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Zimmerman is the Man at K-1 Europe GP
By Monty DiPietro
AMSTERDAM, April 26, 2008 -- Errol Zimmerman of Holland won today's K-1 World GP '08 Europe Final at the Amsterdam Arena. The 23 year-old kickboxer, who hails from the respected Golden Glory gym, dispatched three opponents en route to victory.

This was a classic eight-man elimination tournament -- all bouts contested under K-1 Rules (3Min. x 3R w/1RExt.), a quartet of first-tier fights advancing four men to a pair of semis, and the winners there going head-to head in the final.

Zimmerman took his first step on the road to glory by beating Attila Karacs, the Hungarian hero of February's Europe GP Final Elimination in Budapest.

Zimmerman led with hard punches while Karacs put up points with studied one-two-three combinations. The focused Karacs was good with his evasions and counters, and this was shaping up to be quite a battle. But then a cut opened on Karacs' lower leg. The ringside doctor had a look and the fight was called. Karacs bowed his head in frustration, and Zimmerman headed to the semifinals, where he met Swiss K-1 star Bjorn Bregy.

Bregy had met power with power to defeat veteran slugger Jan "The Giant" Nortje of South Africa in his quarterfinal.

After Nortje's spirited start -- leading with low kicks and barreling forward with the fists -- Bregy came back with some hard punches of his own, prompting Nortje to drop his guard and beckon, "Come and get me!"

Bregy went and got him. A couple of straight punches went through and a high kick made partial contact. It appeared to be a left that got the job done, sending the South African down, where he stayed.

But Bregy enjoyed no such success in his semifinal dance with Zimmerman. A tentative start to this one, both men staying back. But in Amsterdam any more than thirty seconds without serious action will elicit serious jeers and whistles from the crowd. As the disapproval decibels rose, the fellows responded by picking up the pace, transforming this into one of the most exciting fights on the night. Bregy went on the warpath, clocking Zimmerman with an overhand right. It was lucky for the stumbling Dutch fighter that he hit the ropes or he might have ended up on his backside. Bregy got the size-based attacks going in the second round, denying Zimmerman a way in, then stepping forward with the jabs, following with knees and uppercuts. After taking a flying overhand, Bregy dropped his guard and invited Zimmerman in to mix it up. Zimmerman obliged, dropping Bregy with a right.

Early in the third it was Zimmerman who lowered the guard and taunted his opponent, and now it was Bregy who accepted the invitation and scored a down. Evened up, the fighters now went for the kill. Bregy put a few solid blows in, but Zimmerman stayed on his feet, then rallied, chasing Bregy with the fists to score a down, and resuming pursuit after resumption. Bregy turned away from the fight, and for doing that he was assessed a standing count. The second down in the round, putting Zimmerman through to the final.

In the final Zimmerman met Belorussian Zabit Samedov. Both fighters tested early with low kicks, Zimmerman stepping in with the right straight punch and missing with the knee; Samedov pressing with fists but off-target with his spinning back kick. In the second, Samedov's footwork and speed served him well as he pounded in a right-left combination; while Zimmerman surprised his opponent with a flying knee. A bit of clinching slowed the action some in the third, before Zimmerman landed several punishing blows. Samedov was fast and aggressive right to the final bell, working a wide variety of punching attacks. A close contest and a majority decision -- the deep disappointment showing on Samedov's face when Zimmerman's hand was raised.

In the other tournament bouts:

Samedov fought in the first quarterfinal matchup, taking on Doug Viney of New Zealand, a 31 year-old boxer who improbably came out of the reserve fight to win last year's K-1 WGP Repechage Tournament in Las Vegas, beating Samedov in the final. This was Samedov's chance for revenge.

Viney broke briskly with the left jab, while Samedov kept the guard high and close and countered with low and high kicks. In the second, Viney rushed his opponent with straight punches but did not connect to effect. The Kiwi continued to absorb hard low kicks, and only just got out of the way of a Samedov high kick. Viney threw a few kicks in the lackluster third, but Samedov's evasions and blocking were sound. Midway through the round, Samedov brought a right hook over the top to score a down, and that was more than enough to put the Belorussian into the semifinals.

In the other quarterfinal, French finesse fighter Freddy Kemayo stepped in against Romanian farmer's son turned rugby player turned K-1 fighter Catalin Morosanu.

Morosanu has professed an admiration for American K-1 slugger Bob Sapp, and he came out tonight looking a lot like the Romanian Beast, swinging the haymakers one after the other. Always good to see an aggressive start, but Kemayo also liked what he saw, as Morosanu's guard was practically nonexistent much of the time. It was scarcely 30 seconds into the fight when Kemayo coolly brought up a knee to catch Morosanu hard on the face, opening a nasty gash and dropping him to the canvas for the KO win.

Alas, it was announced before the semifinals that Freddy Kemayo had suffered injury in the bout and could not continue in the tournament. Taking his place was Brian Douwes of Holland, who had punched down Brit James McSweeny twice in the first round to win the tournament reserve bout.

Douwes vs Samedov had speed, technique and power -- and the crowd loved it. A hard-fought first, Douwes good with a knee and middle kick; Samedov getting punches through and making partial contact with a high kick. In the second the pair repeatedly closed with tight combinations, both giving and getting a good number of hard blows. Great effort falling on strong chins. The third was slower, Douwes the one coming forward, Samedov blocking with a high guard then scoring quickly on counters, clocking his opponent with a right and just missing with a spinning back punch. One card went blue, one red and one had them even, sending the fighters back in for a tiebreaker round.

Here Samedov was the more aggressive, firing in low kicks, pounding at the guard with a high kick and a knee then closing to work the body blows. A strong performance by Samedov, who would finish the day as the tournament's second-best fighter.

With his tournament win, Errol Zimmerman advances to the World GP '08 Final Elimination in Seoul, where the year's final 16, including the world's top fightsport title-holder, three-time and defending K-1 WGP Grand Champion Semmy Schilt of the Netherlands, will pair off for a one-match elimination tournament.

There were two K-1 Superfights and a whole lot more on the card in Amsterdam.

Highly-anticipated was a showdown between a pair of Dutch K-1 stars -- two-time WGP Grand Champion Remy Bonjasky and the always-tough Melvin Manhoef. On a rare literary side note, Bonjasky this week celebrated the release of his authorized biography, "Remy Bonjasky -- God in Japan," by Mabel van den Dungen.

The stocky Manhoef is 15cm/6" shorter than God, but said before the bout that he had trained to overcome the height disadvantage. This he did, deftly ducking under Bonjasky's high kicks and answering with body blows, stepping past the low kicks, and, when Bonjasky threw middle kicks, grabbing the leg and pushing forward to deliver a punch. Bonjasky had his flying knees, but Manhoef was equally belligerent with flying punches, and the crowd had to admire his spunk. Late in the first Bonjasky overwhelmed his opponent with leaping legs for one down, then delivered a kick to the midsection to score another. In the second a refreshed Manhoef threatened again on counters, but Bonjasky scored a down with a knee and had Manhoef looking beat at the bell.

But Manhoef came out hard again in the third, launching a spinning back kick and meeting Bonjasky's high kicks with his duck and counter tactic. There were times throughout when it looked like Manhoef had rattled Bonjasky, but in the end it was the more experienced fighter who stayed on his feet, and Manhoef who went down, twice in the third, to force a referee stop. A thrilling contest and well-deserved win for Bonjasky.

In another Superfight it was a couple of muay thai fighters -- 22 year old Tyrone Spong of Suriname, and K-1 veteran Azem Maksutaj of Switzerland.

Maksutaj took the initiative, charging in with fists and low kicks, but a patient Spong soon found his form, launching hard low kicks and just missing with a high kick. Maksutaj's positioning and movement kept him out of trouble until he got caught on the ropes, and Spong brought up a knee to score a down. Spong had Maksutaj reeling late in the round, but the Swiss fighter was saved by the bell.

Both fighters threw low kicks to start the second, Spong showing impressive power. Again Maksutaj got caught, and this time it was a right kick to the midsection that felled him. He did not beat the count.

The K-1 Europe GP was complemented by the Dutch fight promotion "It's Showtime," bringing the total number of bouts on the day to nineteen.

"It's Showtime" featured a number of K-1 fighters:

Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand beat Moroccan Faldir Chahbari by decision; Armenian muay thai fighter Drago out-pointed Warren Stevelmans of Holland; and Dutch kickboxer Gokhan Saki surprised Paul Slowinski of Australia with a right to score a first-round down, then finished the '07 Europe GP Champion with a left cross to win by KO.

In other fights, Sem Braan beat Alexandre Cosmo by decision; Perry Ubeda KO'd Stephan Tapilatu; Georgio Petrosyn out-pointed Chris Ngimbi; and Nieky Holzken KO'd Joerie Mes.

In undercard action it was Robin van Rosemalen over Hammadi Mahdaoui and Rico Verhoven bettering Christiano Delgado, both by decision.
The K-1 World Grand Prix '08 Europe Final attracted a sellout crowd of some 20,000 to the Amsterdam Arena and was broadcast live across Japan on the Fuji TV network. For international live and time-delay broadcast scheduling, consult local providers. Check with the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events. 
 



Hari Shocks Sefo Schilt wins in Yokohama
By Monty DiPietro
AMSTERDAM, April 25, 2008 -- The springtime weather vacillates in Amsterdam, and today a powerful storm arrived from the East. It's the new generation of fighters from Belarus, Hungary and Romania, here to challenge Western Europe's domination of the K-1 World Grand Prix.

The competitiveness of Central and Eastern European fighters was confirmed at the K-1 Europe Elimination in Budapest this February. In tomorrow's K-1 World GP '08 Europe Final at the Amsterdam Arena, the arrivistes aim to prove they can beat the best.

The K-1 World GP '08 Europe Final is a classic eight-man elimination tournament, all bouts contested under K-1 Rules (3Min. x 3R w/1RExt.). A quartet of first-tier fights advance four men to the semis, and the winners there go head-to head in the final.


Yesterday and today, participating fighters shared their thoughts with local and international media at the Claus Event Center in Hoofddorp.

The first tournament matchup features Doug Viney of New Zealand, a 31 year-old boxer who came out of the reserve fight to emerge as the improbable winner of last year's K-1 WGP Repechage Tournament in Las Vegas. Viney beat Zabit Samedov in the final. The Belorussian has vowed revenge.

"I trained hard and I feel great," said Samedov. "I still think I did enough to beat Doug the Vegas fight," said Samedov, "and I'm happy to be meeting him in my first fight tomorrow, now I have the chance to prove myself against him!"

Replied Viney, "I don't care what he thinks, at the end of the day, it's the judges who decide who won a fight. And I'm glad he wants to set the record straight, that's what I plan to do, with a KO."

Next up, French finesse fighter Freddy Kemayo will step in against Romanian farmer's son turned rugby player turned K-1 fighter Catalin Morosanu. After his victory in Budapest, Morosanu said he planned to improve his strength by "going back to Romania and eating two pigs." His trainer, however, had other ideas.

"He said I had to lose weight to improve my stamina, so he wouldn't let me eat the pigs," said Morosanu. "Instead, I went to Thailand to train, and I ate bugs, little fried insects, lots of them. I lost three kilograms [7 lbs], and now my stamina is better and I have more strength in my legs. I will crush Kemayo like a bug, and then, after I win this tournament, I promise I will go back to Romania and eat two pigs!"

