Who is Badr Hari?

Badr Hari is a famous and controversial kickboxer. He has beaten top fighters like Peter Aerts and Alistair Overeem. But, his career has been marred by violence and disqualifications.

Despite never winning a K-1 or Glory title, Hari is a big name in kickboxing.

Early Life and Training

Badr Hari was born on December 8, 1984, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His parents were from Morocco. He started kickboxing at seven under Mousid Akamrane.

Later, he trained at Chakuriki Gym and Mike’s Gym. His coaches were Thom Harinck and Mike Passenier.

Fighting Career

Hari started fighting at 18. He quickly became known for his aggressive style. His first big win was the K-1 Amsterdam Grand Prix in 2005.

K-1 Success and Setbacks

In 2007, Hari won the K-1 Heavyweight World Championship. He defended it twice before losing to Remy Bonjasky in 2008. The loss was due to Hari kicking Bonjasky while he was down.

In 2009, Hari lost to Semmy Schilt in the K-1 World Grand Prix Final. Schilt became the first four-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion.

Hari left K-1 in 2012 due to financial issues.

Glory and Recent Fights

Hari joined Glory in 2016. His first fight was against Rico Verhoeven at Glory: Collision. He started strong but lost in the second round due to a broken arm.

At Glory 76 in 2020, Hari was knocked out by Benjamin Adegbuyi. Hari was set to fight James McSweeney at Glory 88 in 2023 but withdrew due to the Marrakesh-Safi earthquake.

Career Record

Hari has won 106 out of 126 fights. He has 92 knockout wins. He has lost 17 times.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Badr Hari's career has been marked by controversy and legal troubles. His infamous rivalry with Alistair Overeem turned violent at a 2008 press conference. This damaged both fighters' reputations.

Hari's history of unsportsmanlike conduct has tarnished his image. He was disqualified for illegal strikes, including a 2008 loss to Remy Bonjasky.

Outside the ring, Hari faced many legal issues, including assault charges. He was convicted of violent incidents with a hotel owner, a businessman, and a journalist. A dark moment was when he and his entourage assaulted businessman Koen Everink in 2012. This followed an alleged insult to his then-girlfriend, Estelle Cruyff. The case led to a long legal battle, with Hari serving prison time and facing multiple court hearings.

Personal Life

Badr Hari is in a long-term relationship with Daphne Romani. They married in 2016 and have four children: Amber-May, Houda, and twins Nora and Ayden.

Before marrying Daphne, Hari was with Estelle Cruyff, Johan Cruyff's niece. Their relationship was in the media but ended in 2014 due to personal struggles.

Hari has a distinctive birthmark on his back, known as a Naevus of Becker. This is a benign condition found in about 1 in 200 men, usually appearing in adolescence.

Financial Status

Badr Hari has earned significant wealth from fights and endorsements. His net worth is around 5.5 million euros, making him one of the wealthiest kickboxers.

Redemption and Comeback

After his suspension and legal troubles, Hari returned to the ring in 2015. He aimed to reestablish himself as a top fighter. Despite setbacks in Glory, his comebacks excited fans.

The legacy

Badr Hari is a kickboxing legend known for his explosive style and knockout power. He never won a world championship but remains a compelling and feared fighter. His career has been defined by both victories and controversies.

Hari's impact on kickboxing is profound. His fights draw huge audiences, and his story inspires and warns. His legacy as one of the sport's most electrifying figures is undeniable.

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Kickboksen

Kickboksen is een vechtsport die stoten en trappen uit verschillende disciplines combineert, waaronder karate, Muay Thai en boksen. Het legt de nadruk op behendigheid, snelheid en krachtige aanvallen.