Remy Bonjasky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Remy Bonjasky |
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Bonjasky in 2012
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| Born | Remy Kenneth Bonjasky January 10, 1976 Paramaribo, Suriname |
| Other names | The Flying Gentleman |
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Weight | 108 kg (238 lb; 17.0 st) |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Reach | 77.0 in (196 cm) |
| Style | Dutch Kickboxing |
| Fighting out of | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Team | Mejiro Gym Vos Gym |
| Trainer | Andre Mannaart Ivan Hippolyte Eric Warmerdam |
| Years active | 1995–2009, 2012–2014, 2017 |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 98 |
| Wins | 78 |
| By knockout | 40 |
| Losses | 20 |
| By knockout | 5 |
| Other information | |
| Occupation | Bonjasky Academy, Gym owner |
| Notable students | Danyo Ilunga |
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last updated on: March 8, 2014
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Remy Kenneth Bonjasky, born on January 10, 1976, is a famous former kickboxer from Suriname and the Netherlands. He won the K-1 World Grand Prix heavyweight championship three times: in 2003, 2004, and 2008. Many people think he is one of the best kickboxers ever. Bonjasky was known for his amazing flying kicks, strong knee attacks, and great defense. That's why he was called "The Flying Gentleman."
Contents
Remy Bonjasky's Early Life
Bonjasky was born in Paramaribo, Suriname. He moved to the Netherlands when he was 5 years old. As a teenager, he played football but stopped after he broke his leg. When he was 18, a friend took him to the Mejiro Kickboxing Gym to "see who is the best." Remy loved it and decided to train there, falling in love with kickboxing. After college, he even worked as a banker for a while.
Remy Bonjasky's Kickboxing Career
Early Fights and First Big Wins
Remy Bonjasky had his first fight when he was 19 years old against Valentijn Overeem. Remy won this fight by TKO (Technical Knockout). After this win, he decided to quit his job and train full-time as a kickboxer.
Even though he lost his first K-1 fight, he quickly showed his skill. In his second K-1 fight, he faced the well-known fighter Ray Sefo and won by TKO. In 2002, Bonjasky lost a fight against kickboxing star Stefan Leko.
On December 6, 2003, at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Tokyo, Japan, Bonjasky fought Peter "The Chief" Graham. Remy won in the first round by TKO. In the semi-finals, he defeated Cyril Abidi with his famous flying knee attacks. Then, in the finals, he beat Musashi by a unanimous decision. This made Bonjasky the K-1 World Champion!
In 2004, he continued his winning streak. He beat fighters like Tsuyoshi Nakasako, Francois Botha, Aziz Khattou, and even former sumo champion Chad "Akebono" Rowan. He had only one loss in 2004 against Francisco Filho.
On December 4, 2004, at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2004, Bonjasky defended his K-1 WGP title. He won three decision fights against Ernesto Hoost, Francois Botha, and Musashi to become champion again.
In 2005, he tried to win his third title in a row at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 finals. However, he was stopped in the semi-finals by Semmy Schilt's knee strikes.
Challenges and Comebacks (2006-2007)
In 2006, after some personal changes, Remy returned for the K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 finals. He had a rematch against Stefan Leko, who had beaten him in 2002. This fight was very intense. Bonjasky was hit illegally twice in the first round, and the fight was paused. When it started again, Bonjasky still won by a unanimous decision. He even scored a knockdown in the last minute. However, because of his injury, he could not continue in the tournament.
In 2007, Bonjasky's mother passed away. This was very hard for him, and he had to pull out of some planned fights. His only fight before the final tournament was against Glaube Feitosa in Hawaii, which Remy won by decision.
On September 29, 2007, Bonjasky faced Stefan Leko again. This was their third fight, and there was a lot of tension between them. Bonjasky won the fight by TKO in the first round. He landed his famous flying knee strike, and the referee stopped the fight. This win allowed Bonjasky to move on to the K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 Finals.