Informed of Morosanu's plans, Kemayo laughed. "I don't know about all that, but I know I'm not a pig, I fight back! I can't underestimate anyone, and I know that Morosanu is like a pit bull -- he will only come forward. But I feel I've matured since my last fight, I can see things different now and I am prepared to the maximum for this tournament."

The third quarterfinal will see emerging Dutch fighter Errol Zimmerman of the highly-respected local Golden Glory gym taking on Hungarian hero Attila Karacs, who hopes to build on his impressive victory in Budapest.

"Zimmerman is a very good fighter," said Karacs, "but I have more experience now and I believe I'm better and stronger and faster. My strategy for fighting him is simple -- I want a KO."

Karacs, one of the fighters leading the challenge from Central and Eastern Europe, said the region is ready to make its mark in K-1.

"In Holland they have a long history of muay thai and kickboxing, while we have more of a boxing tradition. But we have been improving our training and styles quickly, and I think our new generation is now going to challenge the Dutch."

The last of the tournament matchups has the dangerous Swiss K-1 star Bjorn Bregy meeting veteran Jan "The Giant" Nortje of South Africa. Bregy, who won the K-1 Europe '06 GP and came in second last year, was clear about his intentions tomorrow: "I want to take the European Championship back."

Nortje was still en route to Amsterdam at the time of the press conference.

In the Europe GP tournament reserve bout, James McSweeny of the United Kingdom will meet Brian Douwes of Holland

The man who gets through three fights to win this tournament advances to the World GP '08 Final Elimination, where this year's final 16, including the world's top fightsport title-holder, three-time and defending K-1 WGP Grand Champion Semmy Schilt of the Netherlands, will go head-to-head.

There are a couple of K-1 Superfights and a whole lot more on the card in Amsterdam.

Highly-anticipated is a showdown between a couple of Dutch K-1 stars -- two-time WGP Grand Champion Remy Bonjasky and the always-tough Melvin Manhoef. While posing for the photographers, so intense was the "don't blink first" staredown between these two that K-1 Europe's Simon Rutz was forced to step in to separate them.

On a rare literary side note, Bonjasky this week also celebrates the release of a book. "Remy Bonjasky -- God in Japan" is an authorized biography by Mabel van den Dungen. While the Japanese press pondered the title's deific suggestion, Manhoef obliged by posing for photographs in prayer.

"Melvin is powerful and explosive, and the fight has attracted a lot of attention in Holland," said Bonjasky before divining, "lots of people are speculating on who will win. But I think I know!"

"I know that neither of us are there to fight for a decision," added Bonjasky. "He's going to come out aggressively and I intend to meet him just as aggressively, so I think it will be a KO, and I don't think it will last three rounds."

The stocky Manhoef, who is 15cm/6" shorter than his opponent, told reporters he had trained to overcome the height disadvantage: "We worked on specific things, but I won't tell you today, instead I will show you tomorrow."

In another Superfight, it will be a couple of muay thai fighters -- 22 year old Tyrone Spong of Suriname, and K-1 veteran Azem Maksutaj of Switzerland.

The K-1 event is complemented by the Dutch fight promotion "It's Showtime," bringing the total number of bouts on the day to no less than twenty. "It's Showtime" will feature a number of K-1 fighters, including Buakaw Por Pramuk, Drago, Paul Slowinski and others.
The K-1 World Grand Prix '08 Europe Final kicks off at 4:30 pm. on Saturday April 26 at the Amsterdam Arena. For international live and time-delay broadcast scheduling, consult local providers. Check with the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events. 
 



Hari Shocks Sefo Schilt wins in Yokohama
By Monty DiPietro
YOKOHAMA, April 13, 2008 -- Moroccan muay thai dynamo and Defending K-1 Heavyweight Champion Badr Hari, 23, scored three quick first-round downs to defeat Ray Sefo tonight at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Yokohama. In the evening's Main Event, Defending K-1 World Grand Prix Champion Semmy Schilt defeated challenger Mark Hunt.

It had been more than six years since Mark Hunt's incredible 2001 World GP Tokyo Dome Final performance, when the New Zealand boxer dispatched K-1 stars Francisco Filho, Stefan Leko and Jerome LeBanner to become the first non-European K-1 World GP Champion. Hunt wanted very much to score another upset tonight, against the juggernaut that is Semmy Schilt.


 
Schilt towers a full 33cm/13" taller than Hunt, but from the bell the scrappy Kiwi undertook valiant attempts to overcome this disadvantage -- leaping forward to throw the right overhand punch to the delight of the crowd. Hunt also strived to control the distance with low kicks. Alas, Schilt threw low kicks as well, and unfortunately for Hunt and for underdog fans everywhere, Schilt's kicks were a heck of a lot harder, and there were a heck of a lot more of them. By midway through the first round, Hunt's left leg had been brutalized.

To make matters worse, Hunt also received a hard left knee to the chops late in the round. As the seconds clicked down, Schilt went all-out, and at the clapper delivered a spinning back kick smack into his opponent's midsection. Hunt fell in a heap and lay there with pain tattooed on his face. A most convincing KO win for Schilt.

"We practiced the spinning back kick in training," smiled Schilt in his post flight interview, "but I didn't know it would work out so well. I'm glad I won because he was also a GP Champion, so now I have beaten all the active K-1 Champs!"

Asked what advice he could offer anyone contemplating fighting him, Schilt simply smiled, "I'd tell them not to take the fight!"

"I felt like I'd been kicked by a horse," said a distressed Hunt, "I think anybody who got caught with that kick, even Ernesto Hoost, would have been out. I only started getting my air back when I heard the ring announcer call the number 'eight'."

Ray Sefo versus Badr Hari meanwhile was a highly-anticipated matchup, the civil New Zealand veteran facing the volatile Moroccan rising star.

Despite some trash talk in pre-fight interviews, there were smiles on both fighters' faces as they met center-ring for the referee's instructions. Then it was straight to business. An explosive start -- both fighters attacking aggressively, Sefo firing in a right that put his opponent off balance, Hari responding with a number of knees then a devastating left cross to score a down. After resumption, Hari went right after Sefo, who was forced to the ropes, closed up in defense. Sefo has a great chin, but Hari brought up a hard knee then added a right straight to score another down.

Hari showed no mercy, firing one punch after another, and again bringing the knee up on the doubled-over Sefo. The crowd watched nervously, well aware that Sefo had many times before taken a beating only to rebound and return the favor. But on this night, "Sugarfoot" could not sustain a counterattack. As Hari's fists flew, the referee stepped in and waved his arms, signaling a sensational first-round KO victory for Badr Hari.

"Before the fight, I said I'd get a KO, and I delivered!" said Hari afterward. "In the ring, you can't miss anything, but Ray blinked and I landed the blow, and that was that."

"I was feeling okay," said Sefo, "and then I got caught by the knee and it all went down from there. Badr was the better fighter, that's all."

The card comprised nine bouts, all fought under regular K-1 Rules.

The penultimate contest featured a couple of superbly conditioned combatants -- kyokushin stylist Ewerton Teixeira of Brazil and Japanese karate fighter Yusuke Fujimoto. Teixeira entered the ring with but one K-1 bout to his name -- a 2004 win against Petar Majstorovic. Fujimoto, meanwhile, is the K-1 '07 Asia GP Champion and has honed his skills at the respected Mejiro Gym in Holland.

Teixeira missed with a high kick and a spinning back kick early on, but then answered Fujimoto's hard low kicks in kind. A Teixeira right set Fujimoto stumbling, but Fujimoto also got some good punches through in the first. In the second, both fighters closed frequently and fearlessly, leading with the fists and making good contact. This was shaping up to be one heck of a battle.

In the third there was more aggressive punching, Teixeira missing with a number of his ambitious kicks, Fujimoto repeatedly closing with the right but absorbing punishment from Teixeira's quick counters. A spirited round, in which Teixeira's left straight punch would have put many fighters down -- Fujimoto showing a good chain to stay on his feet and answering deftly with a spinning back punch that made partial contact. Judges saw a draw and called for a tiebreaker round.

Teixeira landed a dandy left straight punch here, Fujimoto was also good with body blows, moving forward but now beginning to either slip and fall to the canvas or grab hold of his opponent to stay on his feet, suggesting possible damage to his left leg.

When the round ended, the judges once again pronounced a draw, sending the fighters to a second and final tiebreaker.

Here Teixeira's superior stamina proved the difference, as he kept on coming while Fujimoto began falling apart. It was a left straight on a counter that scored Teixeira his first down, followed by a left hook for a second down just 20 seconds later. Fujimoto was now awfully wobbly, and Teixeira's right straight punch was the coup de grace, dropping the Japanese fighter for the third time and giving the Brazilian the KO win.

At 35 years of age, seidokaikan veteran Musashi is Japan's most accomplished K-1 fighter. Tonight he faced a challenge from compatriot Junichi Sawayashiki, a 23 year old kickboxer. His stunning upset win over Jerome LeBanner last year established Sawayashiki as one of Japan's most promising youngsters.

The fighters exchanged jabs and low kicks through the early going, Musashi getting a good middle kick through, Sawayashiki making partial contact with a high kick in the first round. In the second, Musashi worked the body blows before getting a left kick up and on target to score a down. After resumption, Musashi put his opponent on the ropes and laid in with the fists, and soon a left uppercut had dropped Sawayashiki a second time. The poor kid beat the count, rising to his feet only be sent back down by Musashi's decisive left straight. An impressive win, Musashi sending the message that he still has a lot of fight left in him.

The Brazilian with the magic legs, kyokushin fighter Glaube Feitosa, met low-kick specialist Alex Roberts, a kujyuken fighter from the United Kingdom making his K-1 debut.

Roberts started with a couple of low kicks and a knee to the midsection, but these did not at all rattle Feitosa, who remained characteristically cool. A number of technical exchanges followed, and by the end of the round although neither fighter had dominated, Feitosa had the edge, and Roberts' nose was bloodied.

If Roberts the rookie was beginning to believe he was holding his own against one of the world's best, that thought flew out of his mind the minute Feitosa's left foot connected with the right side of his head. The British fighter collapsed to the canvas ingloriously, and Feitosa had yet another clip for his kyokushin high-kick highlight reel.

The Squat Samoan with the herculean right hook, Mighty Mo, stepped in against cocky Japanese kickboxer Keijiro Maeda.

Maeda cycled at the far perimeter, occasionally tossing in a kick, while Mo tracked him from the center of the ring. Mo did catch the Japanese fighter on several occasions and Maeda did go to the canvas, but these were ruled slips. Apart from endlessly circling, Maeda's unusual strategy involved diving into the clinch or darting away when it looked like he might get punched. In the second, Mo answered one of Maeda's dive-and-hug maneuvers with a knee, but otherwise had a difficult time tagging his wily opponent.

Maeda continued with the kick-and-run strategy in the third, a number of low kicks making good contact, a number of them also hitting Mo below the belt. Mo now attempted his own low kicks, but these were woefully inadequate. You had to give Maeda credit -- he had put Mo off his game. It wasn't pretty, but it forced a tiebreaker round.

