By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Choi Hong-man has not fought in the ring since a tap out to Fedor Emelianenko of Russia on Dec. 31.
The 27-year-old giant, who stands 2.18 meters tall, had brain surgery in June after getting a controversial exemption from military service.
However, Choi does not seem stressed about facing up-and-coming fighter Badr Hari of Morocco in his comeback bout at the K-1 World Grand Prix Final 16 in Seoul on Sept. 27.
``I maintain the best conditioning now. Since the operation, I have continued training, helpful in losing weight,'' said Choi, who weighs 146 kilograms.
``I built up my power while rehabilitating, and I feel powered up for real.
``When I watched others fighting, I really wanted to step into the ring.''
Hari, 23, is a young but strong contender. The two-time defending heavyweight champion, who entered K-1 in 2005, is 10-3 with nine knockouts and floored heavyweights, including Ray Sefo of New Zealand and Glaube Feitosa of Brazil, in the first round during three straight fights.
``He is a great fighter, but I will be different from those who fell in the opening round,'' said Choi, a native of Jeju Island who recently had his surname tattooed on his left arm.
``Having a bout at home puts me in an edge, but irrespective of the result, I am going to show how well I have improved.''
Recently, Hari, the Moroccan-Dutch fighter who is known for vituperating rivals, called Choi ``just big and heavy.''
He said Choi is a much easier fighter to beat than 2.12-meter Dutchman Semmy Schilt, who has won the World Grand Prix three straight times.
``I don't care about what he says. Everything will be proved in the ring,'' said Choi, who flew to Japan Saturday to prepare for the Sept. 27 fight.
``I will slay him with a haymaker.''
Choi, nicknamed ``Techno Goliath,'' has set his eye on topping K-1 next year.
``It is realistically tough to win the championship this year due to a long absence from the ring, and I am looking forward to next year,'' he said.