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The Ax Forum
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David K
Posted: 2004-09-25 07:15:20
K-1 Results

Mighty Mo KO Goodridge in 1st rd
Iggy loses by decision to thaiboy
Aerts beat McD by dec
Hoost beat Glaube by dec
Sefo beats Hiromi by dec
Bonjasky wins by 3rd rd KO sumo
Musashi wins by dec over abidi
Botha wins by 3rd rd TKO
Matt-
Posted: 2004-09-25 07:50:47
Oh shit, Lebanner lost!
martin
Posted: 2004-09-25 08:26:59
On a french site they say his arm is fucked up again...he wasn`t koed but had to give up.

Anyone seen the fight ?
Tanaka
Posted: 2004-09-25 09:53:02
There is nothing in the arm having broken. It seemed that the stamina of BANNA was lost. Or by the judgment, he was sure that it lost and seemed to have abandoned.
Felix
Posted: 2004-09-25 10:06:50
Updated rankings


1 Mirko Filipovic, CRO
2 Akio Mori, JPN
3 Ernesto Hoost, NED
4 Kaoklai Kaennorsing
5 Francois Botha, RSA
6 Ray Sefo, NZL
7 Stefan Leko, CRO
8 Badr Hari, NED
9 Alexei Ignashov, BLR
10 Jerome LeBanner, FRA
11 Sem Schilt, NED
12 Mark Hunt, NZL
13 Vitaly Ahramenko, BLR
14 Bob Sapp, USA
15 Errol Parris, NED
16 Francisco Filho, BRA
17 Glaube Feitosa, BRA
18 Xhavit Bajrami, SUI
19 Martin Holm, SWE
20 Peter Aerts, NED
21 Andrew Thompson, RSA
22 Remi Bonjaski, NED
23 Tom Erikson, USA
24 Josip Bodrozic, CRO
25 Bjorn Bregy, SUI
26 Peter Graham, AUS
27 Siala-Mou Siliga, USA
28 Alexander Ustinov, RUS
29 Tatsufumi Tomihira, JPN
30 Marc deWit, BEL
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-25 10:23:42
did anyone see it?

was iggy drunk again?

how was the musashi- abidi decision?

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:24:48

larsenator
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:34:21
I think Felix is drunk!
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:35:01

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:35:19

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:35:30

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:35:42

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:35:53

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:36:10

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:36:25

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:36:39

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:36:53

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:37:09

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:37:29
Jerome... WTF happend?
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:42:14

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:42:28

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:42:39

Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 12:43:03

Sonik
Posted: 2004-09-25 13:37:48
Shiiiit! Botha and Musashi in the finals!! It would be much more interesting to see Francisco Filho and Jerome LeBanner in their places. How did LeBanner lose to Botha? And how was the Feitosa vs Hoost match? Kaoklai seems to be a good surprise.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-25 14:00:36

Here are the fighters going to the Dome.

I am going to miss Ignashov and Jerome!!

Someone please tell Botha, to go out and have a game of bowling... I guess you all remember Semmy Schilt, and the "official" reason from the K-1, why Hoost got his spot back in 2002.
P.J. Reilly
Posted: 2004-09-25 14:57:34
Actually, that looks like a pretty good lineup. Let's just all pray that there are no injuries!!
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-25 16:59:25
i cant help but think that the draw will be really important this time around.
whoever gets to face the finals "rookies" in the first round will probably have a big advantage..
Felix
Posted: 2004-09-25 19:30:18
musashi impressed me. he was in control the whole match.
ray sefo was out of gas after the first round.
feitosa did well but hoost always has his opponents sucking air late in the fight.
peter got cut from a punch. that doesn't look good for him.
botha scored a knockdown and rocked jerome a few times. crooked judges called the fight a draw but jerome said "merde" and threw in the towel.
mo used a quick jab to do in one round what hunt couldn't do in 5 rounds.
iggy got embarrased by a runner.
The Highlander
Posted: 2004-09-25 22:10:25
At least the circus acts are all gone!!!
And K-1 is back to a more credible looking line-up
Let's hope it stay's that way.
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-25 22:34:28
i thought ray came in looking fit? the k-1 writer made a big deal of his coming in
at a light weight ( for him). it was pretty surprising that amada was able to go the distance with him ( and not even get knocked down once!)

hoost looks pretty good. any idea what he weighed?

it sounds like lebanners k-1 career is over, too bad.
Matt-
Posted: 2004-09-25 22:47:44
All roads lead to DOME?
T
Posted: 2004-09-25 23:44:24
What does the Thai weigh?
Looks kinda small standing next to the rest of them!
Rob
Posted: 2004-09-26 01:47:58
spoke to Japanese journalist last night who went over to Kaoklai's gym the day before he left and he was weighing 77.5 kilos!!
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-26 01:55:28
Felix;

Please tell more from the fight between Jerome Vs Botha... Thanks!