Here, Mo was again kicked below the belt, prompting an extended time stop and recovery period. At the age of 34, Mo is 13 years older than Maeda, and stamina now came into play. An increasingly exhausted and frustrated Mo could not find his distance, while the evasive Maeda scored enough with this kicks to take a unanimous decision.

Veteran kickboxer Petr Vondracek of the Czech Republic, who had lost his last four K-1 bouts, hoped to turn things around here against Japanese karate stylist Mitsugu Noda.

But that was not to be. Too much clinching in the early going, until Noda unloaded a barrage of punches on the cornered and closed-up Vondracek, prompting the referee to call a standing count. A repeat performance in the second, Noda putting Vondracek on the ropes and pummeling him for a good while before finally earning another standing count. The Czech made a bit of a rally, coming in with a series of hooks, but Noda weathered these and was soon on the offensive again, literally chasing Vondracek round the ring to get a referee stop and the victory.

A hard-hitting German, Chalid "Die Faust" hails from the champion-producing Golden Glory gym in Holland. Here he met the technically-advanced Russian kyokushin karate fighter Aleksandr Pichkunov.

Die Faust had lost his last K-1 contest after eating a knee served up by Glaube Feitosa, another kyokushin fighter. So this was something of a chance for payback. Pichkunov the kicker was also coming off a loss, having been out-punched by Doug Viney.

A tentative start here, both men testing with low kicks and the occasional jab. The pace picked up midway through the first, Pichkunov moving forward with punches and sailing a spinning back kick just high. But Die Faust answered the challenge, coming back with a punching attack to end the round.

In the second Die Faust hunkered forward with straight punches and stepped inside to throw the uppercut, but Pichkunov's defense was sound, although Die Faust did clock him soundly with a right. In the third Pichkunov strived to score with low kicks, while Die Faust, leaning forward, made the most of his upper body strength, pumping in body blows and tight hooks. The judges saw a draw and called for a tiebreaker round.

Here, Pichkunov repeatedly jabbed and threw low kicks at the ever-approaching Die Faust, until, in the final seconds, the exhausted pair simply slugged it out from in close. Once again, judges could not pick a winner, and a final tiebreaker was prescribed. This time Pichkunov stayed with the low kicks, stinging his opponent; while Die Faust attempted combinations -- but neither fighter got through to do serious damage. A tough one to call, the split decision giving Pichkunov the win by the narrowest possible margin.

The nine-bout card started with a couple of Japanese fighters, Takashi Tachikawa, who came out of the K-1 Tryout series and is known for his low kicks; and Hiroyuki Enokida, a seidokaikan stylist improbably making his K-1 debut at age 37. This was a bizarre fight. Four seconds after the bell, Tachikawa deposited his rotund opponent with a punch. Enokida beat the count, only to be laid out again immediately after resumption. This was looking like a laughably one-sided affair, when suddenly Enokida smacked through a right hook that KO'd Tachikawa. Three downs in 40 seconds!

In undercard action, Tsuyoshi Nakasako of Japan beat compatriot Takumi Sato by decision; and Tsutomu Takahagi of Japan KO'd Kyoung Suk Kim of South Korea.

The K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Yokohama attracted a crowd of 10,629 to the Yokohama Arena. It was broadcast live across Japan on the Fuji TV network, and will be shown on a delayed-basis in a total of 135 countries around the world. For local broadcast information, contact your provider. Check with the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events.
 



K-1 World GP '08 in Yokohama Press Conference
By Monty DiPietro
TOKYO, April 12, 2008 -- Hoping to make history for a second time, former K-1 World Grand Prix Grand Champion Mark Hunt returns to the ring tomorrow against the three-time and defending K-1 WGP Champion Semmy Schilt of Holland.

It's been five years since Mark Hunt last fought in K-1, but fightsport fans everywhere remember the New Zealand boxer's 2001 World GP performance, when he took the sport by storm. Hunt first KOed all three opponents to win the Oceania GP elimination tournament in Melbourne. Then, at the Tokyo Dome in December, he dispatched K-1 stars Francisco Filho, Stefan Leko and Jerome LeBanner to become the first-ever non-European K-1 World GP Champion.

Hunt would love to score another upset tomorrow, when he faces the juggernaut that is Semmy Schilt in the Main Event at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Yokohama.

The event features nine bouts, all fought under regular K-1 Rules, in a one-match format. Participating fighters met the media today at the Fuji TV headquarters in Tokyo's seaside Odaiba district.


Three consecutive championships attest to what Semmy Schilt is capable of. But the Dutch seidokaikan fighter was characteristically reserved at the press conference, answering questions about his fight with Hunt -- in which his K-1 Super Heavyweight Belt is also up for grabs -- by coolly repeating his trademark mantra: "I'm glad to be here as the Champion, and I will show a great fight."

Hunt, likewise, was not exactly gabby: "Wish me luck!"

Only when asked about the height difference --- Schilt stands 33cm/13" taller than Hunt -- did the stocky Kiwi loosen up. "Really?" he asked, affecting befuddlement, "there's a height difference? I don't think so." When pressed by the reporter, Hunt smiled. "Semmy's the three-time champ and he's a great fighter, we'll just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow."

Tomorrow's penultimate match up is a bout between kyokushin karate fighter Ewerton Teixeira of Brazil and Japanese karate fighter Yusuke Fujimoto, who won last year's K-1 Asia GP in Hong Kong and has honed his skills at the respected Mejiro Gym in Holland.

"I trained hard in preparation, Fujimoto looks in good shape, but I will do a great fight," said Teixeira. Replied Fujimoto, "My opponent has good upper body strength and is competing in K-1 for the first time, so I look forward to meeting a new fighter, but I mainly focus on myself and on making a good fight. I'm in great condition, and I'm ready to go!"

At 35 years of age, seidokaikan veteran Musashi is Japan's most accomplished K-1 fighter. At the Yokohama Arena he will step in against compatriot Junichi Sawayashiki, a 23 year old fighter whose shocking upset win over Jerome LeBanner last year established him as one of Japan's rising K-1 stars.

"I trained hard and long, and I believe I'm prepared to win," said Musashi. Sawayashiki, looking relaxed, promised, "tomorrow I will be aggressive, and I will win."

In a highly-anticipated matchup, it will be K-1 living legend Ray Sefo of New Zealand entertaining the explosive bad boy Badr Hari of Morocco.

Said Sefo, "I heard in one of his interviews that Badr said I had better be in shape, well that's true. My last year was terrible, but I am in great form now. I have nothing but good things to say about Badr, he's young, talented, determined and wants to win. But I want to win too, and tomorrow I'm coming after him."

Replied Hari, "I don't know what to say, Ray said enough, just make sure to get your ticket because I promise a big knockout, that's the only thing I can promise, a big knockout!"

The Brazilian with the magic legs, kyokushin fighter Glaube Feitosa, will meet low-kick specialist Alex Roberts, a kujyuken-kaikan fighter from the United Kingdom.
Said Feitosa, "I practiced, I trained with [Francisco] Filho, and I will do well." Speaking in fluent Japanese, Roberts replied, "It's my debut and I'm facing a great opponent so I think it's a great chance to do a great fight, and that's what I hope to do."

The Squat Samoan with the herculean right hook, Mighty Mo, will step it against cocky Japanese kickboxer Keijiro Maeda.

"I am back," said Mo, "because I want to make some noise and fight a good fight." For his part, Maeda went off on a bit of a tangent, "I've been playing a computer game recently, called 'Monster Hunter' and I've got quite good at it. They say that Mo has 'monster hands', but tomorrow I want to make him say 'stop, I've had enough, no more'!"

Veteran kickboxer Petr Vondracek of the Czech Republic will take on Japanese karate stylist Mitsugu Noda.

"I will be strong and fight to win," said Vondracek. "I know my opponent is a strong fighter," replied Noda, "but my goal this year is to win the Japan GP and I want to get off to a good start, so I can't lose tomorrow!"

The hard-hitting German, Chalid "Die Faust" hails from the champion-producing Golden Glory gym in Holland. Tomorrow he will meet the technically-advanced Russian kyokushin karate fighter Aleksandr Pichkunov.

In his last K-1 fight, after eating a knee, Die Faust lost to Glaube Feitosa, another kyokushin fighter. So this is something of a chance for payback. "I am very well prepared, and I want to wish my opponent good luck," said the gentlemanly Die Faust.

Pichkunov also lost his last bout, after being out-punched by Doug Viney. "I'm happy to have another chance in K-1," said the Russian. "This time it's only one match, so I can give my all in the one bout. I wish good luck to everyone, especially me!"

The nine-bout card starts with a couple of Japanese -- Takashi Tachikawa, known for his hard low kicks, and Hiroyuki Enokida a 37-year-old seidokaikan stylist. In undercard action, it will be Tsuyoshi Nakasako of Japan and compatriot Takumi Sato; and Kyoung Suk Kim of South Korea taking on Tsutomu Takahagi of Japan.

The K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Yokohama kicks off at 3:00 pm. on Sunday, April 13 at the Yokohama Arena. It will be broadcast live across Japan on the Fuji TV network, and on a delayed-basis in a total of 135 countries around the world. For local broadcast information, contact your provider. Check with the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events.
 
 


Masato Masterful in Hiroshima
By Monty DiPietro
HIROSHIMA, April 9, 2008 -- Twenty-nine year-old Japanese kickboxer Masato out-punched South African boxer Virgil Kalakoda to emerge victorious tonight in the Main Event at the World Max '08 Final 16 Tournament in Hiroshima.

Masato won the World Max Championship in 2003, and made it to the final last year. Here, Masato wanted to prove he's still a force to be reckoned with. Kalakoda, meanwhile, had won seven of his eleven World Max fights, and stepped in the ring with a chance to claim a spot at the top.



From the opening bell, Masato was the more aggressive fighter, throwing the low kicks and closing with body blows and tight combinations. Kalakoda kept his guard high and close, and but for a couple of unsuccessful punching attempts, did little to challenge.

The South African switched to an unusual cross-arm guard late in the round, and in the second opened up some, shifting his weight forward, looking for way in. But Masato's lateral movement kept him out of trouble, while his zippy punches and kicks to the midsection proved the best strikes of the round. All three scorecards had Masato ahead in both the first and second rounds. One had to wonder what Kalakoda was waiting for.

In the third, Masato's go-to strategy paid off, as he got round his opponent's guard with a right hook. Kalakoda fell hard to canvas, and there was no way was going to beat the count. A tremendous performance and a KO victory, confirming Masato as not only Japan's best, but one of the world's best.

"I said I wanted to beat Virgil with a punch and that's what I did," said a beaming Masato in his post-fight interview. "Now, because my predictions are coming true, let me make another one -- I will win the World Max Championship this year!"

The K-1 World Max is one of the most thrilling fightsport competitions in the world today. With its 70kg/154lbs weight class, World Max delivers an unparalleled combination of speed and technique that have made it a favorite of sports fans everywhere.

The road to this year's World Max Championship has three-stages. The final and semifinals are scheduled for October, and the fighters competing there will be determined at the historic Nippon Budokan in July, when the final eight square off in a quartet of elimination bouts.

Tonight, all eyes were on Hiroshima. The event featured 16 fighters from 12 countries in eight elimination matches -- with the victors going to the Budokan.

Aside from Masato, three other World Max Grand Champions competed in Hiroshima.

