http://www.vecernji-list.hr/newsroom...23247/index.do
Free translation
We thought that we will meet the serious face expressions of someone approaching the very important moment in his career. However, Mirko was in very good mood this evening. Making his usual jokes all the time, he also said this:
"I feel very good, I really feel like fight with someone." Luckily, there wasn't any serious sparing today. He was only training with his old partner Igor Pokrajac, who looks great - his skin is darker, like some Brasilian. Mirko will have an opportunity for a real fight next Sunday. The biggest challenge in his career is waiting for him in Saitama Arena, in the same arena where final match for the basketball championship was played. 4-men tournament for the crown of the absolute world champion.
"Each next fight is the most important, but this is the tournament with the biggest ante. If I want to win, I'll have to beat 2 extremely dangerous and powerful opponents in only two hours. First Silva, then winner of Nog/Barnett fight." By the opinion of Mirko's manager Zvonimir Lucic, Mirko has to fight the meanest opponent, extremely wild Wanderlei Silva.
"Silva likes to make an impression that he is wild and agressive. The fact is that he is not afraid of anyone, but he will have to be very careful against me. When he pushes you in the corner, he starts swinging with the hooks. He can KO anyone while standing since he came from Thai boxing, but my opinion is that we are at the same level on the ground." - says Mirko.
Ex wrestler Davor Lukic, who is kinesitherapist from the "Ligament" ambulance, which Mirko visits on regular basis, says that Mirko never looked in the better shape (speaking of muscles shape, that is). It is also, the result of good work of his cardio trainer prof. dr. Igor Jukic, but also of doctor from Vinkovci (city in Croatia) Zeljko Kapulica who is Mirko's nutrician.
"Dr. Kapulica is taking care of my food, and Dr. Bucan is my guardian angel, he is taking care of my injuries. Kapulica is going with me in Tokio, and dr. Bucan will go to Las Vegas with me (Woot, CC is going to Las Vegas!)".
Before leaving for Tokio, the strongest Croat will have 2 more light training sessions. Both of them will be done in his great dojo in the basement of his house. There is something written on it's wall - Pride - the name of the organization whose belt he is after.
"I'm sticking to the old - "Pride or Die". And I won't let anyone step on my pride at Sunday."
