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Ken Shamrock: Thoughts On Tim Sylvia, Comeback
Reported By: Boxing Insider - 10.20.2003 02:07 AM
*************.com Interview with Ken Shamrock
*************.com: What are your thoughts on now former UFC Heavywieght champion Tim Sylvia testing positive for a banned substance?
Ken Shamrock: It was a shock to hear that he tested positive because he looks like a naturally big kid. He's blessed with height, reach and strength. I was surprised when I heard about it, but the bottom line is: he used steroids and he got caught!
*************.com: Do you think that steroids are a problem in Mixed Martial Arts?
Ken Shamrock: Steroids are a problem in the world – period! They're not only a problem in Mixed Martial Arts; they're a problem in every other sport out there. Unfortunately, they have not been able to control steroids and make testing consistent for all athletes. There are some people who are able to get away with it, and they are at an advantage compared to someone who never uses them -- without a doubt.
*************.com: The Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioned him to a $7,500 fine and a four month suspension. Prior to the decision, he gave up the title. Do you think it was a fair ruling by the Commission?
Ken Shamrock: I think it was fair. In a situation like that it's hard. You know, as I know, that steroids are a problem in every sport. People still use steroids. Some athletes get away with using them and some get caught. It's a shame that there isn't a way to test everybody and even the playing field.
As for the decision, Tim Sylvia got caught. Because MMA is so new, there are no well established guidelines as to what the punishment should be. With boxer, Fernando Vargas, who also got caught, he received a higher fine. Of course, in boxing they make more money, they've been around a lot longer, and they have previous rulings established. The NFL, MLB, and the NBA, they have their own guidelines established. Right now, the Mixed Martial Arts is trying to establish guidelines and rules so that the competition is fair for everybody. With those factors in mind, I think the punishment he received was fair.
*************.com: If you were advising Tim Sylvia, what would you tell him to do now?
Ken Shamrock: I definitely would tell him to get back in the gym -- tell him to start training hard and get ready to fight again. He has to recover and let people know he has learned his lesson and put the issue behind him.
He's a champion! I don't think the guy needs steroids. He can win the fights without them. I think he needs to get back in competition and prove it. That would be my advice to him.
*************.com: What do you think is the future with the heavyweight division?
Ken Shamrock: With the heavyweight division, we need to find guys to come in there and to make an impact. We need a Mike Tyson, a Muhammad Ali, or a George Foreman. The division needs guys with some character -- not necessarily all the problems that Tyson brought into boxing. However, the impact that Tyson brought into boxing was explosive. We need to find some guys like that -- three or four of them -- to make the heavyweight group exciting to watch again. Tim Sylvia could be one of those guys.
*************.com: How's your knee coming along?
Ken Shamrock: It's turning the corner. The rehabilitation is going really well. I'm looking forward to being back out there soon. I don't know whether it's going to be February or April, but my chances look really good. I'm really excited about how fast I've come along so far.
*************.com: How's your training going? What have you been doing to keep in shape?
Ken Shamrock: I have been doing a lot of flexibility training and a lot of stretching. Of course, I still focus on me upper body weight training, I have started to ride the mountain bike to get my cardio back up again and to strengthen my leg. In two weeks I probably will be doing some heavy weights to strengthen the muscles in my leg and to get some size back. I'm excited about recovering.
*************.com: When do you start grappling again and training?
Ken Shamrock: I will wait probably not until the middle of November. Even then, it won't be live grappling. I will be working on movement techniques and slowly getting back into my routine. I'll be working also with some mitts around the same time. That will be a fairly quick turnaround from when I had surgery. I only had surgery a month ago from Monday.
*************.com: How will Steve Blackman influence your training? Or how does he?
Ken Shamrock: He was a wrestler back when he was in high school, and he has good, solid take-down. He's very strong and he has good striking abilities. I'm going to use him a little bit when he has the time. So far, we really haven't set a schedule. He's offered to work with me as a sparring partner -- and I will take advantage of his offer.
I've got a lot of other things that I'm going to do to get me back to where I need to be.
*************.com: I hear your going to be making an appearance in Atlantic City?
Ken Shamrock: Yes, I am. For anyone who's going to be in the Atlantic City and the Philadelphia area, I'm going to be at the Reality Fighting show to promote a new clothing line called -- Ground 'n' Pound. I hope to see many fans there on November 1 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. www.gnpgear.com
Reported By: Boxing Insider - 10.20.2003 02:07 AM
*************.com Interview with Ken Shamrock
*************.com: What are your thoughts on now former UFC Heavywieght champion Tim Sylvia testing positive for a banned substance?
