Middleweight champion Donovan Wisse acknowledged the difficult journey leading up to GLORY 107. Initially preparing for a light heavyweight title bout against Bahram Rajabzadeh, Wisse has shifted his focus back to middleweight for his title defense against reigning welterweight champion Chico Kwasi. GLORY announced this champion-versus-champion showdown for April 25 in Rotterdam, with Kwasi moving up in weight to challenge Wisse for the middleweight belt.
“Honestly, it’s been a tough road,” Wisse admitted. “I was preparing to move up in weight, and now I’m returning to middleweight. The training camp has been productive, though the weight cut has presented some frustrations. However, that’s part of the sport. Nothing is set in stone until you enter the ring.”
Donovan Wisse Embraces the Title Fight Grind: “I Know How to Deal With Pain”
Wisse highlighted that Kwasi represents a distinct challenge compared to his recent opponents. “He throws strikes from all sorts of angles,” Wisse observed. “Sometimes, when he unleashes his attacks, you find yourself wondering what exactly he just did. It’s difficult to find sparring partners who can replicate his style due to his long reach and unique techniques. Nevertheless, we are sharp, our timing is on point, our vision is clear, and we are prepared.”
Despite the late alteration to his fight, Wisse affirmed that his ultimate ambition remains unchanged: to become a champion in two divisions. “I still intend to move up. I still desire both belts,” he stated. “If I had known about facing Chico eight weeks prior, my training would have been significantly different. However, I’m nearly there now and will make weight. That won’t be an issue.”
Widely recognized as GLORY’s most accomplished middleweight champion, Wisse attributes his success to a straightforward philosophy: winning. “I don’t participate in this sport casually,” he declared. “My objective is to win. I dedicate all my efforts to achieving victory. My mindset is one of a winner. I aim to demonstrate to every opponent that I am superior to them.”
This winning mentality was evident in his last fight against Michael Boapeah, where Wisse had to push through multiple injuries to secure the victory. “Yes, I was injured. My calves were swollen and bruised. He inflicted significant damage with his calf kicks. But I can endure pain. I tell my students and myself: pain is pain. Pain is beneficial. I embrace pain – well, I don’t relish it – but I understand how to cope with it. It doesn’t deter me.”
Outside of the ring, Wisse continues to advance his Dream Chaser initiative, focusing on developing fighters and organizing events, particularly in Suriname. He also shared his experiences visiting schools and reading to children, emphasizing the importance of being a positive role model. “Principals and teachers invite me to read to the children, and it’s rewarding to be a figure for them,” Wisse said. “Many of them recognize me from television because their parents watch my fights. That’s special.”
When asked for advice for young people who look up to him, Wisse stressed the importance of discipline, patience, and familial guidance. “Listen to your parents, be patient, stay positive, and train diligently,” he advised. “Whatever you pursue, extract the maximum benefit from it. I’m not doing this for leisure – this is my life, and I cherish it.”
Donovan Wisse is scheduled to defend his GLORY middleweight world title against the current welterweight champion, Chico Kwasi, in the main event of GLORY 107 on April 25 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This bout came about after Wisse’s planned light heavyweight title fight against Bahram Rajabzadeh was canceled, leading to a champion-versus-champion confrontation with Kwasi moving up in weight to challenge for the belt.