At the K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 Finals, Remy Bonjasky fought Badr Hari and won by decision. In the semi-finals, he faced Dutch legend Peter Aerts and lost by a unanimous decision.
Third World Title and Later Career
Bonjasky started 2008 strong. He knocked out Melvin Manhoef and Bazigit Atajev. He also won a decision against Paul Slowinski to qualify for his sixth Grand Prix.
In the quarter-finals of the 2008 Grand Prix, he defeated Jerome Lebanner by TKO. Then, he knocked out Gokhan Saki in the semi-finals. This sent him to the K-1 World Grand Prix Finals for the third time, where he faced Badr Hari again.
The final fight was dramatic. Remy knocked Hari down in the first round. In the second round, Hari did some unsportsmanlike things, hitting Remy when he was down. Remy seemed unable to continue, and doctors checked on him. After five minutes, the doctors said Remy had double vision and could not fight anymore. Hari was disqualified, and Bonjasky was declared the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 Champion. Remy was disappointed by how it ended, even though he won.
After winning his third K-1 Grand Prix title, he fought Alistair Overeem. Remy won this fight by a unanimous decision. It was later confirmed that Remy had a twisted left knee before the fight. He took time off to recover after this match.
Remy returned to training for the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final 16. He defeated Melvin Manhoef for the third time by unanimous decision. At the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final, Remy won another unanimous decision against Errol Zimmerman. In the semi-finals, he met his rival Semmy Schilt. Remy knocked Semmy down in the first round. However, Semmy landed a low kick to Remy's already injured left leg. Remy was knocked out of the tournament, losing to Semmy for the third time.
Bonjasky did not fight in 2010 and thought about retiring after eye surgery. In that year, he opened his own kickboxing gym, Bonjasky Academy, in Almere.
Comeback Fights
After three years away due to an eye injury, Bonjasky returned to the ring. He faced Anderson "Braddock" Silva at Glory 2: Brussels on October 6, 2012. After a close fight, it was called a draw and went to an extra round. Bonjasky performed better in the extra round and won by a majority decision.
He then competed in the 2012 Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam in Japan. He defeated Filip Verlinden by unanimous decision in the first round. However, he was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Jamal Ben Saddik.
On March 23, 2013, he faced Tyrone Spong at Glory 5: London. Bonjasky lost in the second round by KO from a right hook. He also lost a rematch against Anderson Silva by unanimous decision in Tokyo on December 21, 2013.
On March 8, 2014, he defeated Mirko Cro Cop by majority decision in a rematch in Croatia. This was his last fight, as he announced his retirement before the match.
In July 2017, Remy Bonjasky announced another comeback. He signed a contract with Glory kickboxing. Later that year, it was announced he would fight Melvin Manhoef for the fourth time. This fight was promoted by World Fighting League, a company started by Melvin Manhoef. The fight took place in Almere, Netherlands, on October 29, 2017. Bonjasky lost the fight by decision. After this match, he announced his retirement again.
Life Outside the Ring
Besides kickboxing, Bonjasky has worked as a banker, a network administrator, and a model. He was the face for the men's line of a Dutch clothing brand called Sapph.
In early 2011, Bonjasky appeared on a TV show called Sterren Dansen op het IJs, which is the Dutch version of Skating with Celebrities. He performed a figure skating routine with Inge de Bruijn, a former swimmer. Many people thought he might become a TV presenter after that.
Special Awards
Bonjasky has received two special awards since 2007.
In July 2007, in Amsterdam, he helped the Dutch police arrest two criminals from the United Kingdom. These men were shooting darts at people from a van. Bonjasky was hit by a dart, so he chased the van in a taxi and called the police. The police were able to arrest the criminals. After this brave act, Bonjasky received a medal from the Amsterdam Police Department.
In 2009, he received a special award from the city of Almere. He became an honorary citizen of the city because of his great achievements in sports.
Bonjasky Academy
Remy Bonjasky opened his own kickboxing gym, called "Bonjasky Academy," on September 6, 2010, in Almere. Many famous people attended the opening, including TV presenters and athletes like Peter Aerts and Ernesto Hoost. He also opened another gym in Hilversum in 2020.
