Currently a student at the University of Texas El Paso, Abraham Han is set to make his World Combat League debut on Saturday May 3rd for the New York Clash. Sliding into New York’s 164 pound slot Han, the criminal justice and psychology major, will open the show versus New Jersey’s Tom Grimmer.

An accomplished amateur boxer, Han is ranked number 8 at middleweight by the USA Boxing national governing body. Worldcombatleague.com caught up with Han to discuss his WCL debut, in ring strategy, and the advantages having a sister in the league.

Worldcombatleague.com: Tell us about your amateur boxing background?

Abraham Han: I have a big amateur boxing background. I just turned pro in December. As an amateur I’ve had over 120 fights.

WCL: Did you ever have any Olympic aspirations as an amateur?

Han: I tried out for the Olympics just before I turned pro. I didn’t win in the Olympics trials, I lost to Dominic Wade.

WCL: How to plan on using your boxing skills in the WCL?

Han: That’s a good question. It’s a different sport. It’s not boxing, it’s not kickboxing, and it’s a combination of both. The WCL is one round so you have to leave everything out on the line. My hands are key. I think the way to utilize it is look for the openings and hit the power shots when their open. Whoever gets that first clean shot is usually the one that wins.

WCL: How do you match-up with the Tigers’ 164 lb fighters?

Han: I saw them in the playoffs last month and overall I think I can stabilize them. I’m much quicker than them. Technique-wise I think I’m superior. I’m not trying to be conceited but I have a lot of experience. Whatever they show me, I’ll be ready for.

WCL: Is there any added pressure knowing that your fight is opening fight of the night?

Han: I don’t think so. I get to set the tempo. It’s going to be awesome that I get to start the fights. I didn’t even know this until right now. I’m excited. It’s going to be my first WCL fight so I want to come out with a bang. How many people get to say they get to start out in the playoffs? It’s a rare opportunity I have, so I’m going to try to make the most of it.

WCL: Did you switch anything up in your training for this fight?

Han: In boxing you have a lot of rounds you have to dictate the pace, you can’t over prepare yourself, and you need to conserve your energy for four or five rounds. The WCL is one round so I’m practicing a lot of sprints, burnouts, and hitting the bag nonstop. Its only three minutes so I can’t hold anything back. If you make one mistake it can cost you the fight because its only one round.

WCL: Your sister is Jennifer Han of the St. Louis Enforcers, has she offered you advice on the WCL at any recent family functions?

Han: Yeah, she talks to me a little bit, not in too much detail. She said if I fight hard I should be able to win. The Western Conference welterweights she said might be a little bit different because they have some really strong kickers, but in the Eastern Conference she said if I fight smart I should be able to limit my mistakes. She said it's intense. The crowd and all the screaming fans are electric. She said just stay calm, relax, and don’t let it get to you.

Tommy Messano
Reporter
wcl.tv or worldcombatleague.com