NEW YORK – Greek, Houston-based fighter Andreas Katzourakis spoke with The National Herald about preparing for his latest match, back in the OTE Arena in Atlanta, GA, Friday, August 30. Katzourakis, who has an incredible record of 13-0 with 10 KOs, faces Robert Terry (12-0, 4 KOs) for 10 rounds, in the OTX Tournament.

“This fight presents a cat-and-mouse clash of styles between the stalking hunter Katzourakis and the quick counterpuncher Terry,” as noted in a news release from Overtime Boxing on August 7.

Katzourakis also spoke with TNH about the reaction of family and friends to his success and how his Greek heritage influences his life and career.

TNH: How are you preparing for the August event in the OTE Arena?

Andreas Katzourakis: I have been in full preparation some weeks now. My fight camps/preparation are generally similar to each other. I am always training very hard, getting ready for whatever challenge I have in front of me. There is no difference, if I am fighting a world champion or a journeyman, I will still prepare the same way, because I want to perform at the best of my ability every time.

TNH: What can fans look forward to in your next match? 

AK: The fans can expect my usual self, meaning to apply pressure throughout the fight and always look for opportunities to take advantage of my opponents’ mistakes. I am bringing a very fan-friendly style to the game, throwing a lot of punches and engaging in battle. So, if my opponent brings his ‘A’ game, too, the fans are in for a treat.

TNH: How have your family, friends and the Greek community in general reacted to your success?

AK: I think my family, friends and myself are starting to realize now the level of the success that I am having in the sport, because it’s not very often to see a Greek fighter reach the level that I have in boxing, it’s hard for us to realize it. It feels surreal sometimes. I think the Greek community in the U.S. can understand better than the Greek people back home the seriousness of the level and achievements I am reaching, because it’s something that they can easier relate to. Having the biggest fights of the world in their backyard, they can truly appreciate the greatness of the sport.

TNH: How does your Greek heritage influence your life and career? 

AK: It greatly influences it to be honest. The main reason is that with me achieving my goals I can be in the position to give opportunities to young talent that we have back home to showcase their abilities on bigger stages. Also to get more eyes on the sport in Greece in general, and make it easier for athletes to pursue their dreams and careers. Since it has been very difficult for me in the beginning of my career to get into the U.S., and I really struggled to be able to get where I am now, in terms of working with the right coach, management and promotion, I think probably my greatest goal is to be able to change that for the future Greek boxers, and make it easier for them to have a path to follow their career.

TNH: What is coming up next for you? 

AK: After this fight, I am looking forward to fighting on the final of the Overtime tournament, and after winning it all, to get a world title shot in 2025. Although now I am focused on the task ahead, and that is to beat Robert Terry and move to the finals.

Follow Andreas Katzourakis on Instagram: @adreaskatz.

Tickets are available online for the August 30 event at the OTE Arena in Atlanta: https://otboxing.com.