Was it because of his arm that he throw in the towel??
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-26 01:56:12

K-1 Grand Prix draw

Hoost Vs Remy, great!
Farhad
Posted: 2004-09-26 04:54:29
who wants to see another ray sefo vs musashi!!!
unless ray sefo is in good shape for this one its gonna be a shit fight
Paul
Posted: 2004-09-26 09:56:55
Felix,

It would be cool to have Felix rankings for the Max fighters.

Have you ever considered this?
I can appreciate how much effort it would take keeping only the one list up to date.

But damn it would be good.
I know a lot of people don't find the list fair for whatever reason.
But that's exactly what I like most about it. It's totally non subjective after the initial listing.
P.J. Reilly
Posted: 2004-09-26 10:11:48
The bottom side of the bracket looks a little too heavy. Hoost, Bonjasky, Aerts, and the man who TKO'd Lebanner on one side? I want to see Hoost vs. Bonjasky but not in the first round!
Sonik
Posted: 2004-09-26 11:12:37
Hum.. i would put Musashi vs kaokali for the first fight and Ray Sefo vs Maiti Mo.


What happened to Jerome ?I was really expecting him to win this one. Was it really because of his arm? What did he say in the press conference after the fight?

Anyway i think Francisco Filho deserves a shot in the tournment as well after beating Remy Bonjasky in the Ishigeki event. He's he injured ? Anyone?
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-26 12:23:38

I think that it will be Hoost Vs Mo in the final.
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-26 14:37:17
Wow on the Pics: Oliver
and Please can you tell me is this Pic: / ASbove Real ? did the Sumo guy do that ?
WOW
and Guys ?
K-1 Results Top of here?
pardon my K-1 naievity ?
when ? where ?was it ?
and the Line up is the reason of the results further up ?
Also Is says Thai-Boy?
does he not have a name ?
who is he ?
And waht part of thailand ?
and Hes How many Kilos ?
in a K-1 heavy?
MORE "WOW" hats off to ( erm Thai-Boy ) lol
TEEJ
Posted: 2004-09-26 14:40:11
Bonjasky n sumo lol
great fighter Bonjasky
TEEJ
Posted: 2004-09-26 14:43:21
when do bonjasky and hoost fight?
TEEJ
Posted: 2004-09-26 14:46:04
when do bonjasky and hoost fight?
Jax
Posted: 2004-09-26 15:02:23
who is bojasky?
i no who hoost is coz i saw him broke lebonnairs arm
and lebonair wuz beatin him
T
Posted: 2004-09-26 16:57:15
That picture of Akebono is Funny!!!!
Did they do the 'pull a numbered ball out of the bax' thing for this or did the officials do the match ups? I quite like the whole strategy of who picks who to fight etc
David K
Posted: 2004-09-26 22:50:33
numbered ball
Felix
Posted: 2004-09-26 22:55:04
yes. it was a lottery.

paul,

i may one day do a list for the max someday but the logistics are hard to decide on. heavyweights are not just interesting, they are easy to follow. they fight at only one weight. they don't fail to make weight. they don't fight for different orgs at different weights.

lighter weights make things very confusing. much more than anyone would expect.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-27 01:10:48

http://s2.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=C350FD4792CB149D11A8AD2D0E227BFA

Bojansky Vs Akebono


http://s4.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=8F8FCE1D6FAF194DD0C912879EEA74C3

Mo Vs Goodridge


http://s3.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=B7B1E8EFF01E708FA38FFEB7474B18DF

Hoost Vs Glaube
vince
Posted: 2004-09-27 01:20:12
Wow, that Thai must be good, weighing 77kg and beating Ignashov?!? Far out. Looking at the lineup for the final, Sefo has the best draw, this is his best chance to win it, hope he does it.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-27 01:25:27
September 26, 2004

TOKYO, September 26, 2004

With the eight participating fighters decided at the September 25 K-1 World Grand Prix Final Elimination, a draw was held today to determine the first-tier matchups for the December 4 Tokyo Dome Final.