Championships and Accomplishments
Kickboxing
- Battle of Arnhem
- Battle of Arnhem I Tournament Champion
- Black Belt Magazine
- 2009 Full-Contact Fighter of the Year
- International Professional Muay Thai Federation
- IPMTF European Super Heavyweight Championship (One time)
- K-1
- 2003 K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas II Champion
- 2003 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion
- 2004 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion
- 2008 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion
- KO Power Tournament
- 1998 KO Power Tournament Runner-up
- World Pan Amateur Kickboxing Association
- WPKA World Super Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship (One time)
Kickboxing record
| 78 Wins (40 (T)KO's, 36 decisions, 2 DQ's), 20 Losses | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-10-29 | Loss |  Melvin Manhoef |
WFL: Manhoef vs. Bonjasky, Final 16 | Almere, Netherlands | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2014-03-08 | Win |  Mirko Filipovic |
Glory 14: Zagreb | Zagreb, Croatia | Decision (majority) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2013-12-21 | Loss |  Anderson Silva |
Glory 13: Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2013-03-23 | Loss | Tyrone Spong |
Glory 5: London | London, England | KO (right hook) | 2 | 2:02 | |
| 2012-12-31 | Loss |  Jamal Ben Saddik |
Glory 4: Tokyo - Heavyweight Grand Slam Tournament, quarter-finals | Saitama, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 2 | 2:00 | |
| 2012-12-31 | Win |  Filip Verlinden |
Glory 4: Tokyo - Heavyweight Grand Slam Tournament, First Round | Saitama, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 2:00 | |
| 2012-10-06 | Win | Anderson Silva |
Glory 2: Brussels | Brussels, Belgium | Decision (majority) | 4 | 3:00 | |
| 2009-12-05 | Loss |  Semmy Schilt |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final, semi-finals | Yokohama, Japan | KO (right low kick) | 1 | 2:38 | |
| 2009-12-05 | Win |  Errol Zimmerman |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final, quarter-finals | Yokohama, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2009-09-26 | Win | Melvin Manhoef |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final 16 | Seoul, Korea | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final. | ||||||||
| 2009-03-28 | Win | Alistair Overeem |
K-1 World GP 2009 in Yokohama | Yokohama, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2008-12-06 | Win | Badr Hari |
K-1 World GP 2008 Final, Final | Yokohama, Japan | DQ (illegal kick) | 2 | 0:53 | |
| Wins K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 championship. | ||||||||
| 2008-12-06 | Win |  Gokhan Saki |
K-1 World GP 2008 Final, semi-finals | Yokohama, Japan | KO (jumping mid-kick) | 2 | 0:53 | |
| 2008-12-06 | Win |  Jérôme Le Banner |
K-1 World GP 2008 Final, quarter-finals | Yokohama, Japan | TKO (arm injury) | 3 | 1:46 | |
| 2008-09-27 | Win |  Paul Slowinski |
K-1 World GP 2008 Final 16 | Seoul, Korea | Decision (majority) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Qualifies for K-1 World GP 2008 Final. | ||||||||
| 2008-07-13 | Win |  Bazigit Atajev |
K-1 World GP 2008 in Taipei | Taipei City, Taiwan | KO (jumping knee strike) | 3 | 2:17 | |
| 2008-04-26 | Win | Melvin Manhoef |
K-1 World GP 2008 in Amsterdam | Amsterdam, Netherlands | KO (flying high kick) | 3 | 1:55 | |
| 2007-12-08 | Loss | Peter Aerts |
K-1 World GP 2007 Final, semi-finals | Yokohama, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2007-12-08 | Win | Badr Hari |
K-1 World GP 2007 Final, quarter-finals | Yokohama, Japan | Decision (majority) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2007-09-29 | Win |  Stefan Leko |
K-1 World GP 2007 in Seoul Final 16 | Seoul, Korea | TKO (referee stoppage) | 1 | 2:50 | |
| Qualifies for K-1 World GP 2007 Final. | ||||||||
| 2007-04-28 | Win | Glaube Feitosa |
K-1 World GP 2007 in Hawaii | Honolulu, HI | Decision (majority) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2006-12-02 | Win | Stefan Leko |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2006, quarter-finals | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Despite victory had to withdraw from tournament due to injury. | ||||||||
