The “ High Tower from Holland ” who is scheduled to fight Mark “Hammer” Hunt on a K-1 card on April the 13 th in Yokohama, Japan-- has a plan to make it four in a row for 2008. He has pretty much taken the lease-hold title he had into a free-hold by winning a three-in-row of finals, on the K-1 GP in Japan.

Enter Mark Hunt who's had a lengthy lay off, especially in stand up fighting would be in for a rough ride against the reigning champion, if the fight goes ahead mid in April as planned. It's been a lengthy hibernation, where he was scheduled to be the guest commentator for the recently scheduled KO World Series in Auckland , but couldn't due to the birth of his first child.

Just coming off as a newly wed, and expecting to be a father very shortly; Schilt was in high spirits- When ROGUE contacted him he was quietly confident of 2008 and as usual reserved (most of) his talking for the ring. Given that several key MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) organisations and the newly formed KO World Series, whose marquee fighter Alexei Ignashov has Sem as a priority, we could see more fireworks come from team Golden Glory.

Besides Mark Hunt, which some critics have argued as Schilt having little or no opposition in a stand up bout- the question can be begged: what about in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)? Since Schilts and the Golden Glory camp had a successful outing in Serbia last year.

That would be a worthwhile proposition for everybody, having said that a long list of contenders would have to be by-passed by Hunt, unless the Japanese (or Dutch) TV networks can have their way. The reaction from the Dutch camp and K-1 insiders is that to be the case. Hunt is a revered combatant, and his street worthy style is a ratings harvest. This would mean a record fight purse be set for both men. So for starters it will be stand up and then who knows? Last we heard, Hunt and Semmy were in the very high end for Kick Boxers- this fight will be no different. So it will be stand up under K-1 rules and who knows a no holds barred fight could be in the pipeline!

In an era where guys like Kimbo Slice and Tank Abbot (don't forget Bob Sapp) are marketed as “street-certified” and “Beastly” destroyers, we will run out of superlatives to describe Schilts V Hunt. Maybe “World Trade Centre” and “King Kong” would do the trick. We doubt in any case that would be necessary. It's nice to see bonafide fighters in the industry, be it “street certified” or not, stand up for the stand up game.

At this stage the Schilt Vs Hunt is to be confirmed and from what the Dutchman and his camp told ROGUE, they are ready for it any time, let alone in April. The month of April is not far away (especially April 1 st ), and a fight of this magnitude will probably measure a good 7 points on the recta scale. That would mean a strong enough media campaign to create interest. What's more the suggestion is that the fight be for the K-1 super heavy weight title belt. So FEG please feel free to quote us in your ad campaign and maybe in the process ROGUE can score some free-bees.

With K-1 and their ratings lagging to the rival code of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) led by the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), this bout needs to get all the hype in the world. Don't forget-- K-1 is no UFC, but at the moment there is no doubting that Schilts is the Fedor of stand up but Hunt isn't quite a Dan Henderson or a Chuck Liddell- (just at the moment) given his lengthy lay off. However he is the “Hammer” and one swing of it could mean the nail driven deep into the coffin.

That being said- it's hard to see a single swing of the “Hammer” ending an era of invincibility. Rome wasn't built in a day, even though Gotham city was frozen with one spray. That however is history and fantasy respectively- when the High Tower is on song he is unstoppable. Just like Robocop always won end of the day…

Q .Do you think there is anyone out there who can beat you in the K-1 or Stand Up?

A: Every fight is a fight anything can happen. I will take every fight serious!

Q. What is your preparation against Mark Hunt like (he is rumoured to fight you), usual program or anything different?

A: I do not know I was fighting Hunt, am I? (HA HA HA) I am only kidding, yeah I am ready and I always stay ready- so let's fight!

Q. What about a re-match with Alexei Ignashov someday? Maybe in K-1?

A: Ignashov is just another opponent for me, yes I lost to him I walked into a punch. It can happen to anybody. Its not that I think I can not beat him. It is up to the promoters to make that fight happen. I will, fight!

Q. Some critics argue you are somewhat one dimensional and robotic, it is very effective and brutal nonetheless, what have you got to say about it and to these critics?

A: I said that before if they like to watch super action go rent a rocky movie. I showed spinning back kicks and even a spinning kick to the head against Feitosa, I show good combinations and I am always fit. I can understand the frustration that some people have, that's their problem. I am still improving my fighting style and still learning. What works for me works for me!

Q. You are an in demand name, and will we see you more and more in MMA? Perhaps fighting Fedor?

A: I have no problem fighting him again but i need three months preparation, when i was fighting in pride I also fought in K-1 and I found it difficult to change styles all the time!

Q. Four-in-a row at the K-1? What are your thoughts on that please?

A: I will go for that and more, I am motivated, just got married and I will be father soon, never felt this great!

Q. Finally anything new this year and any message to all your fans?

A: I will continue what I do best, that's fighting keep supporting me and I wish everybody health and good luck!

All pictures Courtesy of Team Golden Glory and Bas Boon ©