The German fighter, five times European champion, comes to this Rabat Premier League (April 6th-8th) as the World n°1. Winner in Salzburg and Rotterdam, he hopes to keep going in his golden way in Morocco. But he first aims the World title next autumn.

By Ludovic Mauchien in Rabat

Photos : K-photos

 How is it to be the World n°1 ?

(He laughs) I am back at the n°1 place and it’s great. It feels great. I see what I am supposed to be seen for a couple of years that I am one of the best fighters in my category. In Dubai, I cannot make the 1st place. In Rotterdam, it was a new game and I succeeded. Here, in Rabat, it will be a new competition and we will see what happen.

How do you feel before this tournament ?

I feel nice, I feel even great. I trained a lot and, hopefully, I would get the victory on Saturday. That’s my ambition.

What is your main ambition this year : The Europeans ? The Worlds ? The Olympic ranking ?

The Olympic ranking would be the first step I will make. But there is one title I miss, the World champion one. And this year, I would definitely like to get it. The ranking is nice but to get this World championship is one of my biggest step of my career. That’s why I want to get it.

Have you thought your preparation especially for the Worlds ?

Right now, I train twice a day, sometimes just once a day but, during this first half of the year, it’s more a question to get in shape and to look where I am and what I will have to do the next couple of months to get a second top of the year at the World championships. I will train harder and focus more on the Worlds. I have a good feeling. My mind is there, my body says we can do everything. I have no injuries. I am really optimistic to get this World title.