Defending and two-time Max Champ Andy Souwer of Holland stepped in against the small Greek with the big punch, Mike Zambidis.

The first round saw Zambidis closing sharply to score with a right hook and flying knee, Souwer doing well with numerous low kicks and a punishing right knee. In the second, Zambidis got another knee up and brought on an aggressive barrage of body blows at the clapper, but his front leg was beginning to bruise at the thigh from Souwer's kicks. A hard-fought third round, Souwer continuing to press with the low kicks, Zambidis closing up his guard and blasting in with body blows.

All three judges called it a draw, and so a tiebreaker round was prescribed. Zambidis waited for Souwer to make the first move -- a high kick that missed -- then exploded with the fists. The Greek fighter's blocking was sound, he it looked like might have stolen this one -- until, after an innocent Souwer jab, he let his right guard drop. Souwer wasted no time firing up a high kick that smacked Zambidis hard on the side of head. Souwer got the win by KO -- and remarked afterward that he believed he had earned a win after three rounds -- but this was a much closer fight than many would have expected.

In the evening's penultimate bout, two-time World Max Grand Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand met the first-ever Max Champion, Dutch boxer Albert Kraus.

Buakaw had the more balanced attacks through the first round, mixing it up with punches and kicks, scoring with a left hook. Kraus rarely kicked, but did block most of what came his way, and made good contact with an uppercut. In the second again Buakaw skillfully brought his varied arsenal to play, while Kraus continued to close with the jab and again landed an uppercut. Seemingly indefatigable, Buakaw kept on coming and in the third used the legs and fists alike, but Kraus showed excellent blocking, and pounded in a left straight punch to keep it close.

Judges could not agree on a winner, and so called for an extra round.

Buakaw now threw everything but the kitchen sink at his opponent, but Kraus' evasions and blocking were up to task. A tough one to call, and a mixed reaction from the crowd when Buakaw's arm was raised.

Kickboxer Yoshihiro Sato, the 2006 World Max Japan Champion, took on Murat Direkci, a tough Turk who had posted an impressive first-round KO victory over Albert Kraus in his last fight.

Sato brought a 10cm/4" height advantage to this fight, but Direkci responded fittingly, using front kicks to control the distance and getting through early with a couple of creative ascending punching attacks. In the second round Sato fired in low kicks, and although these did little to discourage Direkci from coming forward with the fists, they were taking their toll on his legs.

The third saw spirited efforts from both fighters. Sato cocked his opponent's head back with a front kick, and make contact with the left straight punch, Direkci putting an estimable punch through late in the round. The blocking was sound and there was little apparent damage but this was an entertaining technical bout. The win went to Sato by unanimous decision.

Twenty-one year-old Ukrainian kickboxer Artur Kyshenko stepped in against Ray Sefo protégé Jordan Tai of New Zealand in a terrific contest.

An exchange of hard low kicks to start this one, before the fighters switched to punches. Tai put a nice right overhand on target, before Kyshenko came in with straight punches and connected with a sensational high kick. Tai took a hard knee at the end of the first, but got out of the round. Tai pumped up a nice uppercut midway through the second, and while Kyshenko was good with his knees, Tai ably answered one of these with a right punch to score a down late in the round. A furious end to the second.

And a furious start to the third, as all manner of attacks were unleashed -- straight punches, spinning back punches, high kicks and knees galore. Kyshenko got a high kick and knee in to drop his opponent, but these were both ruled slips. Tai was aggressive with his fists, and at the end of it all the judges called for a tiebreaker round.

The extra round was again non-stop action, Tai putting in an uppercut and nice high kick; Kyshenko also scoring with a high kick, and rattling his opponent with a mean knee and right cross. If it were possible to raise both fighters' arms, it would have been deserved. As it was, Kyshenko had enough of an edge to get the win.

In a showdown between emerging fighters with consummate provenience, Italian Saro "The Sicilian Don" Presti of Team Peter Aerts met South African Warren Stevelmans, who trains with Remy Bonjasky at the VOS gym that Ernesto Hoost made famous.

The two sparred tentatively through most of the first round before Stevelmans countered a Presti low kick attempt with a left hook to score a late down. It was Stevelmans again in the second round, controlling the fight effectively before charging in with a left knee that connected squarely with his adversary's jaw. The Italian could not beat the count, and Stevelmans had the convincing win.

Armenian dynamo Drago tangoed with Gori, who hails from tiny Rota in the Mariana Islands and fights for the United States. The pair showed similar styles, both testing with jabs and kicks before a Drago left punch distressed Gori, who went stumbling toward the corner but stayed on his feet and escaped the round. In the second, Drago picked up the pace, and a high kick deposited Gori on the canvas, although this was ruled a slip. The third saw more aggression from the Armenian, who confidently fired in high, front, and ax kicks as he chased Gori round the ring. A body blow earned Drago a down late in the round, after which he attacked with sufficient aggression to score two more downs and finish the fight, the decisive blow, a left hook, coming with only four seconds remaining.

The number four told a different story in the following bout when Yasuhiro Kido, who won the World Max '08 Japan in February, took on South Korean kickboxer Chi Bin Lim. The bell sounded and the pair closed to center-ring, whereupon Kido fired up a right knee to the chin, and Lim went limp and collapsed. Time elapsed? Only four seconds. It appeared no one was more surprised than Kido -- who gleefully hopped round the ring to the delight of the crowd.

In a fast and spirited undercard bout, Yuya Yamamoto of Japan went with kicks while Brazilian Marfio "The Warrior Tiger" Canoletti used the fists. There was action from start to finish but in the end Yamamoto was launching the majority of the attacks. Superior stamina proved the difference as the Japanese fighter was awarded a comfortable unanimous decision.

All fights were conducted under K-1 Rules -- 3min. x 3R with one possible tiebreaker round.

There were also a pair of K-1 World Youth special matches. Japanese wunderkind Hiroya, 16, entertained 15 year-old compatriot Tsukasa Fuji in a 60kg/132lbs matchups. Both boys had their chances here, Fuji adept with his front kicks, Hiroya showing his versatility with low kicks and punch combinations. In the third round, Hiroya hurt his opponent with a left punch to the body and follow it up with a couple of rights to finish on the offensive and pick up the win by unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, at 55kg/121lbs, it was Shota Takiya of Japan and Vitalij Lisnyak of the Ukraine displaying quick combinations and great technical promise in a bout that ended with a split decision in favor of the Japanese fighter.

The K-1 World Max '08 Final 16 Tournament attracted 6,700 fans to the Hiroshima Green Arena. It was broadcast live in Japan on the TBS network. For delay broadcast information in other countries contact local providers. For complete coverage of this and all K-1 World Max and World GP events visit the K-1 Official website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp).
 
 


World Max 16 in Hiroshima Press Conference
By Monty DiPietro
HIROSHIMA, April 8, 2008 -- The K-1 World Max is one of the most thrilling fightsport competitions in the world today. With its 70kg/154lbs weight class, World Max delivers the unparalleled combination of speed and technique that have made it a favorite of sports fans everywhere. The road to this year's World Max Championship has three-stages. The final and semifinals are scheduled for October, and the four fighters competing there will be determined at the historic Nippon Budokan in July, when the final eight square off in a quartet of elimination bouts.



But this week, all eyes are on Hiroshima, in southern Japan, where top fighters will go head-to-head in the World Max '08 Final 16 Tournament. The event comprises eight matches, and the boys will be giving it all they've got -- as only the victors advance to the Budokan.

On the eve of battle, the 16 fighters met the media at the Rihga Royal Hotel.

Four former World Max Grand Champions will be competing tomorrow, including Japanese favorite Masato, who faces Virgil Kalakoda of South Africa in the Main Event.

"I'm very sure it will be fierce, with a lot of punching attacks," said Masato. "Virgil is a good puncher, but I have more experience than he does, and so I think I'm the more capable fighter."

Kalakoda, speaking in Japanese, showed surprising brevity: "I am the one who will win."

In the penultimate bout, two-time World Max Grand Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand will meet the first-ever Max Champ, Dutch boxer Albert Kraus. Both these fighters were guarded with their comments, saying only that they were happy to be here and would do their best.

In another highly-anticipated matchup, Defending and two-time World Max Champion Andy Souwer of Holland will step in against the small Greek with the big punch, Mike Zambidis.

"This is the first event of the new K-1 World Max series," said Souwer. "I plan to start off carefully, and make a good defense of my title, take it one step at a time to the final."

Zambidis said he was happy to be fighting the Champ, and would do his best to win.

Lanky Japan Max star Yoshihiro Sato will take on Turk Murat Direkci; while in a showdown between K-1 veterans' protégés, Italian fighter Saro "The Sicilian Don" Presti, who trains with Peter Aerts; will meet Warren Stevelmans of South Africa, who trains with Ernesto Hoost.

In other elimination bouts; Artur Kyshenko of the Ukraine will meet Jordan Tai of New Zealand; Armenian dynamo Drago will tango with Goro of Rota/USA; and Chi Bin Lim of South Korea will take on Yasuhiro Kido of Japan / Taniyama Gym

All bouts will be conducted under K-1 Rules -- 3min. x 3R with one possible tiebreaker round.

There will also be a K-1 World Youth Special Match fought under special rules and with a 60kg/132lbs contract. Sixteen year-old Japanese wunderkind Hiroya will entertain 15 year-old compatriot Tsukasa Fuji.

In undercard bouts, Yuya Yamamoto of Japan will meet Marfio "The Warrior Tiger" Canoletti of Brazil; while in a 55kg/121lbs contest, it will be Shota Takiya of Japan against Vitalij Lisnyak of the Ukraine.

The K-1 World Max '08 Final 16 Tournament kicks off at 18h00 on April 9 at the Hiroshima Green Arena It will be broadcast live in Japan on the TBS network. For delay broadcast information in other areas contact local providers. For complete coverage of this and all K-1 World Max and World GP events visit the K-1 Official website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp).
 



Yasuhiro Kido Wins K-1 World Max Japan '08
By Monty DiPietro
TOKYO, February 2, 2008 -- Twenty-five year-old kickboxer Yasuhiro Kido rose from relative unknown to Japan Champion tonight at the K-1 World Max '08 Japan. Held before a sellout crowd at the historic Nippon Budokan, the event featured an eight-man elimination tournament fought under K-1 Max Rules (70kg/152lbs weight class; 3min. x 3R Ex.1R). There were also be a couple of Superfights and a trio of K-1 World Youth showcase bouts.

A bottle-blond fighter from Isehara City (pop. 100,000), Kido won the All-Japan Student Kickboxing Welterweight Championship in '01, and won again, in the Middleweight class, in '02. But the muay thai-trained kickboxer had a mere three K-1 bouts under his belt coming into this tournament, and his name was hardly mentioned in speculation of who might prevail. Most of that attention was focused on Nigerian-Japanese kickboxer Andy Ologun, who met karate stylist Yuya Yamamoto in the first tournament matchup.



The pair stayed light on their feet and traded occasional low kicks to start, Ologun getting the best strike here -- a left straight punch. In the second, Ologun got a right cross through to score the down that would make the difference here. Yamamoto pressed through the balance of the bout, getting through with some low licks and body blows, but Ologun's defenses were sound enough to deliver him the win by unanimous decision.

