A legend beyond the Ring, Ernesto Hoost, one of the most iconic names in the world of kickboxing, continues to leave a lasting mark on the sport. Known as “Mr. Perfect,” Hoost gave a special and in-depth interview right before the 25th edition of SENSHI, which took place on February 22, 2025.
In a special interview with Deyan Veselinov on the podcast “Sportcast” by Dir.bg, Hoost shared what makes SENSHI such a special event. “What makes SENSHI so special is the opportunity to train with experienced and renowned fighters. I personally enjoy passing on my skills to the next generation,” he explained. As one of SENSHI’s star instructors, Hoost values the opportunity to contribute to the development of future champions.
Reflecting on his own journey, Hoost opened up about a pivotal moment in his career when he nearly walked away from kickboxing after a devastating loss. At the same time, his daughter was born, and he realized that stepping away from the sport would make her think he quit because of her. “I knew that if I quit, she would think years later that I gave up because of her. I didn’t want that,” he shared.
Over the years, Hoost has become a symbol of perseverance and success. He recalled one of the most difficult matches of his career against Bob Sapp. “I was sick and didn’t want to fight. But K-1 insisted, and I had no choice,” Hoost said, highlighting the immense challenges he faced even at the height of his career.
One of the most emotional moments for Hoost came during his last encounter with the legendary Andy Hug. Hoost remembered facing Hug in the ring in 1999, just weeks before Hug passed away. “I had to forfeit the match due to injury, and he looked at me. That was the last time I saw him. Three weeks later, he passed away. It was a huge shock to me, and even today I can’t fully comprehend how suddenly it happened,” he said.
Ernesto Hoost’s influence on the sport is undeniable, and his contributions to SENSHI continue to inspire the next generation of fighters. For more insights from Hoost, check out the full interview HERE
