Imani Lee

The heavyweight boxing career of Imani Lee has risen to the next level. At the "Mayhem at the Mirage" Las Vegas event, Imani Lee's participation as a K-1 heavyweight , demonstrated his sensational strength and athleticism. At 290 pounds and 6' 5" he is a force to be reckoned with.

Calling the "Shark Tank" in Rancho Cucamonga, California his home, Imani Lee trains with the owner, Eddy Millis. Eddy has developed Imani's brute force strength into a stealthy, fast moving powerhouse. The legendary Eddy Millis and others have trained Imani Lee to be a major contender for the K-1 top title. Imani Lee's strength, boxing skills and martial arts abilities delivered a powerful multi-skilled performance in his debut K-1 fight which was in August.

As a result of intense training Imani was ready to take on any of the fighters in his path. Imani has trained with an array of professionals, namely Angelo Dundee in Florida; he sparred with Riddick Bowe in Maryland, and James Toney & Michael Moorer at "Wild Card" gym in Hollywood. In addition, Imani trains with Johnny Hunt, former "Muay Thai" champ, and Steve Patramale at "Shadow Boxing" gym in Hollywood as well as training at "Shark Tank" and "Gio's Boxing Club" Burbank California. His main training support team is Eddy Millis (Head of the notorious Shark Tank), Jaime Fletcher (Shark Tank), Mike Hazard (manager / trainer), and Johnny Hunt.

If you were to ask Imani Lee what he wants to bring to K1 in addition to his championship athletic ability, he would get a little philosophical. Imani Lee would tell you that he wants to bring respect and honour to the boxing and fighting arenas that hasn't been seen since the days of Ali, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Muhammad Ali prided himself on his appearance and ability to communicate; as does Imani Lee. Imani also plans to give the viewers and supporters of the sport something extra for their money. Imani's charisma and ability to connect with the audience is something he feels has been lacking from the arena since the days of Ali and Sugar Ray. Imani also plans on becoming an important role model to youngsters who will be watching and aspiring to a positive force in the sport.

With Imani being just a great athlete and an interesting character, I am sure he will be one of the big names of the future. So let's hear what he has to say.

Alan: Imani firstly, well done on your K1 debut.

Imani: Thanks Alan. Coming from a martial arts professional of your calibre, I don't take that lightly. I worked very hard for my debut K-1 fight, and was fortunate enough to have outstanding people around me throughout the training for that bout.

A: What got you into boxing and at what age did you start?

I: I met a promoter, named Sharriff Davis who told me to come to a gym in Washington DC, not far from where I lived. He told me he thought I would make a boxer. Quite honestly, I didn't know him very well, and you know, a lot of people say a lot of things, so at first I didn't really put a lot of importance in it. I had an inkling for boxing in school, but back then, football was my thing. I was pretty good and went to 2 NFL tryouts. Anyway, I went back and forth in my head on the boxing idea, but thought I really didn't want to get my face messed up, "Ha Ha". I finally went to see what he was all about, and hey, Sharriff turned out to be the real deal, just as he claimed. That was the beginning of my fighting career and I haven't looked back. I really loved the sport once I got into it. I was about 23 by the time I went into the ring for my first serious bout.

A: Were you always interested in martial arts?

I: Yes I was a big fan of a film called "The Last Dragon", it was the first time I saw a black man in a big lead role, which was a real positive role model for me at the time. Also "Enter The Dragon", having Jim Kelly in such a good role, which showed the deep side of his character, was an important influence on me. "The Last the Dragon" a spoof with Tiamak, who was nicknamed "Bruce Leroy" as he was a black "Bruce Lee" made such an impression on me. Additionally I was a black guy who also had the last name Lee!

A: That's cool, they where two films that I really loved when I first started training. It brings it all back now. I'm going to have to watch them tonight now!

A: What does "martial arts" mean to you?

I: "Martial arts' means discipline, a complete understanding of the body, and at the highest level, means grace and beauty.

A: What are your goals in K-1? Where to you see yourself going?

I: My goal is to be the best K-1 fighter I can be. Bob Sapp had weight and size, and I was impressed that he was able to go to the top of his game. It inspired me that a big guy could achieve so much in MA. I see myself doing what Bob Sapp did, but even better. Bob Sapp had something extra, he played on the fact that he had a "cartoon-ish" appearance and made it work in his favour; people loved him. I look different, but I want to connect with the audience as he did.

A: How have you found training with Eddy Millis at Shark Tank?

I: Shark tank has been very influential for me becoming a K-1 fighter. Eddy Millis and the team there were pivotal in me "putting it all together", the whole ball of wax. They helped me tremendously with my feet and legs. Coming from a boxing background there was a lot to learn in the MA area. My manager / trainer, Mike Hazard and I had already started working on my feet and kickboxing, so when I met the Shark Tank team they completed the process.

The opportunity to meet Millis came via Jaime Fletcher a trainer at Shark Tank. Jaime was a "friend of a friend" of mine, a music producer who had seen me fight. Jaime saw me spar a couple of times and was impressed by my agility and speed on my feet. Jaime talked to Eddy Millis about me and the rest is history.