Kido made his debut in the second bout, against Keiji Ozaki, a taekwondo fighter. Some high kicks from Kido to start, Ozaki hanging back. Kido's 12 cm/5" height advantage helped him control the distance through much of the first, although Ozaki did get a dandy right straight through late in the round. In the second and third Ozaki repeatedly closed with the quick left jab, but to no avail, while Kido's legwork kept him ahead, a high kick rattling Ozaki for a standing count at the final clapper. The unanimous decision got Kido a date with Ologun in the semifinals.

Starting the second bracket were a couple of boxers, go-to guy Tatsuji and Hiroyuki Maeda. One week shy of his 36th birthday, Tatsuji was the oldest fighter in the tournament. His ring entrance music was the theme from "Rocky." Maeda lived up to the music, fighting like a champion here -- mixing it up from the start and scoring an early down with a left hook. Tatsuji beat the count, but Maeda kept on coming, and scarcely a minute in socked in another left in for a second down and the win.

Last up was Ryuji, who brought a record of 23 wins and 4 losses to his fight with kickboxer Hayato. A fast-paced first, both fighters getting good punches through, the momentum swinging one way then the other. In the second, Ryuji applied early pressure with the fists, smacking in a left hook, before Hayato met his opponent's advance with a right punch to score a down. Ryuji rallied however to finish strongly. The third featured more great action, Ryuji closing with hooks, Hayato good with blocking and countering with straight punches and low kicks. A slugfest to the final bell, the narrowest of majority decisions advancing Hayato to the semis against Maeda.

The first of the semifinals featured Kido and Ologun. Kido used front kicks to stymie Ologun's early advances. Aside from a fair Ologun high kick not much hurt got delivered until the second, when Kido began to pump in the low kicks and made partial contact with a spinning back punch. In the third Kido's kicks' aggregate effect slowed Ologun, who did not threaten. Kido turned it up toward the end, coming in with the fists, and won the round on all cards to take a unanimous decision.

In the second semi it was Maeda and Hayato. Maeda was spunky here, fast on his feet and repeatedly closing with the fists. Midway though the first, Hayato looked to have hurt his opponent with stinging low kicks, but Maeda made a terrific late rally, scoring a down with a right hook. Hayato beat the count only to find himself once again on the bad side of a barrage of fists. With his defenseless opponent pinned in the corner, Maeda pumped in the punches, and the referee might have stepped in had the bell not sounded to end the round.

During the break, however, an ominous air closed on Maeda's corner, as cornermen stretched the fighter's right arm and uneasily examining the elbow. The bell sounded but Maeda did not answer. The ringside doctor had a quick look, then announced to the disappointed crowd that the injury would prevent Maeda from continuing. And so it was Hayato through to the final

Kido and Hayato threw plenty of punches in this one -- pity it didn't go longer. There were no fewer than four downs in the first minute. Kido got a right straight punch past a sloppy defense to score the first, and put a left hook in seconds after resumption to collect a second. Many in the crowd figured that was it, but Hayato had other ideas, and the still-shaky fighter brought the crowd to their feet with a punch that dramatically deposited Kido on the canvas. Alas, prospects of a comeback crumbled in no time, as Kido put that right in again to score his third down and pick up the win.

With his tournament victory, Kido becomes Japan's official representative at the World Max '08 Final, scheduled for October.


In the Main Superfight, it was two-time World Max Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand taking on two-time and defending Max Japan Champion Yoshihiro Sato. These boys fought back at the World Max '06 Final, Buakaw stopping Sato with a left to win by KO.

Dozens of low kicks through the first round, both fighters snapping them in smartly, Buakaw also getting partial contact with a high kick. The second saw more of the same, Buakaw expertly controlling the distance with front kicks, the taller Sato striving but failing to get close with the knees. Buakaw got a right punch through, but otherwise it was kicks. Sato stepped in with the uppercut here and again in the third but Buakaw was deft with the evasions, and scored repeatedly on counters. Sato got a right hook through in the third, Buakaw answering immediately with a left. Sato kept coming in to score with low kicks to keep it close. Late in the round Buakaw pushed his opponent across the ring with a couple of front kicks, then ducked and weaved to avoid a late punching attack.

Judges could not pick a winner and so an extra round was prescribed. Buakaw and Sato now went almost entirely with the fists, Buakaw repeatedly going around the guard with hooks, Sato unable to take advantage of his opponent's relaxed guard to get the knees up. Buakaw landed a good number of blows to the body and head, while Sato gave the partisan crowd a glimmer of hope with a solid left hook that sent Buakaw stumbling for a moment. It was however too little too late, and Buakaw took the split decision.

In other Superfight action, dynamic Ukrainian muay thai stylist Artur Kyshenko stepped in against meat and potatoes kickboxer Shingo Garyu of Japan. Kyshenko just wanted to fight, but today Garyu was inclined to theatrics; crouching close and low for a funky staredown during the referee's pre-bout instructions. But from the bell, Kyshenko just fought, and it turned out that was all he had to do, as three hard left hooks yielded three quick downs. A near-perfect technical performance and a well-earned win for Kyshenko.

The event also provided a peek at some up-and-coming K-1 talent, in the U-18 K-1 World Youth Competition. Three matches were contested under K-1 Rules, with a 60kg/132lb contract and a Japan vs Holland theme -- The Japanese kids managed by Team Dragon President Kensaku Maeda; the legendary Andre Mannaart standing at the helm of the Dutch effort.

If the Dutch never grew up, Japan would dominate K-1 -- that was the message here, as the local youngsters won all three contests. Overcoming an 11cm/4" height disadvantage, wunderkind Hiroya threaded a left and a right through Robby Hageman's guard to drop the Dutch teen and win by KO; in an otherwise close contest, Kizaemon Saiga won the third round on all cards to beat Bappie "Baby Face" Tetteroo by unanimous decision; and Shota Shimada spun a back punch round and caught Roy Tan hard on the jaw to score a late 2nd round KO win.

In the World Max Japan tournament reserve, Yasuhito Shirasu beat Kozo Mitsuyama by second round KO.

The K-1 World Max Japan attracted a crowd of 9,549 to the Budokan in central Tokyo. The event was broadcast live in Japan on the TBS network. Delay-broadcasts will bring the action to a total of 135 countries -- for scheduling information contact local providers. Visit the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for official results and comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events.
 



K-1 World MAX Japan 2008 Press Conference
By Monty DiPietro
TOKYO, February 1, 2008 -- The K-1 World Max '08 season kicks off tomorrow with the World Max Japan Tournament. Set at the historic Nippon Budokan, the event features an eight-man elimination tournament fought under K-1 Max Rules (70kg/152lbs weight class; 3min. x 3R Ex.1R). There will also be a couple of Superfights and a trio of K-1 World Youth showcase bouts. Participating fighters (minus those who had to be in school) met the media today at the Happo-En Hotel in central Tokyo.

The attrition tournament will determine Japan's official representative at this year's World Max Final. All fighters appeared relaxed and in excellent condition, and pledged to do their best.



In the first matchup it will be Nigerian-Japanese kickboxer Andy Ologun vs karate stylist Yuya Yamamoto. The second bout sees Keiji Ozaki, a taekwondo fighter, stepping in against muay thai stylist Yasuhiro Kido.

Starting the second bracket will be a couple of boxers, go-to guy Tatsuji and tough customer Hiroyuki Maeda -- who, at 36 years of age is the tournament veteran. Last up, it's Ryuji, who brings a record of 23 wins and 4 losses to his fight with kickboxer Hayato.

Winners in their first-fights will square off in a pair of semifinal bouts, with the two victors facing off in the final.

In Superfights, it will be two-time World Max Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand taking on two-time and defending Max Japan Champion Yoshihiro Sato; and dynamic Ukrainian muay thai fighter Artur Kyshenko stepping in against meat and potatoes kickboxer Shingo Garyu of Japan.

The event also provides a peek at some up-and-coming K-1 talent, in the U-18 K-1 World Youth Competition. Three matches will be contested under K-1 Rules, with a 60kg/132lb contract and a Japan vs Holland theme: Japanese wunderkind Hiroya will take on Robby Hageman; Shota Shimada will tango with Roy Tan; and Kizaemon Saiga will go up against Bappie "Baby Face" Tetteroo. The Japanese side are being managed by Team Dragon President Kensaku Maeda; while the legendary Andre Mannaart stands at the helm of the Dutch effort.

The K-1 World Max Japan starts at 2:30 on Saturday Feb 2 at the Budokan in central Tokyo. The event will be broadcast live in Japan on the TBS network. Delay-broadcasts will bring the action to a total of 135 countries -- for scheduling information contact local providers. Visit the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for official results and comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events.
 



Sakuraba still Dynamite!!
By Monty DiPietro
OSAKA, December 31, 2007 -- Veteran Japanese fighter Kazushi Sakuraba, 36, beat Masakatsu Funaki in the Main Event tonight at the K-1 Premium Dynamite!! Also victorious at the New Year's Eve fightsport extravaganza were Kid Yamamoto, Bob Sapp, and 16 year-old karate stylist Yudai.

Since its inception five years ago, Dynamite!! has become one of the world's most popular fightsport productions, broadcast live across Japan with viewer estimates of up to 30 million. This is fightsport entertainment for the entire family -- featuring wily veterans and wide-eyed teens; popular Japanese television tarento; foreign behemoths; and yes, enough elite-fighter matchups to satisfy the martial arts purists.

Dynamite!! was held before a full house at the Kyocera Dome Osaka. Seven bouts were fought under HERO's Rules (mixed martial arts), and eight under K-1 Rules (standup).



In the Main Event it was a couple of Japanese mixed martial arts legends meeting under HERO'S Rules, with a 85kg/187lbs weight contract. Kazushi Sakuraba and Masakatsu Funaki brought a wealth of experience and illustrious careers to the ring. Both are grapplers and so this fight was expected to go to the mat early.

There were a few low kicks and punches to start, both fighters connecting smartly before an off-balance Sakuraba managed a takedown to mount. Funaki coiled up, and after the pair spent some time locked in a Greco-Roman embrace Sakuraba emerged standing over his opponent. Funaki used bicycle kicks to keep his opponent at bay, smacking one up to the face, before Sakuraba grabbed the feet and came down to a side mount to begin fishing for the armbar. The pair were wrapped tight when Sakuraba worked Funaki's right arm free, twisting it behind the back to force the submission and take the win.

"It's been seven years since I fought Funaki and I was surprised at how good his punching and timing are," said Sakuraba in his post-fight interview. "He is stronger than I remember, I was planning to pound on his face, but he was so good at blocking that I couldn't." Asked about FEG Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa's call for a Sakuraba vs Rickson Gracie fight next year, Sakuraba replied, "I'm up for it, I've never fought him, but I can only think of one fight at a time. This was a good year and I was relatively uninjured, so I'd like next year to be like that!"

The card's penultimate matchup featured Japanese mixed martial arts star Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Rani Yahya in a 61kg/135lbs HERO'S contest. Yahya charged in early swinging away, only to have his momentum kiboshed by Yamamoto's surgical left punch. Yahya made attempts with low and high kicks, but the Kid was better with his counters, and repeatedly closed to point with a strike-and-retreat strategy. Yahya several times saw his leg takedowns stymied, and when the Brazilian did go to the ground Yamamoto declined the invitation, electing to hang back for a re-stand. In the first and second there were periods of frantic punching exchanges, but despite copious attempts, neither fighter could knock the other down.

