Interview with Miguel Reyes (January 2002)

Miguel Reyes is one of the fighters competing in the upcoming K1 Middleweight tournament in Canada. Thanks to his manager Douglas Dickey for the interview.

Where were you born and how old are you?
I am 34 years old and was born in Central Mexico, I now live in the border town of Tijuana, Mexico.

When did you begin to study the martial arts and in what style?
I began when I was 10 years old in the style of Kung Do Lama and eventually moved into full-contact karate and kickboxing.

When was your first fight and what is your current record?
Wow, I had my first pro fight way back in 1985 because Mexico in those days had no amateur fighting whatsoever, only pro. I think my current record is 24 wins with 7 losses in kickboxing, but I've had pro boxing fights as well and tons of tournament karate type fights way back when I was younger.

Any titles or current rankings?
I was the Central American full-contact champion, North American champion of the IKBL and IKBO as well as the #2 world welterweight IKF contender.

Where do you train and do you have your own gym and stable of fighters?
I train out of my own gym in Tijuana Mexico and train a number of amateur and professional fighters as well. We specialize in kickboxing, Muay Thai and Vale Tudo.

Who have been some of your name opponents?
I have fought Danny Steele twice, William Syurpai twice, Vince Soberano, Scott Thorson twice, George Tsutsui, Fernando Calleros and a bunch of other people I can't think of off the top of my head.

Who's been the toughest out of that whole group?

By far and large, Danny Steele. When we fought a few years back it was in front of his hometown in Hawaii and he had something to prove. It was definitely his best fight in years. We went 10 tough rounds and beat the hell out of each other. He got the decision and we all went out to Hooters to celebrate afterwards. A true class gentleman is that Danny Steele.

Weren't you Ken Shamrock's stand up trainer for some 3 years or so? Are you still training him and his stable of fighters and will you be going to Japan with him for his upcoming fight with Don Frye?
Yes, I trained Ken and his fighters for 3 years, but have not heard from him since he closed his gym recently. I'm not really sure if he will call me for Japan or not.

With all that in mind, what is your current relationship with the Lion's Den?
Its neither good nor bad, I haven't heard a thing from anyone, so I just don't know.

You have an upcoming Vale Tudo fight at the end of this month in Mexico City, why risk it so close to the K-1?
There are all sorts of risks in sports and I'm just trying to explore all the open avenues in the martial arts as far as sports go. This gives me a chance to become the Vale Tudo champion of Mexico which is something I have aspired to become.

How do you feel about the chance to go to Canada and fight in the K-1?
I think it is a dream come true and I will train and fight 110% to win this event. I know that I am an underdog, but I shouldn't be taken lightly. I have a tremendous amount of experience, heart and knowledge and have what it takes to win.

Are you going to change your training regime or strategies for this fight?
Since I am able to train full time now and not be bothered by work, I have a few things I might just change.

Any training secrets you would like to share with us?
Not really, just run every day, sprints and explosive movements and keep myself in the gym with good sparring with some of the better known pro boxers here in Tijuana such as Erik Morales and my young cubs that are up and coming.

Is it true that you have gone to a shaman in order to kind of cast a spell on your opponents?
Of course, from where I come from, we still believe a lot in the supernatural. Its not a game and has really helped me out believe it or not.

What's the current situation like in Mexico in regards to the sports of kickboxing and Muay Thai?
Its not really promoted enough and there are not enough qualified trainers around at all. Also, in every city, some "master" wants to be the chief and that has caused all sorts of political chaos. This aside, we are progressing little by little. There's a new promoter here in town that promises to bring some Australians here to fight in March and in turn, take us to Australia to fight their best. If this works out, it should be a great blessing.

Anything else that you would like to say to your fans in Mexico and the US?
I would like to thank everyone for their support these last few years, especially, Steve Fossum, Dennis Warner, Scott Coker and Javier Mendez. I promise my fans that I am going into K-1 to wage war and that my opponents will all leave with a case of Montezuma's Revenge!