The only deterrent I can see for pros competing at your show would probably be the Australian customs. I personally do not even care to travel to the USA because the customs officers there are such assholes. I do not even care to complain about it - I just don't go to the USA. If I was a pro I would probably not do the Aussie show due to hassle I do not need. However, I have only ever heard good things about you as a promoter and in fact, have yet to hear anything bad. That may help tip things in favour of competing a little, but I still don't like crossing borders to countries like the USA or Australia. The customs officers have more rights than the police! They could anal cavity search me if they wished and I would not be able to do a thing! That is not a place I want to put myself in.
Most guys are not too worried about customs, cause by the time they get here most of their preparation is done. The main thing that puts them off is the distance. I try to look after them the best I can to make up for the long flight and to say thanks for their support. I have a great support team and family that includes, cooks, drivers and runners to make everything easier on the travelling pros.
Despite the distance and difficulties, the following international athletes have still managed to support my contest. Mad respect to the pros for believing in me and my team.
I appreciated and thank every pro that has ever done my show, it ain't easy competing in shows for weeks on end and coming this far for the last contest of the season.
International competitors in my previous pro shows:
Chris Cormier, Dexter Jackson, Ronnie Rockel, Lee Priest, Vince Taylor, Mustafa Mohammad, Branch Warren, Francis Benfatto, Markus Ruhl, King Kamali, Craig Titus, Johnnie Jackson, Troy Alves, Kevin Levrone, Dennis James, J.D. Dawodu, Jaroslav Horvath, Melvin Anthony, Garrett Downing, Quincy Taylor, Tommi Thorvildsen, Cloude Groulx, Christian Lobarede, Hieko Kallbach, Eddie Abbew, Kris Dim, Stan McCrary, Oleg Zhur, Mike Morris, Thomas Stellander, Martin Kellstrom, Hide Yamagishi, Joel Stubbs, Gianluca Catapano and John Hodgson.