The Kid's low crouch contrasted with Yahya's upright stance, and allowed the Japanese to both jump forward with punches and stave off takedown attempts. Following more fruitless flailing of the fists in the third, Yahya threw three high kicks, all of which were ably blocked, before Yamamoto connected squarely with a right, then a left, to leave Yahya dazed and down in the corner. The pumped-up Kid stepped in to fire kicks at his opponent's head, making partial contact before the referee intervened to stop the fight, raising Yamamoto's arm in victory.

"I kept a good distance to keep my opponent for coming in with a tackle," said Yamamoto afterward. "His punches were unorthodox so I hesitated a bit. A punch got through in the second round and I was seeing double after that. But in the end I came out with a win!"

Five years ago, American fighter Bob "The Beast" Sapp had one of the most recognizable faces in Japan. Tonight Sapp returned for a HERO'S bout with another very recognizable face, Japanese television tarento and comedian Bobby Ologun of Nigeria. The question was -- which face would be more recognizable after the fight?

After a couple of unabashedly over-the-top ring entrances, the pair set up for their showdown. From the bell, Sapp marched forward as Ologun pranced about out of reach, until finally Sapp got a grip and a takedown. The Beast muscled his way into a full mount which, given his mass, offered Ologun little if any chance for escape. Sapp tried in vain to wrest his opponent's arm free before abandoning that endeavor and simply pounding down the fists to earn a referee stop and the win.

"I'm happy overall," said Sapp in his post-fight interview, "but I know what I need to work on. It's good to be back. I think the audience wants more of the Beast and I want to do more. I plan to sit down with FEG and see what 2008 has in store, it should be a happy new year!"


In other HERO'S fights:

Kiyoshi Tamura of Japan took on compatriot Hideo Tokoro. These are a couple of mixed martial arts specialists, and not a strike was thrown before they went to the mat courtesy a Tokoro takedown. After a restand and a solid Tamura middle kick, the pair went to the mat once more where, alas, not a whole lot happened. Tamura allowed his opponent to stand, threw a kick or two and then they were down again. A round with plenty of ups and downs but little apparent damage. More grappling in the second, Tamura not capitalizing on a rear mount, Tokoro reversing but similarly unable to gain good position before another of many referee-ordered re-stands. But for a solid Tamura left hook, another round marred by a lack of action. With his 17kg/38lbs weight advantage, Tamura had the edge in power, and hard low kicks earned him some points early in the third. A relatively lackluster affair that finally found its conclusion when the pair went to the mat midway through the final round and Tamura extracted an arm and hyperextended for the submission.

Japanese former pro wrestler Minowaman went up against Zulu, a Brazilian who weighs in at a whopping 185kg/408lbs. Minowaman declared before the fight that weight difference was less important than spirit in a fight. But as Zulu stood center ring, Minowaman showed only spirited jogging, circling the ring's perimeter more than a dozen times -- perhaps intent on dizzying his opponent? The cat and mouse game played out for several minutes before Zulu finally got a hold of Minowaman and smothered him. Then the bell sounded.

In the second it was more perimeter play for Minowaman, who only occasionally darted in with low kicks. Again, Zulu eventually caught his opponent, throwing him to the mat like a rag doll. Soon, Minowaman managed to get to his feet and began running circles again. Had the bout been fought on a tennis court this might have gone on forever. As it was Zulu cut off the ring and got another takedown, but was woefully unable to work a submission before the bell sounded. Zulu tracked and downed his prey again in the third, and this time his hammer punches prompted Minowaman's corner to throw the towel.

The ever-aggressive Dutch kickboxer Melvin Manhoef made his Dynamite!! debut, testing his mixed martial arts skills against Japanese boxer Yosuke Nishijima. The two strikers squared off from the start, Manhoef coming in with a flurry of punches that left Nishijima stunned against the ropes. Somewhat surprisingly, Manhoef then elected to execute a takedown, quickly assuming a full mount to finish his opponent with the good old-fashioned ground 'n pound.

In a 70kg/154lbs bout, it was wrestler Kazuyuki Miyata of Japan versus lean mean multidisciplinary fighting machine Joachim Hansen of Norway. After a bit of sparring, Miyata got the takedown and mount, but Hansen's guard forced a stalemate and re-stand. Miyata connected with a high kick and a left hook, but Hansen scored a strong down with a left hook. As a vulnerable Miyata lay on his back Hansen approached, only to be stopped by the bell. Miyata got another takedown to start the second. Hansen was good in guard, then suddenly rolled his opponent into a choke sleeper for the tapout win.


There were some big names competing in the K-1 Rules side of the Dynamite!! card.

World Max star Masato of Japan made his annual appearance, hosting accomplished South Korean boxer Yong Soo Choi. This was a fast and furious fight, Choi using his reach to chase Masato with straight punches in the early going, Masato answering in kind. Choi would have loved to box with Masato, but this is K-1, and Masato positively flummoxed the Korean with his legwork. Choi never found his distance, as most everything he swung sailed harmlessly past Masato. With excellent timing, Masato released a high kick that rocked Choi's jaw and put him down in a heap. Masato turned away, apparently believing that was the finish -- but Choi valiantly beat the count, and managed to get out of the round. In the second, Masato controlled the fight with his kicks and knees, and although Choi connected with a good right straight punch here, so did Masato. In the third Masato kept up the pressure, unleashing his full arsenal of attacks on an exasperated and exhausted Choi, whose corner had little choice but to throw the towel.

"I didn’t want the towel to be thrown in," said Masato afterward, "I wanted to finish him with a punch. I could feel that my punches were solid, but his punches didn't do squat. As for going for K-1 Max Championship again, I say this every year -- but yes, I want to. The training menu has already been decided. My trainer said it's going to be tough, with lots of running (laughs). As long as I'm in the game, I want to shoot for number one. If I don't, I'll regret it. I'll fight until I’m satisfied. I tried a bunch of different things recently, but in the end I'm addicted to the fight game!"

Seidokaikan fighter Nicholas Pettas of Denmark pledged to mark the 20th anniversary of his first-ever karate lesson with a victory over ssirium wrestler Young Hyun Kim of South Korea. This was no small challenge, as Kim brought a 37cm/12" height and 50kg/134lbs weight advantage to the ring. Both fighters had a plan -- Kim wanted to close and bring up the knees; Pettas wanted to chop away with the low kicks.

Pettas' plan prevailed. The Dane avoided the knees while repeatedly firing in hard low kicks, and as the clapper sounded, scored a down when Kim's battered left leg gave out. In the second, incredibly, Pettas got a high kick up to his opponent's head, then moved in with big overhand punches. It was a right that proved the decisive blow, as Kim began to sway, and like a tired old redwood, lumbered slowly to the ground and just lay there. A triumphant performance by Pettas that brought the crowd to their feet in delirium.

Japanese seidokaikan fighter Musashi took on the card's second African-born Japanese television comedian when he meets Bernard Ackah of Cote d'Ivoire. Musashi chided Ackah at the pre-event press conference, "I love comedians and respect Ackah for what he is, but this is K-1…" The remark prompted Ackah to retort, "I'm also a fighter, don't worry, there will be no comedy in the ring when we meet."

The Osaka-born Musashi did not come out particularly hard in front of his hometown crowd. Instead he found himself eating a lot of leather as Ackah put him on the ropes and unloaded a dozen quick punches. Musashi's guard stayed high and close, but a number of the blows, especially a couple of uppercuts, made good contact. The second round saw Musashi looking truer to form, pressing well and hurting Ackah with low kicks, pumping in the body blows and a good right hook. Ackah answered with straight punches but Musashi simply had more power on his stuff. In the third Musashi took total control, throwing middle kicks and hooks past his opponent's clumsy guard, pounding in a right then a left hook to drop Ackah and pick up the KO win.

In an undercard bout, Japanese fighter Takashi Tachikawa withstood a determined early challenge before cutting down Yoshihisa Inoue with low kicks.

Dynamite!! 2007 also featured a special K-1 Rules tournament for fighters aged 18 and under, with a 60kg/132lbs weight limit. Meant to develop the next generation of Japanese K-1 fighters, the K-1 U-18 Japan Tournament mirrored the classic K-1 elimination format, but with four fighters participating instead of eight.

The preeminent Japanese K-1 prospect is undoubtedly kickboxer Hiroya, who will turn 16 next week and names Masato as his hero. Hiroya had prevailed in all three of his previous K-1 bouts. In his semifinal bout here, he faced karate stylist Kizaemon Saiga.

Hiroya went with the hard low kicks from the start, while a flashy Saiga responded with flying and flip kicks before being stopped by a low blow. After resumption Saiga was again quick and creative with the legs, just missing with an ax and then making partial contact with a kyokushin kick. Hiroya stayed with the low kicks, and brought the knees up late in the round. Throughout, the boys showed very good balance and blocking. The second saw Hiroya using the front kick to control the distance while firing in more hard low kicks; Saiga mostly missing, albeit spectacularly, with his jazzy legwork. In the third Saiga landed a good right straight punch early, but Hiroya came across with the better stuff later, including a nice left hook, to wrap up the win with a unanimous decision.

The second U-18 semifinal featured kickboxers Kenji Kubo and Yudai. Both youngsters mixed up the punches and kicks nicely and had their chances in the first. Yudai put a good high kick up in the second, and connected well with straight punches and an uppercut. Kubo was aggressive in the third, but Yudai's positioning was near-perfect, as the 16 year-old met his opponent's advances confidently and scored points with precisely-delivered counters. A unanimous decision, putting Yudai into the final against Hiroya.

The U-18 Final between Hiroya, 15; and Yudai, 16, started with a tentative first round, the boys light on their feet, looking for openings, only testing with the jab and low kicks. Minimal fisticuffs again in the second, Hiroya landing a right straight, Yudai getting his licks in but neither sustaining pressure. After being admonished by K-1 legend and bout referee Nobuaki Kakuda, the boys took it up a notch in the third, Hiroya getting in with a right straight and a couple of body blows; Yudai planting a front kick on his opponent's face. It went to the scorecards, where one judge liked Yudai but the others saw a draw, prompting a tiebreaker round.

Fast -paced action here, Hiroya good with a right straight punch but Yudai's positioning and evasions sparing him any other damage. Yudai was more assertive, threading through another high front kick and scoring with low kicks and combinations to earn the win by split decision and become the first fighter to win the K-1 U-18 belt.

"Ever since I saw the belt, I knew that I wanted it," said Yudai in his post-tournament interview. "I was calm coming in, I was even less nervous than my amateur fights! I did what I wanted to do, I said that I would win and I did it! Next year, I want to get stronger and fight even stronger opponents!"

In the U-18 Reserve Fight, Ryo Murakoshi used a knee to KO Arata Fujimoto.


While all this was happening in Osaka, there was also an affiliated fightsport event taking place at the Saitama Super Arena just outside Tokyo. In the YARENNOKA! 2007 marquee fights, Russian MMA master Emelianenko Fedor took a few punches to the face before submitting South Korean fighter Hong-Man Choi by armbar in the first round; while Kazuo Misaki escaped from an early scare to score an upset KO win over Yoshihiro Akiyama in a battle of Japanese judoka.

