Being called out by Akebono, Bob Sapp accepts the rematch after 12 years. “I promise you that I will show everybody the new Bob Sapp”

—When did you get the offer
I got the offer about 3 to 4 month ago. The first contact was about if I was interested in fighting or not, or if I was completely retired. Then I got the official offer, without a specific opponent. It was around at the end of negotiations where Akebono was brought up to me as my opponent.

—Akebono would not fight on the card if his opponent is not Bob Sapp
That’s great that he was wanting a rematch. I felt his determination. And I feel that it is a great thing that he was provided with a stage where he can show his true passion. But I’m going to be there to stop all of that. I made the right choice by setting up fight camp in Thailand because of the Shoot Boxing rules, I will be able to utilize everything I have been working on.

—How would you describe the fight in 2003 in regards of your career
That fight was absolutely amazing. I got recognized all over the world after that fight. Making history, setting a record in Japan is a great feeling. It is hard for a foreigner to make it on the books in any country. That fight was definitely a fight which boosted my career.

—Akebono vs Bob Sapp looks like it has much more value than the actual fight
This fight card has some really simple storylines set up. First I’m going to beat Akebono again as the “Sumo killer”, and then there is the new comer Baruto. Which would lead to the Sumo killer vs Baruto. Even Akebono vs Baruto. That, I would love to see.

—Do you think you can bring back the Bob Sapp who was once the most popular fighter in Japan
Everybody is probably thinking if I can still move like I used to, if I can show the skills I had. I will show that on NYE. I’m working on new moves so I really want to show that. I can promise to show you the new Bob Sapp.

—Akebono has stayed active during the past 12 years. What do you think as a threat
I need to be careful of his punches. He’s so big, he can miss 30 times but if he lands 1, that could knock people out. Especially when he’s tired, because he has all of his weight behind his punches so I have to be careful not to eat those.

—Message to the fans
You will see the beast back on NYE. I will be able to use short range punches instead of long range shots. Get excited and knock yourselves out!