The pairings were determined under a special selection system which combines elements of choice with a bit of good old fashioned luck. With media and fans watching, all eight fighters first reached in turn into a box to blindly choose from balls on which were printed the numbers one through eight. Next, fighters proceed, one at a time and in the order determined by their number, to a giant matchup tree set up at the front of the room. There they are free to install themselves in any or eight available positions, indicated as A through H. This then becomes the tournament tree -- A vs B and C vs D being the first bracket; E vs F and G vs H being the second bracket of the first tier matchups.

Generally, fighters opt where possible to position themselves in early bouts (positions A and B being the first fight), as these will afford longer rests for those who advance. But after the first selection has been made, strategy also enters into the process. If, for example, the choosing fighter likes his chances against an already committed fighter, he can install himself beside that fighter if the position is vacant. Or, if the choosing fighter does not want to face an already committed fighter, he can install himself elsewhere, either beside another fighter or beside an empty position.

This year, the selection went as follows:

Having drawn the number one ball, Thai wunderkind Kaoklai Kaennorsing selected first, and put himself in the A position, the red corner in the first fight. Next, Mighty Mo of the United states, who had the number two ball, went forward and, after only a brief hesitation, chose the B position, meaning he will face Kaoklai in the first matchup.

The number three ball was Ray Sefo's and the Kiwi went to the C position, red corner in the second bout. Japanese fighter Musashi had the number four ball and spent a long time looking at fighters and thinking before electing to step into the D position and a matchup with Sefo.

Peter Aerts of the Netherlands was next and stepped into the E position, red corner in the third bout. South African Francois Botha chose next, and went without hesitation to the F spot and a date with Aerts. Next it was Dutchman Remy Bonjasky to the G position, red corner in the final first-tier fight, after which compatriot Ernesto Hoost was left with the blue corner in the same bout.

Said Kaoklai: "I have the impression that Mighty Mo, like all my opponents, is big, and as always I'll do my best."

Remarked Mo: "I chose the B spot because I wanted to be one of the first fighters up so that I can rest my body after the fight. I don't take anybody for granted, I know Kaoklai is small but tough, and I will try to drop 20 pounds so I can keep up with his speed!"

Sefo has this to say about the second fight: "I am glad Musashi and I will meet because we have some unfinished business -- I won our first fight and he won the second. He is a great fighter, it will be a really good match. Like Peter said, I want to wish 'almost' everybody good luck on December 4th!"

Replied Musashi: "I chose this spot because I heard someone in the audience shout 'D,' it was like God's voice! Ray and I do have unfinished business. He is a fighter I respect very much, he has not only punches but also good kicks. He is an entertaining fighter as well, he has his antics in the ring, but this is a tournament and I want to move on to the next bout, so I will do my best"

Said Aerts about his opponent: "Francois is one of the best boxers in the world, so I will keep try to keep my hands up!"

Replied Botha: "I chose Peter because he is very pretty! Seriously, he is one of the best kickboxers in the world, so I will watch out for my legs."

Said Bonjasky on drawing Hoost: "It's a good matchup because this year Ernesto and I were going to fight in April, but we couldn't because of an injury, so now we will have the chance. He is a four-time Champion of course, but it's time for new blood, and the new blood is here!"

Replied Hoost: "I will be 110% for this fight. It will be interesting, the old Champion against the new Champion -- and when I beat the new Champion he becomes the old Champion and I become the new Champion again, that will be very nice!"

It was announced at the draw that the Final's reserve fight will be between Cyril Abidi and Jerome LeBanner.

The K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final is set for Tokyo Dome on Sunday December 4. It will be same-day broadcast across Japan by the Fuji TV Network
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-27 07:39:22
Just seen the fight between Glaube Vs Hoost. Glaube did very well in the first two rounds, but as you say Felix - He ran out of air in the 3rd.

