Enriko Kehl Says ‘Mindset Of A Champion’ Keeps Him Among Best Kickboxers In The World
Enriko Kehl is ready to thrill fans once again in a massive clash between two of the best kickboxers in the world this Friday, 25 February.
The German star will face Tayfun Ozcan in a featherweight showdown at ONE: FULL CIRCLE, and while he expects the Dutch-Turkish striker to come out firing, he believes his own high-pressure style will be more than a match.
Both men thrive when they are moving forward and throwing combinations.
Kehl predicts their styles will result in an incredible showcase at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and he’s excited to try and break “Turbine” over the course of the fight.
“We are both good, technical fighters who can also go for high volume of technique and speed in the fight, but I don’t think he can take my pressure over three rounds. He’s also a good pressure fighter – he can make pressure, but we will see if he can handle it, or how long he can handle it.”
Enriko Kehl
The man known as “The Hurricane” has taken on the best kickboxers in the world for years, but he’s yet to square off against #5-ranked featherweight contender Ozcan.
Still, he’s very familiar with the Siam Gym man. He watched “Turbine’s” last bout against Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong closely, gleaning some insights from their tight three-round clash at ONE: FIRST STRIKE in October.
“I’ve known Tayfun already for a couple of years. I know his weaknesses and we are working on them. You also saw them in the fight against Sitthichai. What we trained and how we trained you will see in the fight.”
Enriko Kehl
No Looking Back For Enriko Kehl
Both competitors tasted defeat in the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix quarterfinals, but they’ll get a chance for redemption in Friday’s pivotal clash.
Tayfun Ozcan lost to Sitthichai via split decision, while Enriko Kehl suffered his first stoppage defeat in more than five years against hard-hitting Georgian Davit Kiria.
Still, the former K-1 Champion believes those setbacks will only make them better at ONE: FULL CIRCLE.
“We both lost the first fight in the tournament, but in this division there are no bad fighters. We were the eight best kickboxers in the world, so I don’t care if you win or you lose – you’re still at the top. We both made mistakes in our fights, but we worked hard on them and for sure we will be better for the next fight, especially me. I’m really looking forward to this fight.”
Enriko Kehl
Despite his debut loss, Kehl’s dream of claiming ONE Super Series gold has not been dented.
If you ask the confident 30-year-old, it will take more than a bump in the road to knock him off course, and he expects to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
“When I came out of the cage and went back to the hotel room, I went under the shower, washed myself off, and I was focused on the next one. I know I made a mistake, and it was clear for me, but it’s not in my head anymore. I will just focus on the next one. I think this is the mindset of a champion, and we are looking forward, we don’t look back.”
Enriko Kehl