| 2006-09-30 | Win |  Gary Goodridge |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Osaka opening round | Osaka, Japan | KO (knee strike) | 3 | 0:52 | |
| Qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2006. | ||||||||
| 2006-07-30 | Win |  Mighty Mo |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Sapporo | Sapporo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2006-05-13 | Loss | Jérôme Le Banner |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Amsterdam | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Decision (appeal) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2005-12-31 | Win |  Sylvester Terkay |
K-1 PREMIUM 2005 Dynamite!! | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (majority) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2005-11-19 | Loss | Semmy Schilt |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 | Tokyo, Japan | KO (knee strike) | 1 | 2:08 | |
| 2005-11-19 | Win |  Choi Hong-man |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2005, quarter-finals | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2005-09-23 | Win |  Alexey Ignashov |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Osaka – final elimination, Super Fight | Osaka, Japan | Decision (Ext. R) | 4 | 3:00 | |
| 2005-05-21 | Win |  Rickard Nordstrand |
K-1 Scandinavia Grand Prix 2005 | Stockholm, Sweden | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2005-04-30 | Loss | Mighty Mo |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Decision (split) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2005-03-19 | Win | Ray Mercer |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul | Seoul, Korea | TKO (right high kick) | 1 | 0:22 | |
| 2004-12-04 | Win |  Musashi |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2004, Final | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (2 Ext. R) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Wins K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 championship. | ||||||||
| 2004-12-04 | Win |  Francois Botha |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2004, semi-finals | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2004-12-04 | Win | Ernesto Hoost |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2004, quarter-finals | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (Ext. R) | 4 | 3:00 | |
| 2004-09-25 | Win | Akebono |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 final elimination, Super Fight | Tokyo, Japan | KO (right high kick) | 3 | 0:33 | |
| 2004-07-17 | Win | Aziz Khattou |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Seoul | Seoul, Korea | TKO (arm injury) | 2 | 1:59 | |
| 2004-06-06 | Win | Francois Botha |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Nagoya | Nagoya, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2004-05-30 | Loss | Francisco Filho |
Kyokushin vs K-1 2004 All Out Battle | Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2004-02-15 | Win | Tsuyoshi Nakasako |
K-1 Burning 2004 | Okinawa, Japan | KO (left high kick) | 3 | 2:54 | |
| 2003-12-06 | Win | Musashi |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003, Final | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Wins K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 championship. | ||||||||
| 2003-12-06 | Win | Cyril Abidi |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003, semi-finals | Tokyo, Japan, semi-final | KO (flying knee strike) | 1 | 1:46 | |
| 2003-12-06 | Win |  Peter Graham |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003, quarter-finals | Tokyo, Japan | TKO (referee stoppage) | 1 | 2:58 | |
| 2003-10-11 | Win | Bob Sapp |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 final elimination | Osaka, Japan | DQ (punch on the ground) | 2 | 1:20 | |
| Qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2003. | ||||||||
| 2003-08-15 | Win |  Michael McDonald |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II, Final | Las Vegas, NV | Decision (Ext. R) | 4 | 3:00 | |
| Wins K-1 World GP 2003 in Las Vegas II championship and qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 final elimination. | ||||||||
| 2003-08-15 | Win | Jeff Ford |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II, semi-finals | Las Vegas, NV | TKO (shoulder injury) | 1 | 1:28 | |