A big shame that his Brazilian Kick didn’t hit the target like it did against Toa.
TEEJ
Posted: 2004-09-27 13:28:55
i quote from Oliver Sperling:

Hoost: "I will be 110% for this fight. It will be interesting, the old Champion against the new Champion -- and when I beat the new Champion he becomes the old Champion and I become the new Champion again, that will be very nice!"

.......thats a nice, true line
Lightning Mike Angove
Posted: 2004-09-27 16:38:48
Hi all just back from the slow -

Iggy was the big boil over - but has to be tempered with the fact he had a broken big toe on his right foot, had a pratially torn knee ligament and was just about pulled from the fight by the doctors as he had a fever. Having said that the Thai had balls the size of cannon balls and fought really well. Poor judging also in that one. Iggy will be fight again in Japan on November 8

Botha vs Jerome - was always going to be dangerous for Jerome if Botha landed as Jerome all to often loses his compsure when he gets hit and tries to brawl it out - all he needed to do was kick and Frncois would have been in trouble (as he was at the end of the first round) Also wonder wether he hurt his arm again as he hardly threw the left hand at all in rounds two and three.

Ray vs Amada - most entertaining fight, but Sefo decided early he had his way in this fight and showboated, he'll have to do a lot better to win the K-1 this year.

Peter vs Mike MaCD - this would have been very interesting had Peter not got the 8 count on mike. Peter looked very vulnerable to to the overhand right.

Glaube vs Hoost - Ernesto too good, Glaube became too predicable with his left leg legs and got countered too much. Glaube is still a dark horse though - if he can put his hands and feet to gether better he will become a threat

Remy vs Akebono - please let Akebono retire - he fought the best we have seen him fight but the head kick was always coming when he begand to drop his right hand to defend leg kicks. Nasty KO I felt sorry for the big guy

Musahsi = looked good against Abidi - it was a good close fight and Musashi loooked to have more power in his hands, right hook in particular.


aaron boyes
Posted: 2004-09-27 17:46:09
Mike you shouldnt make excuses for Iggy just because you have ties with him. If a fighter gets in the ring that's it, he's their to fight no excuses. Maybe the thai had lots of injuries and was sick as well but you dont hear his team making excuses for winning.
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-27 19:20:13
Oliver Cheers for the Showdown / matchups eplanation etc:
Please can you ? anyone answer the questions i asked prev; up above ? cheers !
Sandy Mcinquisitive man holt
Thanks


Sandy Holt writes:

Wow on the Pics: Oliver
and Please can you tell me is this Pic: / Above Real ? did the Sumo guy do that ? ( Jumping Like Bojanski Copy ? )
WOW
and Guys ?
K-1 Results Top of here?
pardon my K-1 naievity ?
when ? where ? was it ?
Also Is says Thai-Boy?
does he not have a name ?
who is he ?
And what part of Thailand ? And Hes How many Kilos ?
in a K-1 heavy?
MORE "WOW" hats off to ( erm Thai-Boy ) lol
is he the Same Thai Fighter to Win the K-70Max Japan ?


BenR
Posted: 2004-09-27 19:40:09
Sandy,

It's not a real pic. If you look closely at the pics further up you'll notice it's actually a cut and paste computer job from the picture of Akebono just after he got KOed!! And the Thai is a different fighter to the one that won the Max tournament.

Cheers
Ben
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-27 20:02:12
Ben cheers LOL thought so ! just wondered how he managed to Jump that high LOL
( a Lot of RED BULL gives ya Wings ? LOL )
and Other Questions ?
Thanks agaun BEN :-) BTW
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-27 22:01:16
sandy heres the writeup on the sep 25 elimination event:
( from the k-1 website)

Kaoklai Shocks Ignashov at the Budokan

Written by Monty DiPietro.

TOKYO, September 25, 2004 -- Stellar performances from veterans and newcomers alike -- along with a couple of major upsets -- made for plenty of excitement at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final Elimination, a 16-man, one-match tournament which determined the eight fighters for the K-1 World GP Final, set for December 4th at Tokyo Dome.

True to the "back to the basics" theme of this year's World GP, the event was held at the historic Nippon Budokan, an arena originally built for Judo events at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In English, "Budokan" means "martial arts hall."

