Anyway, perhaps non of this is important to Mark, but as I said, I'm just a fan that would love to see him living like he's at the top even when he's no longer fighting.