The decision to switch to boxing, although the comeback in Thai boxing was planned, came in January after an offer from ex-boxer Marcos Nader. “For Thai boxing you should really be younger in terms of mobility,” said Merza, who had achieved everything in his old profession as a multiple world and European champion. His last fight as a 36-year-old ended with a technical knockout in the first round against the Italian Gianfranco Capurso.
Since February, Merza has been training three times a day for his comeback in the ring and has reduced his weight from 90 to 72 kg. The difference between Thai boxing and boxing: Some fight with hands and feet, others only with fists. “It’s difficult to change within such a short period of time. Anyone who knows me knows that my fighting style is offensive. I stay true to my style. I go forward and put a lot of pressure on. I hope it goes through,” Merza said.
Young and impetuous
He showed respect for his opponent. Catic is young and impetuous. “He’s wild, motivated. I watched some of his fights. He’s a thug. I have to be careful. One punch can change the whole fight,” said Merza. “I have to keep my guard up and hope that I can make use of my experience.” His goal: “That the fight ends exactly the way I want it – with a win – and that I come out injury-free.”
At 46 years old, Merza is the oldest boxer in the history of Austrian boxing to be issued a professional license. After his Thai boxing career ended, the Viennese with Syrian roots worked as an interpreter for Syrian refugees, at “Dancings Stars” and founded a martial arts academy in Vienna. Boxing was a gentleman’s sport, he said, and despite all its successes, it would suit him better than Thai boxing. He is too old for that.
GEPA/Christian Ort Merza celebrated great success as a Thai boxer, but now he only uses his fists to help
“I like risk”
“But I am a passionate martial artist. There is still something inside me that I want and need to get out. The best way to do that is to do what I do best: fight,” said Merza, who is looked after by head coach Isaak Kosashvili and Daniel Österreicher. “If I hadn’t accepted the fight, I would be angry for the next ten years. I would regret it.” He acknowledged the worries of his wife and son with a smile: “They are afraid that I will hurt myself, but they support me and my decision.”
Due to his advanced age, the fight will not be a walk in the park, “of course there is risk involved. But I like risk and I like risk. I prepare as best as I can, my many years of experience in the ring are an advantage. “I’ll quickly make up for the ten-year break,” says Merza. His role model? “Mike Tyson, the one and only. He will always remain so.” The fight on Friday is scheduled for six three-minute fights. The weigh-in on Friday can be seen live on ORF Sport + from 5 p.m.