Ken Shamrock: It was a shock to hear that he tested positive because he looks like a naturally big kid. He's blessed with height, reach and strength. I was surprised when I heard about it, but the bottom line is: he used steroids and he got caught!
*************.com: Do you think that steroids are a problem in Mixed Martial Arts?
Ken Shamrock: Steroids are a problem in the world – period! They're not only a problem in Mixed Martial Arts; they're a problem in every other sport out there. Unfortunately, they have not been able to control steroids and make testing consistent for all athletes. There are some people who are able to get away with it, and they are at an advantage compared to someone who never uses them -- without a doubt.
*************.com: The Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioned him to a $7,500 fine and a four month suspension. Prior to the decision, he gave up the title. Do you think it was a fair ruling by the Commission?
Ken Shamrock: I think it was fair. In a situation like that it's hard. You know, as I know, that steroids are a problem in every sport. People still use steroids. Some athletes get away with using them and some get caught. It's a shame that there isn't a way to test everybody and even the playing field.
As for the decision, Tim Sylvia got caught. Because MMA is so new, there are no well established guidelines as to what the punishment should be. With boxer, Fernando Vargas, who also got caught, he received a higher fine. Of course, in boxing they make more money, they've been around a lot longer, and they have previous rulings established. The NFL, MLB, and the NBA, they have their own guidelines established. Right now, the Mixed Martial Arts is trying to establish guidelines and rules so that the competition is fair for everybody. With those factors in mind, I think the punishment he received was fair.
*************.com: If you were advising Tim Sylvia, what would you tell him to do now?
Ken Shamrock: I definitely would tell him to get back in the gym -- tell him to start training hard and get ready to fight again. He has to recover and let people know he has learned his lesson and put the issue behind him.
He's a champion! I don't think the guy needs steroids. He can win the fights without them. I think he needs to get back in competition and prove it. That would be my advice to him.
*************.com: What do you think is the future with the heavyweight division?
Ken Shamrock: With the heavyweight division, we need to find guys to come in there and to make an impact. We need a Mike Tyson, a Muhammad Ali, or a George Foreman. The division needs guys with some character -- not necessarily all the problems that Tyson brought into boxing. However, the impact that Tyson brought into boxing was explosive. We need to find some guys like that -- three or four of them -- to make the heavyweight group exciting to watch again. Tim Sylvia could be one of those guys.
*************.com: How's your knee coming along?
Ken Shamrock: It's turning the corner. The rehabilitation is going really well. I'm looking forward to being back out there soon. I don't know whether it's going to be February or April, but my chances look really good. I'm really excited about how fast I've come along so far.
*************.com: How's your training going? What have you been doing to keep in shape?
Ken Shamrock: I have been doing a lot of flexibility training and a lot of stretching. Of course, I still focus on me upper body weight training, I have started to ride the mountain bike to get my cardio back up again and to strengthen my leg. In two weeks I probably will be doing some heavy weights to strengthen the muscles in my leg and to get some size back. I'm excited about recovering.
*************.com: When do you start grappling again and training?
Ken Shamrock: I will wait probably not until the middle of November. Even then, it won't be live grappling. I will be working on movement techniques and slowly getting back into my routine. I'll be working also with some mitts around the same time. That will be a fairly quick turnaround from when I had surgery. I only had surgery a month ago from Monday.
*************.com: How will Steve Blackman influence your training? Or how does he?
Ken Shamrock: He was a wrestler back when he was in high school, and he has good, solid take-down. He's very strong and he has good striking abilities. I'm going to use him a little bit when he has the time. So far, we really haven't set a schedule. He's offered to work with me as a sparring partner -- and I will take advantage of his offer.
I've got a lot of other things that I'm going to do to get me back to where I need to be.
*************.com: I hear your going to be making an appearance in Atlantic City?
Ken Shamrock: Yes, I am. For anyone who's going to be in the Atlantic City and the Philadelphia area, I'm going to be at the Reality Fighting show to promote a new clothing line called -- Ground 'n' Pound. I hope to see many fans there on November 1 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. www.gnpgear.com