A: You have a good group of Sharks to spar with in the Tank with "Mighty" Mo and "Bear". How has that helped you for your first K-1?

A: Oh, you know it; they are the best, and have been so very important in my training. Those two guys, "Mighty" Mo and Sylvester "Bear" Terkay helped me on the most crucial factor of timing, and gave me pointers on how to be offensive and defensive. They got me used to being kicked. Bear, who is very tall and 315 lbs., is a very good kicker who started out as a wrestler. He's been involved with Shark Tank a long time and now concentrates on MMAs. Mo is a fantastic K-1 fighter who has helped me a lot. Having the opportunity to train with those two guys, who are at the top of their game, is optimum in preparing me for whatever comes.

A: Yes, Sylvester (Bear) Terkay is a big guy at 320Ibs and 6'11!

I: Yes, but he moves like he is 6 Feet and 220lbs!

A: Also you and Mo both came to K-1 from boxing and he has had great success. Did you say to yourself "your next"?

Ii: Definitely; seeing Mo work and dominate the sport made me realize what can be done, as we are from the same fight background and close in weight.

A: What sort of conditioning programme do you follow?

I: A long time ago my manager / trainer Mike Hazard started me on a repetitious routine of five minute rounds with 30 second rests, and had me running 120yd sprints and lots of pad work.

A: In terms of strength training?

I: Mike put me on a lot of ply metrics to increase my strength and "explosions" to develop velocity kicks. All this helped me develop balance and provide general conditioning. I also lift free weights.

A: What goes through your mind before a fight?

I: A few days before the fight I have a check list I go through in my mind which I make sure I have done. I go through the various scenarios of how I will respond to my opponent's actions; also the offensive strategies I will apply. Studying my opponents background, and knowing his strengths and weaknesses helps me formulate a strategy to some degree. In my debut K-1 fight on August 13 th '05, I had trained for one fighter who was to be my opponent. Three days before the fight, he was subbed by another fighter with a completely different type of game. The strengths and weaknesses were so opposite to what I had trained for, and I had to quickly reassess my strategies.

A: It can be a hard keeping all the things you need to get right for fight in check. What keeps you focused on your day to day training?

I; I have a goal and I envisage success and the "dream" I will realize, it's that simple. I pride myself on my tenacity and the discipline I possess... "Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory" -General George S. Patton.-

A: Martial arts helps develops discipline of course, but what is it within you that's given you this drive to take on challenges? Was it always part of you, or can you say when you required it or what made it happen?

I: I have the ability to excel in life at any cost to me. I would say that my high confidence and discipline level is due to family members who influenced me in my formative years. My grandfather, an engineer, worked an extra job as a carpenter and my grandmother worked two jobs from 7 am to midnight, and cooked and fed me in the interval between them. I remember some sound advice from my grandfather, "You can work hard now, or work hard for the rest of your life." In the sports field, were two uncles, a professional baseball player and a professional footballer. I witnessed in them a determination and discipline, which resulting in their success. I also learned discipline first hand at age ten when I studied Tae Kwon Do. Additionally my father gave me the very unusual name Imani, which means "faith" in Swahili. Imani also is the seventh principal of Kwanza, an African - American created holiday in December. Just having a name like no other kid in school set me apart in my mind, making me feel special and gave me the responsibility to live up to what the name means. My Christian upbringing gave me faith, a spiritual attitude towards other people, and a basis on how to live life.

A: Many of the guys who have reached beyond the average within their life, be it martial arts or not, have tenacity to get the job done. If you could give your checklist for the keys to success what would it include?

I: I would say determination is a big factor. As a perfectionist I am constantly looking for ways to improve my performance and planning my next move . Complacency is something that does not exist in my world. Even after a winning performance, I don't stop and rest, I immediately go to the next challenge . I am willing to work very hard and have known from a very young age that hard work is the one sure way to attain success in anything I do. I remember kids in school who had a lot of potential, and didn't turn it into anything; wasting a gift they had been given; I didn't want to become part of that statistic. I make an effort to surround myself with people who have good ethics, in work and play. Having successful people around provides good energy; success is contagious!

A: What preparation do you do on the actual day of the fight?

I: I completely close down. I stay in bed all day, just waking up to eat and then go back to sleep. I don't answer the 'phone or talk to anyone, cutting myself off from everything and everyone. When its time to fight, I am able to totally focus, it's like a new day that comes pure without distraction.

A: Thank you Imani it's been great talking with you I wish you great success.

I: Thanks Alan.

Alan Orr is a disciple of Robert Chu Sifu and the European representative of the Chu Sau Lei Wing Chun system.

He is also the UK representative for Guro Mark Wiley in the Filipino martial arts and Sensei Eddy Millis of Shark Tank in NHB/Grappling.

Web: www.alanorr.com

For further information Tel: 07958 908 196 or email: info@alanorr.co.uk