Dynamite!! 2007 attracted a sellout crowd of 47,918 to the Kyocera Dome Osaka and was broadcast live across Japan on the TBS Network. For scheduling information in other regions contact local broadcasters. For complete coverage of this and all HERO'S and K-1 events visit the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp).
 



Schilt Three-Peats as K-1 World GP Champion
By Monty DiPietro
YOKOHAMA, December 8, 2007 -- Semmy Schilt of Holland turned aside all challengers tonight to win the K-1 World Grand Prix 07 Final at the Yokohama Arena. Schilt's third-consecutive WGP Championship is unprecedented in K-1 history. Along with fightsports' most coveted belt, the 34 year-old seidokaikan karate fighter also picked up a winner's purse of US$400,000.

The 15th annual K-1 WGP Final followed the sport's classic eight-man tournament format: Four first-tier bouts advancing a quartet of fighters to the semifinals, the winners there squaring off in the final. All bouts were contested under K-1 Rules, 3min x 3R, with two possible extra tiebreaker rounds.

The first tournament quarterfinal saw veteran kickboxer Jerome LeBanner of France step in against gargantuan South Korean Hong Man Choi, a former ssirium wrestling Grand Champion.

Choi's 28cm/11" height advantage was strikingly evident when the pair met center ring for the referee's pre-fight instructions. LeBanner had joked beforehand that he would have to "bring down a tower," and took up the task from the start, darting in with a left straight and pumping in a right to the body. Throughout the first round LeBanner circled with good evasions, coming forward quickly to score with the left and low kicks. In the second the Frenchman led with the left, and brought a nice right cross over his opponent's guard. Choi did not appear to be bothered by the blows, and rattled LeBanner with a hard left hook late in the round to stay close.

LeBanner made the third thrilling, closing fearlessly with the overhand before coming round from behind to tag the retreating Choi's chops with a right. Surprisingly, Choi made few attempts to bring the knees into this fight, connecting for the first and only time midway through the third. It was too late, though, as the big Korean was now fatigued. As Choi slowed, LeBanner intensified his punching attacks, putting up points with tight combinations to earn a unanimous decision and a trip to the semifinals.

The second quarterfinal pitted Semmy Schilt against Brazilian kyokushin master Glaube Feitosa. This was the first of three wins on Schilt's road to victory, and it was also the hardest.

The two fighters traded low kicks to start, Feitosa with speed, Schilt with power. Feitosa made partial contact with a high kick, while Schilt closed to fight with the knees. No significant damage in the first. The second saw Feitosa with his guard high and close, patiently taking what Schilt was dishing out -- before suddenly firing up a beautiful kyokushin kick that caught the side of Schilt's head hard. It was the strike of the fight, and the crowd rose to their feet as a stunned Schilt wobbled awkwardly backward. Schilt very much looked like he was going down, but his fall was arrested and his balance restored by the ropes. Seeing his chance, Feitosa chased the dizzy Dutchman with fists, but could not finish. The round ended with a recovered Schilt throwing hard low kicks, jabbing with the left and again coming in with the knees. In the third Schilt repeatedly tossed in the jab and hoisted the knees, while but for a decent left straight punch Feitosa could not bring any hurt to the big guy.

A spirited contest, and the WGP laurels might well have graced a different head had Schilt gone down in the second. But as it was Schilt came out of the bout having clearly put more strikes through, and took the win by unanimous decision.

The second bracket opened with Moroccan bad boy Badr Hari, the K-1 Heavyweight Champion, taking on two-time WGP Champion Remy "The Gentleman" Bonjasky of Holland. There is no love lost between this pair, who have lashed out at one another in interviews. This one was expected to be a war.

And it was. An explosive start, speed and power characterizing the countless low kicks that flew in the first. Hari launched a nice high kick here, Bonjasky a flying knee; and both men also went pugilistic, Bonjasky going for the nose, Hari pumping the right to the body. More punch and low kick combinations to start the second before the fighters stood off some, searching for openings. Both kept the guards high and showed good blocking, a hint of animosity evidenced when Hari refused to touch gloves after Bonjasky had signaled a low blow. The pair did not touch gloves at the end of the round either. In the third, legs were further brutalized. Bonjasky threw several left hooks then smacked in a right kick to the top of Hari's leg, and the Moroccan looked to have slowed some by the final bell.

A close one, Bonjasky taking the third on all cards to prevail by the narrowest of majority decisions. But after absorbing so many hard low kicks, one had to wonder whether Bonjasky would be fit for the semis.

The last of the quarterfinals featured three-time WGP Champion Peter Aerts of Holland and 23-year-old Japanese kickboxer Junichi Sawayashiki.

Aerts has competed in all 15 K-1 WGP finals, and the "Dutch Lumberjack" displayed his experience here, cutting his opponent down in just 89 seconds. Aerts started fast with low kicks to put Sawayashiki off-balance. A deftly-placed high kick then caught the Japanese fighter hard on the head for a down. Sawayashiki beat the count, but on resumption Aerts coolly threaded a right straight punch through for a second down and the win. Aerts looked nothing like his 37 years, while Sawayashiki just looked out of his element.

In the first semifinal it was Jerome LeBanner -- the lone non-Dutch fighter remaining in contention -- stepping in against Semmy Schilt.

From the bell LeBanner was the aggressor, and why not -- Schilt must have appeared small after Choi! The Frenchman cocked his head to the left and threw the overhand right to good effect, and Schilt was forced into retreat, pushing LeBanner back with front kicks. Schilt threw some hard low kicks and decisively reversed the flow at the clapper, bringing a hard right knee up to LeBanner's face then laying in with punches to end the round.

There was some confusion at the start of the second, when it appeared that LeBanner's cornermen might not leave the ring. LeBanner pulled rank, waving them out and starting in with a series of punch attacks. However it soon became clear from LeBanner's movement that his right leg was compromised. Schilt exploited this by firing in a low kick for a down. A distressed LeBanner beat the count, but his corner had seen enough and threw the towel, giving Schilt the win.

The second semi featured Remy Bonjasky, who had taken a heap of punishment in his first fight; and Peter Aerts, who had barely been touched in his.

If Bonjasky was hurt he wasn't showing it, exhibiting fluid movement and throwing high kicks from the bell. Bonjasky went to the mat after an exchange of kicks, but this was ruled a slip. Aerts stood his ground, stepping in with the right straight punch, working the body and throwing low kicks along with a knee that slowed Bonjasky down some. Aerts went to the body again in the second, and the closed-up Bonjasky was now hopelessly on the defensive. After being cautioned for a lack of attacks, Bonjasky fired the fists onto his opponent's guard, Aerts responding by mockingly dropping his gloves and inviting Bonjasky in.

Fatigue had caught up with Bonjasky, who was listless in the third, rarely throwing anything and missing badly when he did. Aerts put low kicks in, worked the body again, and picked up enough points to win by comfortable unanimous decision.

The final between Schilt and Aerts marked the third meeting between these two -- Aerts taking the first fight, in Auckland in March of last year; Schilt equalizing in the Championship bout at the WGP 06 Final. The repeat of last year's final showdown provided a dramatic opportunity for the fighters to settle the score.

Aerts may have been the crowd's sentimental favorite, but Schilt would not be denied. The bout began with Aerts moving in ambitiously with overhand punches. Schilt fended off the attacks with low kicks, and went to the clinch when the distance closed. Schilt soon corralled his opponent into the corner and brought up the knee, but Aerts escaped and found the space to resume his pursuit. Schilt put through a left straight punch that didn't look especially dangerous, but caught Aerts square on the chin. Unfortunately for Aerts, as he stumbled backward his right knee buckled, and he fell to the canvas smarting less from the punch than its side effect. With pain etched on his face, Aerts grasped his failed knee, and could only listen in frustration as the count progressed. Aerts could not get up, and Schilt had the Championship.

"I'm very glad to win tonight and to make history by winning the Championship three years in a row," said a beaming Schilt in his post-tournament interview. "It was a good final, there were no easy fights. I think the first fight [against Feitosa] was the hardest, but the first fight is always the most difficult, it decides what happens in the other fights."

Asked if the final with Aerts was a "dream fight," the normally stoic Schilt attempted a joke: "I think if you really want to see a dream fight you have to rent a DVD, like one of the Rocky movies…" Ok, now we know why Schilt is stoic.

Schilt's victory continues a Dutch domination of K-1 that is nothing short of astounding. The three Dutch fighters in tonight's WGP Final all won their quarterfinals, and were only eliminated by fellow Dutchmen; the K-1 WGP Champion has been a Dutchman for the last six years; and in K-1's 15-year history, a Dutch fighter has won the WGP 12 times.

In the tournament Reserve Fight it was Mighty Mo of the United States and Paul Slowinski of Australia. The squat Mo's right hook has been the bane of many an opponent; while Slowinski's karate background and conditioning afford him a more varied repertoire of attack strategies. Slowinski also had one of the greats in his corner -- Ernesto "Mr Perfect" Hoost.

Slowinski answered Mo's early punching charge with a series of low kicks, but Mo stepped through these to persist with the fists, a right opening a cut near Slowinski's eye and prompting a doctor's check. Mo was aggressive again after resumption, closing repeatedly and connecting well with the fists. In the second Mo again took the initiative, but now Slowinski made good on counters, leading with the left straight then firing in a hard low kick to drop the big Samoan. Mo looked like he might just beat the count, and the referee gave him ample opportunity to assume a fighting pose, but Mo could only respond with a grimace, and the fight was called, giving Slowinski the victory.

A Superfight saw veteran Japanese seidokaikan fighter Musashi take on David Dancrade, a French kickboxer making his K-1 debut. Dancrade threw low, middle, high and spinning back kicks in the early going, while Musashi blocked and took his time, testing with the occasional jab or low kick. But suddenly, at the clapper, Musashi fired in a left kick that caught Dancrade on the midsection and sent him to the canvas. The French fighter stayed there, unable to beat the count. A good fighter makes winning look easy by picking his spots, and Musashi's K-1 experience proved the difference here as he did just that.

Also on the card, Jan "The Giant" Nortje South Africa beat Dong Wook Kim by TKO when the South Korean could not continue after bashing his foot into The Giant's knee; Takashi Tachikawa of Japan scored a KO win over Ki Min Kim of South Korea; and Mitsugu Noda of Japan beat Noel Cadet of France by TKO.


The K-1 World Grand Prix 07 Final drew a boisterous sellout crowd of 17,667 to the Yokohama Arena. The event was broadcast live in Japan on the Fuji TV network; in Korea on XTM; in Hong Kong on PCCW; in Australia on Main Event; in Brazil on Globosat; in Canada on The Fight Network; in Romania on ProTV; in Hungary on RTL; and across Scandinavia on Viasat. Delay-broadcasts will bring the K-1 WGP 07 to a total of 135 countries -- for scheduling information contact local providers. Visit the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for official results and comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events.
 



K-1 World GP 2007 Final Press Conferernce
By Monty DiPietro
TOKYO, December 7, 2007 -- On a cool and sunny afternoon, from high atop an outdoor stage in Tokyo's seaside Odaiba, the eight men who would be K-1 World Grand Prix 07 Champion met the media and fans on the eve of fightsports' ultimate showdown.

