K-1 World MAX Press Conference

With the humidity reaching unbearable levels, a couple of the tournament participants had to struggle to keep their cool when questioned about comments the reigning champion, Tetsuya Yamoto had said in the lead up to this event. The young fighter from Nagoya was questioned repeatedly about the tournament recently, and finally announced that he felt he would walk through it with relative ease.
His first opponent, Hiroya wasn’t one of those that took the bait. “Representing those coming from Koshien I really want to do well. Of course I want to have the most exciting bout of the night. Yamato, let’s get it on,” the Masato-approved fighter stated. The champion smiled and nodded at Hiroya before making his way to the podium and with that smile firmly in place said, “Looking at the line up here, I’m excited. I can’t wait to fight. Of course I’m looking to defend my title, and I’ll make sure I do.”
Real Deal fighter Yuki then brought up his team’s rivalry in regards to his Team Dragon opponent. “I’m in great condition, and I have respect for my opponent. I think this is a gym against gym fight tomorrow. I’ll put everything into winning it,” he said. Koya Urabe seemed unusually dry today. “I don’t really care what he says {about team rivalry}. Whatever….I just want to fight him,” he stated, before replying to the earlier Yamato comments with, “I have found his holes, so I’ll be the one destroying him.”
Kizaemon Saiga wearing his custom hat said, “I can’t wait for the fight tomorrow. I’m ready to fight right now. My fight will of course be the best of the night.” The ever-humble runner-up from last year’s tournament, Yuta Kubo simply promised an exciting fight and said he was in this best condition ever. Both of these fighters was beaten by Yamoto last year, and as expected, they both said it wouldn’t happen if they were to meet up again.
The final quarter-final match of the grand prix had Masaaki Noiri fight Krush tournament winner Ryuji Kajiwara. Noiri noted that everyone in the tournament was a strong fighter, so he needed to ensure he brought his A-game tomorrow. Kajiwara, the oldest of the participants by far was a little more philosophical. “I want to inspire the people out there in their 30’s and 40’s and show them what they can do. I don’t think I have the best technique or stamina, but I know my spirit is the strongest. Whoever fights me will feel like they’re fighting against the ocean and the mountains,” he said. He also added a comment directed towards Yamoto: “People tend to say things they’re not confident in being able to do.”
The first reserve fight for the event was between Kyokushin fighter Yuto Watanabe and Toshiki Taniyama. Watanabe promised to get the main card started with an exciting bang on his way to victory, while Taniyama seemed to be a little more emotional. “Last year I won my first bout, and then the reserve bout of the tournament. I’m a little disappointed that this year I’m only in the reserve spot again. I will make sure to prove that I belong in next years’ tournament,” he complained.
One more reserve bout was prepared for this event. K-1 newcomer Koji Yoshimoto took to the mike for the first time and said, “It’s my first time to fight in K-1, however I’m not content with this achievement yet. I have a long way to go and want to leave my mark on K-1.” His opponent is Shohei Asahara. Shohei promised that their bout would be the one people are talking about on Sunday.
In addition to all these tournament bouts will be several opening bouts, and a superfight between MAX legends Yoshihiro Sato and Albert Kraus. Yoshihiro Sato was up first, and he said, “This is my third time to fight Kraus and I’ve lost the last 2. Kraus is a big wall for me to try and climb over. I will be looking for the knockout tomorrow, so don’t look away.” With luggage in tow, Albert Kraus took the stage and said, “I am happy to fight in MAX in Japan again. I’ve beaten Sato twice, so I’m sure he will look for revenge. I am in great shape though, so I will prove tomorrow that I am the best fighter. I want to give a present to Japan and Sato as a way of showing my sympathy and support for Japan and everything they’ve been through too.” He then presented Sato with a t-shirt that he had printed in Holland to donate in Japan. All 50 shirts he signed to sell and help raise funds for the Fight For Japan project.
With some 14 fights on the card, this is one not to be missed. SRS and S tickets have already sold out, so if you are able to attend you will want to arrive very early to pick up one of the few remaining tickets. The event is Saturday, 25 June at the Yoyogi Stadium 2nd. The doors open at 15:00 with opening fights from 15:30 and the main card set to start at 16:00. There will be a charity auction at 14:30 with items such as signed gloves and t-shirts.
If you’re not able to attend, then tune in live on one of the several sites streaming this event for free. YouTube, Ustream, NICO NICO Live (Japan) and pplive (China) will all have this show online live, so check the stream most suitable for your location!