Art finds Rico early in the morning in his ice bath of about 2 degrees and of course Rico asks if Art wants to go in too.
Ice bath
“I just think this is a really nice start to the day,” says the kickboxer. “You are equal. Now that you’re here, I think it would be really cool if you get that energy boost, right?” Art isn’t so sure yet, but a little later he comes out in swimming trunks. “My ego is not very big, but standing next to Rico Verhoeven in swimming trunks is not fun for any man.”
Rico gets Art to stay in the cold water for 2 minutes. “Three two one. You made it, what a king,” he says when they are finished. “Not normal, I’m so proud of you, friend.” Art catches his breath. “Jesus, Rico man, I’ve never had such a start to the day. This is the very first and also the very last time,” he says laughing.
To fight
The men warm up in the kitchen with a cup of hot coffee and tea. “You are known for that iron discipline of yours. Does it ever get in your way?”, asks the presenter. “The Rico standing in the ring is not the Rico standing here,” he explains. “I become that person through hard training, focus and discipline.” In the ring his emotion is ‘more out’. “I’m just rock hard there.”