The K-1 WGP is celebrating its 15th year, with a winning format unchanged since the sport's inception: Four first-tier bouts advance a quartet of fighters to the semifinals, the winners there square off in the final. As such, the man crowned King of Kings will have to get past three different opponents at the Yokohama Arena on Saturday, December 8.

This year's final kicks off with a bout between veteran kickboxer Jerome Le Banner of France and South Korean Hong Man Choi, a 218cm/7'2" former Ssirium Grand Champion.



LeBanner looked relaxed, and was playful with the photographers: "I've been waiting for the big event, and I'm very ready. Hong Man looks like one of the twin towers I have to destroy. And I'll try not to get a pain in my neck looking up at him!"
Choi, who has become something of a fashion horse, appeared today in a burgundy velvet blazer, and quipped: "LeBanner is cool isn't he? Well, I trained hard and will do my best. I know it will be a good result."

The second tournament matchup will pit K-1 Super Heavyweight Champion and two-time and Defending WGP Champion Semmy Schilt of Holland against Brazilian kyokushin master Glaube Feitosa. These two are possibly K-1's most stoic fighters, and fittingly, both wore gray business suits and were reserved with their comments.

Said Schilt: "I'm glad to be here as the Champion, I will show you a great fight and we'll decide who is best."
Feitosa: "Fighting the Champ pleases me, I am ready and set and will put up a great fight."

The second bracket opens with Moroccan bad boy Badr Hari. The K-1 Heavyweight Champion, Hari turned 23 just three days ago; and tomorrow he will face two-time WGP Champion Remy "The Gentleman" Bonjasky of Holland. There is no love lost between this pair, who have lashed out at one another in interviews. But today's cool weather seemed to take the fire out of their comments. A bundled-up Bonjasky showed little emotion, while the meanest thing Hari sent his opponent's way was a stare.

Hari: "Ladies and gentlemen I am happy to be here, happy my friends came from very far away to watch me, and tomorrow I'm ready to knock somebody out."
Bonjasky: "I am doing sport, I want to be the best and this is just another fight. Maybe Badr hates me, maybe he doesn't, but anyway I wish all the fighters good health."

The last of the quarterfinals features three-time WGP Champion Peter Aerts of Holland and 23-year-old Japanese kickboxer Junichi Sawayashiki. Incredibly, the veteran Aerts has competed in all 15 K-1 WGP finals.

Aerts: "I didn't prepare a speech, but I hope to kick some ass tomorrow. My opponent, he looks like he could be my son -- but I haven't seen his mother though so I don't know."
Sawayashiki: "I am fully prepared for tomorrow and will fight my very best."
When a reporter told Sawayashiki many observers believe Aerts will walk over him, the 23 year old smiled and said, "I think so too."

In the tournament Reserve Fight it will be Mighty Mo of the United States and Paul Slowinski of Australia.

Mo: "I feel good, Paul is a top-notch fighter so I'll bring my A-game!"
Slowinski: "It's a big chance for me against Mighty Mo. I was supposed to fight Ray Sefo, so I trained for a boxer with big hands, Mo and Ray have similar styles so it doesn't make much difference."

A Superfight will see Japanese seidokaikan fighter Musashi take on French boxer David Dancrade.

Musashi drew a laugh with his comments: "My opponent was changed at the last minute, I didn't know anything about him, not even if he's orthodox or southpaw, but K-1 sent a photo to my mobile phone. Now I see him in person I can only say he looks a lot like his photo. But I trained hard, I'm ok and I will do a good fight tomorrow."
Dancrade: "It is an honor to fight Musashi, I am well prepared and will do a good fight."

Also on the card, Jan "The Giant" Nortje South Africa will take on Dong Wook Kim of South Korea; Takashi Tachikawa of Japan will mix it up with Ki Min Kim of South Korea; and Mitsugu Noda of Japan will fight Noel Cadet of France.

All seats are all sold out for the K-1 World Grand Prix 07 Final, which commences at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 at the Yokohama Arena. The event will be broadcast live in Japan on the Fuji TV network; in Korea on XTM; in Hong Kong on PCCW; in Australia on Main Event; in Brazil on Globosat; in Canada on the Fight Network; in Romania on ProTV; in Hungary on RTL; and across Scandinavia on Viasat. Delay-broadcasts will bring the K-1 WGP 07 to a total of 135 countries -- for scheduling information contact local providers. Visit the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for official results and comprehensive coverage of this and all K-1 events.
 



Matchups Set for K-1 World GP Final
By Monty DiPietro
SEOUL, September 30, 2007 -- The K-1 World Grand Prix '07 Final Eight were determined at the Seoul Olympic Complex last night. Today, in the Grand Ballroom of the COEX Intercontinental hotel, the first-tier matchups were set for the December 8 Yokohama Arena GP Final.

The pairings were decided with a system that combines choice and chance. One after the other, in an order decided by lot, the fighters were free to select any available position on the tournament tree.



French K-1 veteran Jerome LeBanner got the first choice, and went to the "A" spot, red corner in the first bout. This is a fighters' favorite, as competing first affords the winner a longer rest period before the semifinals.

Twenty-three year-old Japanese wunderkind Junichi Sawayashiki, who had drawn the number two selection, went against the "start early" strategy, opting to avoid LeBanner and instead put himself in the "H" spot, blue corner in the fourth quarterfinal. LeBanner was seen having a bit of a laugh at this.

Next up was Korean fighter Hong-Man Choi, and the biggest guy in the tournament, who made a bit of a deke on the stage, suggesting he might line up beside Sawayashiki before walking over to the "B" spot and a date with LeBanner. This delighted the Frenchman, who exchanged high-fives with Choi.

"I am very happy to fight this giant guy," said LeBanner, "December 8 will be a new Pearl Harbor!" Said Choi: "I am honored to be fighting someone I respect."

Two-time WGP Champ Peter Aerts of the Netherlands was up next, taking the spot beside Sawayashiki to set up a fight between the tournament's oldest fighter (Aerts is 36) and the second-youngest (Sawayashiki is 23).

"He had a good fight last night," said Aerts, "but I chose him because he has less experience." Sawayashiki just smiled and joked, "Same with me."

Two-time WGP Champ Remy Bonjasky of Holland got the fifth choice, and went to the "F" spot, blue in the 3rd fight. He was followed by Moroccan Badr Hari, the K-1 Heavyweight Champ and youngest fighter in the tournament (Hari's birthday is December 8, he will turn 23 on the day of the tournament). Hari made his way directly to the "E" spot, pairing himself with Bonjasky.

"I've wanted to fight Remy for long time," said Hari, "if I'm lucky I can get him and Peter in one night!" Said Bonjasky: "Hari is talented, but now comes now the real challenge for him."

This left Semmy Schilt, the two-time and Defending WGP Champ and the current K-1 Super Heavyweight Champ to fight Brazilian Kyokushin star Glaube Feitosa. Schilt had the next choice and went to the red corner in the second bout, leaving Feitosa the blue.

Schilt: "I'm just happy to be in this first bracket!" Feitosa: "It's an honor to fight defending champion, I will do my best."

The truly international Final, featuring three Dutch fighters and one each from France, Morocco, Brazil, South Korea and Japan, is set for December 8 at the Yokohama Arena. Check the K-1 Official website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for complete fighter information and coverage of all K-1 events.
 



Sweet 'n Souwer K-1 World Max Final
By Monty DiPietro
TOKYO, October 3, 2007 -- Shoot boxer Andy Souwer turned aside three challengers to win the K-1 World Max '07 Final tonight at the historic Nippon Budokan. It was the 26 year-old Dutch fighter's second World Max Championship, he also claimed the coveted Belt in 2005.

The popularity of the K-1 World Max 70kg/154lbs weight class rivals that of the World GP. Where the heavyweights have the power, the lighter fighters appeal with speed and stamina, consistently producing thrilling contests. This year's World Max eight finalists represented six different countries.

The first quarterfinal was a keenly anticipated matchup between all-round kickboxer and media darling Masato of Japan, who won the Max Belt in 2003; and Thai fighter Buakaw Por Pramuk, whose positively lethal legs and fast fists made him the two-time and Defending Max Champion.

Both fighters got the low kicks going early, and the first round had plenty of action -- Buakaw scoring with body blows and a high kick, Masato getting an uppercut in before surprising his opponent with an innocent-looking right straight punch to score a down.

The second saw Buakaw good with the hard low kicks, Masato leading with the left straight and deftly picking his spots on the counters, connecting with another uppercut. Masato used the ring to effect, moving to his left, forcing Buakaw to approach with less than perfect positioning. In the third Buakaw needed a down to get back into the fight, but was uncharacteristically tentative with his attacks. Masato meanwhile continued his mastery, focused and fast with the straight punches, closing for another uppercut while absorbing his opponent's low kicks. A fine performance from Masato for the well-earned unanimous decision.

The second matchup featured power puncher Mike Zambidis of Greece, a compact bundle of strength and determination; and Ukrainian Artur Kyshenko, a muay thai fighter who also likes the fists.

A slow first, Kyshenko with occasional high kicks, Zambidis blocking well and countering with low kicks and body blows -- neither fighter connecting decisively, a slight edge to Kyshenko evidenced on two judges' cards. Better action in the second, Zambidis darting inside with punches but Kyshenko employing his 5cm/2" height advantage to arrest the Greek with long low kicks.

In the third, Kyshenko went with the fists, pumping in body blows, while Zambidis launched a couple of flying knees that came up short. Spirited action to end the fight, which one judge gave to Kyshenko and two saw as a draw, triggering a tiebreaker round.

A more aggressive Kyshenko in the deciding extra round, in with proficient kicks and combinations; Zambidis meanwhile circling with a hit-and-run strategy, missing again with his flying knees but getting body blows through. A difficult one to call, the decision going to Kyshenko.

Dutch boxer Albert Kraus' speed, smarts and punches won him the inaugural World Max Championship in 2002. In tonight's third tournament quarterfinal, the 27 year-old Max veteran met the two-time and Defending Japan Max Champ, kickboxer Yoshihiro Sato.

Sato started fast, intent on using his reach and 10cm/4" height `advantage to run Kraus down. But the Dutch fighter was equally aggressive, moving past the straight punches and knees with body blows and uppercuts. Sato sent a number of high kicks up throughout this one, but Kraus' evasions and blocking were sound.

In second, a Sato knee looked to have Kraus in trouble, but the Dutch fighter answered with a dandy straight punch and left hook to regain his momentum. The third was thrilling, both fighters repeatedly clashing. Sato again used his long legs to fire the low kicks, and leaped forward with the knees. But a determined Kraus was smart in all aspects of his game -- his movement and positioning were perfect, and he tallied big time late in the round with a punch combination that snapped Sato's head back and, were it not for the ropes, might have put him down.

One of the best fights on the night, the unanimous decision going to Kraus.

Andy Souwer of Holland set off on the road to glory against muay thai stylist Drago, an Armenian known for both aggression and creativity.

The pair kept their guards high and close and traded hard low kicks and straight punches in the opening moments, Souwer sailing a high kick just over Drago's head. The second saw Drago taking some chances, leading with the jab and closing with body blows, Souwer coming back with the knees and kicks. And then, in an instant, it was over. Drago leaned in with a left straight just as Souwer was bringing a right hook around. The fighters' arms brushed past one another, and Drago's missed and Souwer's connected, knocking the Armenian out cold.

The first semifinal pitted Masato against Kyshenko in