| 2003-08-15 | Win | Vernon White |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II, quarter-finals | Las Vegas, NV | KO (flying high kick) | 1 | 1:55 | |
| 2003-07-13 | Loss | Semmy Schilt |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Fukuoka | Fukuoka, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2003-03-30 | Win |  Bjorn Bregy |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Saitama | Saitama, Japan | TKO (corner stoppage) | 3 | 1:29 | |
| 2002-09-29 | Win | Antoni Hardonk |
It's Showtime – As Usual / Battle Time | Haarlem, Netherlands | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2002-08-17 | Loss | Stefan Leko |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Loses elimination fight for K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 final elimination. Will have another chance to qualify at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II. | ||||||||
| 2002-07-14 | Loss | Mirko Filipovic |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Fukuoka | Fukuoka, Japan | TKO (high kick and punches) | 2 | 2:06 | |
| 2002-05-25 | Win | Petar Majstorović |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Paris | Paris, France | KO (right high kick) | 4 | 0:27 | |
| 2002-02-24 | Loss | Errol Parris |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Preliminary Netherlands, semi-finals | Arnhem, Netherlands | KO (left body shot) | 1 | 1:20 | |
| 2002-02-24 | Win | Melvin Manhoef |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Preliminary Netherlands, quarter-finals | Arnhem, Netherlands | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2002-01-25 | Win |  Sergei Arhipov |
K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Preliminary Marseilles | Marseilles, France | TKO (corner stoppage) | 5 | 2:00 | |
| 2001-06-24 | Win |  Ray Sefo |
K-1 Survival 2001 | Sendai, Japan | TKO (corner stoppage) | 4 | 2:00 | |
| 2001-02-04 | Loss | Jerrel Venetiaan |
K-1 Holland GP 2001 in Arnhem, quarter-finals | Arnhem, Netherlands | Decision (split) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2000-12-12 | Win |  Péter Varga |
It's Showtime - Christmas Edition | Haarlem, Netherlands | KO (jumping knee strike) | 1 | 2:57 | |
| 2000-10-22 | Loss | Jerrel Venetiaan |
It's Showtime - Exclusive | Haarlem, Netherlands | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2000-09-03 | Win | Attila Karacs |
Battle of Arnhem II | Arnhem, Netherlands | KO | 1 | N/A | |
| 2000-05-20 | Win |  Stanislav Bahchevanov |
Thaiboxing - Thrill of the Year! | Amsterdam, Netherlands | KO | 2 | N/A | |
| 2000-03-13 | Loss | Sergei Arhipov |
Night Club "Reaktor" | Minsk, Belarus | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1999-10-24 | Win | Ayhan Ozcelik |
It's Showtime - It's Showtime | Haarlem, Netherlands | TKO | 2 | N/A | |
| 1999-09-05 | Win | Peter Verchuren |
Battle of Arnhem I | Arnhem, Netherlands | KO | 1 | N/A | |
| Wins the Battle of Arnhem I 4-man tournament. | ||||||||
| 1999-09-05 | Win | Frank Otto |
Battle of Arnhem I | Arnhem, Netherlands | TKO | 1 | N/A | |
| 1999-06-06 | Win | Rani Berbachi |
N/A | Netherlands | KO | 2 | N/A | |
| Wins the WPKA World Super Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship. | ||||||||
| 1998-04-26 | Loss | Alexey Ignashov |
WPKL Muay Thai Fight Night | Libiąż, Poland | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1998-04-14 | Loss | Lloyd van Dams |
KO Power Tournament | Netherlands | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 1998-04-14 | Win | Peter Verchuren |
KO Power Tournament | Netherlands | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 1997-10 | Loss | Achille Roger |
Kickboxing Tournament Prague 1997 Semi-finals | Prague, Czech Republic | Decision | 4 | 2:00 | |
| 1997-10 | Win |  Pavel Majer |
Kickboxing Tournament Prague 1997 Quarter-finals | Prague, Czech Republic | Decision | 4 | 2:00 | |
| 1995 | Win | Valentijn Overeem |
Vini Vidi Vici | Netherlands | TKO (corner stoppage) | 2 | N/A | |
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
Images for kids
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Bonjasky in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Remy Bonjasky para niños
