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Finnish heavyweight Sami “The Bull” Elovaara (17-3, 11 KOs) has had what could be called an “up-and-down-career”, highlighted by a spirited challenge for the WBF title in 2003 against Richel Hersisia (L12), but later plagued by a couple of freak-incident losses, injuries and inactivity.
Since losing on a cut injury to American Sedrick Fields in 2003, Elovaara has only boxed three times, with three victories, but now seems to be injury-free and ready to aim for bigger things. Risum Boxing works with Elovaara on agent-basis, and this is a small Q & A with the man managed by Jaakko Helminen:
Q: You have had long breaks with no fights in 2004 and 2006. How come you haven’t been boxing in those periods?
Sami Elovaara: “I had a lot injuries for few years, and therefore I ran out of motivation for a while. You know, when you can’t train as you would like, it is frustrating. I started conditioning myself very carefully, and after months and months I got my sparks back.”
Q: Now you are back with two wins this year, what is the future plans for “The Bull”?
SE: “I’m ambitious. The plan is to get at least three fights before the end of this year, and after that I’m ready for bigger challenges. First ranked by the EBU, and after that…we will see!”
Q: Any specific goals you are aiming to reach?
SE: “First, I would like to get the Finnish title, which actually belongs to me. I have beaten all opponents at this level, and now they are avoiding me! Of course, after that, international titles are my goals.
Q: How do you see the current state of Finnish boxing in general?
SE: “Amin Asikainen, Juho Tolppola and Kai Kauramäki have proved that we do have a good international level, and of course TV channel mtv 3 have raised the general interest highly!”
Q: Give me your thoughts on the biggest name in Finnish boxing, former European middleweight champion Amin Asikainen?
SE: “He is a really likable guy, who made unbelievable work when he knocked out (Sebastian) Sylvester to win the European title, and he is continuing on that same level. A real fighter with a great heart.”
Q: You boxed for the WBF heavyweight title back in 2003 against Richel Hersisia. Hersisia had a fight promoted by Risum Boxing in 2005, so it would be interesting to get your oppinion of “The Dutch Sonny Liston”?
SE: “Good boxer, but very grudge style (sic). Our fight was full of action, and I would like to get a rematch. I hope one of us will win a title soon, so it could be a title fight!”
Q: Is Hersisia the best opponent you have boxed in the professionals?
SE: “It was 12 rounds with hard hitting, so on that perspective, yes.”
Q: Who is the best you fought as an amateur?
SE: “It was long ago, but in the Finnish championships and in international tournaments, I met many good names. I won the Finnish championship back in 1993.”
Q: In your next fight after Hersisia, you lost on an injury (cuts) to American Sedrick Fields. How was it for you to get your career back on track after two straight losses?
SE: “It was difficult, especially the Fields loss was a bitter one because I lost by cuts. But I’m back now, better than ever! This year two fights, two KO victories! So I’m ready!”
Q: Finally, are you the best heavyweight in Scandinavia?
SE: “No doubt about it!! I’m knocking out my opponents instead of badmouthing them!”
