Exclusive Interview: ‘The Striking Queen’

 

The readers of FIGHT SPORTS are probably aware by now who Anissa Meksen is. We’ve featured a profile of “The Striking Queen” here, and published an article about Meksen’s journey to the world title here.

So let’s jump right into it.

 

FIGHT SPORTS: Right Champ, our readers already know a lot about you and your fighting career, but can you please elaborate on WHO Anissa Meksen is?

 

Meksen: Yeah sure. I’m a pro Kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter currently signed to ONE Championship.
I’ve been based in Phuket, Thailand for four years now, and train at the Phuket Fight Club gym.
Many journalists consider me the number one pound-for-pound female striker, and my goal is to confirm this at every fight, and to capture both the ONE Championship Muay Thai and Kickboxing world titles.
When I’m not training I’m a sneakers addict, and I love to chill on the beach and just enjoy my life with the simple things. I think this is key to a happy life.

 

Buakaw’s Got Nothing on Meksen!

 

FIGHT SPORTS: Awesome.
Most people consider you the pound-for-pound best female Kickboxer in the world, as you mentioned! How did it all start for you?

 

Meksen: I started training when I was 12 years old following my brother to the gym. Since day one my goal was to become the world champion!
I now have 18 world titles including 5 glory Kickboxing belts, the WPMF, WBC Muay Thai, WAKO, S1, A.F.S.O. and ISKA. To complete my collection I need ONE Championship belts!
All my life is dedicated to fighting: I train two times per day during my fight camp, and at least once per day when I haven’t got a fight booked.
For me it’s more than a job – it’s my life.

 

“The Striking Queen” YouTube Highlight.

 

FIGHT SPORTS: That is so cool.
What kind of disciplines do you practice these days?

 

Meksen: When it comes to training I prefer quality over quantity!
During fight camp I do boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai. I adapt my style according to my opponent and the rules.
Apart from the actual fight training, I also run, do Crossfit and lift weights to be in the best possible shape.
So during a week I train six days, twice each day.

 

 

FIGHT SPORTS: Training the Thai way: I like that. Takes a lot of determination and discipline which is definitely needed in your profession!
What do your friends and family think about your chosen career?

 

Meksen: All my family is proud of me.
At the gym they call me C18 like the cyborg in Dragon Ball: they say that they never see me get tired! I am though, I just don’t show it.
I really feel that I was born to fight, and born to be a fighter.

 

 

FIGHT SPORTS: Ha ha, okay C18.
I know you want the Kickboxing and Muay Thai world titles in ONE Championship, but how many years do you plan to continue?

 

Meksen: My goal is super clear: I want those two belts! I feel in the best shape of my life right now, and I don’t think I will want stop until I will feel that my performance is going down.
But for now I LOVE to train – love to have news challenges! This circle is my home !

 

FIGHT SPORTS: Awesome.
What are the biggest achievements in Kickboxing and Muay Thai you’ve experienced so far?

 

Meksen: Up until now my best memory is winning my first Glory Kickboxing championship belt in Madison Square Garden against Tiffany van Soest.
But definitely also when I beat Sofia Olofsson in Paris by technical knockout in the first round, and got myself another Glory Kickboxing world title. A lot of fan was there – that was amazing.

 

 

FIGHT SPORTS: That is great. The journey as a fighter has a lot of different rewards.
Have you thought about what you want to do when you retire from fighting?

 

Meksen: I don’t want think too much about my life after fighting, but I will most definitely make a world tour of seminars.

 

FIGHT SPORTS: I understand. That’s great. Being focused.
Anissa it has been an honor. Is there anything you’d like to say to the readers of FIGHT SPORTS, the fans around the world and maybe to your future opponents?

 

Meksen: Yeah sure. I’d like to thank ALL my fans around the world for all the support they are showing me – it really means a lot.

 

Meksen vs. Morales – full fight.

 

FIGHT SPORTS: Awesome. Champ everyone at FIGHT SPORTS wishes you the best in your career and good luck in your next fight.

Meksen: Merci.