The building has a special significance for K-1, explained Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa: "The Budokan is where we started K-1, the Budokan is where Musashi and Jerome LeBanner made their debuts, it is where then-newcomer Mike Bernardo knocked out Andy Hug, a legendary Champion who is no longer with us. The Budokan is a spiritual place, it has a vibe. Something special will always happen at the Budokan."

On this night, the best seats went for ¥100,000 apiece ($910, €740) -- that was the ticket face value, before scalpers got a hold of the them -- and the atmosphere in the Budokan was electric.

In the tournament's first matchup, Gary Goodridge of Trinidad and Tobago stepped in against American Mighty Mo. A real brawler, Goodridge is on something of a hot streak in K-1, while the hard-hitting Mo won the Battle at the Bellagio III in August to earn a place here and carry the American hopes toward the GP Final.

Said Goodridge at the pre-event press conference, with confidence bordering on cockiness: " I'm looking forward to watching the other matches, so I'm hoping for this fight to be done in one round!" To which Replied Mo replied, "Well, like Gary said, hopefully I can give it to him in one round!"

And, for all the bravado one hears at press conferences, Mo actually made good on his word. The stocky American threw the left jab from the start, and was able to connect with a right hook early in the first and rattle Goodridge, who never managed to threaten here. Ever stepping in, Mo got the right in midway through the round for a down, and did the same shortly afterward for another. At the clapper, Mo connected with an uppercut and then let the right do it again, recording his third down of the round to win the bout. Mo totally dominated here, and even managed to toss in a couple of low kick for good measure.

Said a jovial Mo from the Winner's Circle: "I feel good to be representing America at the Final this year -- I'm bringing it home, baby!"

Alexey "The Scorpion" Ignashov of Belarus was many insiders' favorite to win the Final this year, but he had to contend with the talented Kaoklai Kaennorsing of Thailand here first. Kaoklai turned aside three challengers to win the K-1 in Seoul GP this July, becoming the lightest (78kg) fighter to ever win a K-1 World GP event. Featuring two of the world's best kickers, this promised to be quite a fight -- the key question being whether Kaoklai could overcome the whopping 40kg weight (and 16cm height) disadvantage. The Thai fighter drew a laugh at the press conference when he quipped, "I'm Asian and I'm small, and so I ask all the Japanese fans to cheer for me!"

The first round saw the two tentative, testing with low kicks. Surprisingly, Kaoklai got a right straight punch through for the best strike, and this set the tone for the match. In the second, things picked up, and, surprisingly, Kaoklai continued to get the better of the exchanges. Ignashov was always reacting to attacks, not ineffectively -- but only rarely initiating anything of his own. Kaoklai's quick, hit-and-run strategy was now clearly getting the better of the big Belorussian, who just looked slow. The pestering Kaoklai got a left kick up to Ignashov's neck midway through the second, and continued to intensify the pressure.

It was more of the same in the third -- Kaoklai in and out with the kicks and punches, Ignashov seemingly unable to get a bead on him. Here Ignashov took a yellow card, and midway through was actually seen running away from his relentless opponent. In the end, one judge had Kaoklai up on points but two saw a draw, and so an extra round was called for.

Here again, Kaoklai pestered and frustrated Ignashov, and if there was a single defining moment in this bout it was when Ignashov brought a high kick round but Kaoklai miraculously ducked out of harm's way at the last instant. Ignashov thought he had his opponent, but preternatural reflexes proved the difference. In the extra round, Ignashov recorded two low blows and took a second yellow card. By now, fans were solidly behind Kaoklai. When the judges' cards were read out, the first, in Kaoklai's favor, drew a cheer; the second, for Ignashov, drew a gasp of disbelief and scattered boos; and the third and deciding, for Kaoklai, set the room erupting in applause. Kaoklai through to the Final -- few would have predicted that.

In the next fight, Dutch K-1 veteran Peter Aerts, who has won the World GP three times, met Canadian Michael McDonald. Aerts has smarts and experience, but so does McDonald, a fast fighter who is always dangerous.

McDonald had an aggressive start here, leaning in with his smart punch and kick combinations. Aerts assumed his usual upright stance, tossing in low kicks. This was a good technical bout, both men launching textbook strikes, both men more than able on defense.

In the second Aerts got a knee in from the clinch which felled McDonald and proved the difference in the match. McDonald did get a good solid right hook in shortly afterward, and this opened a gash over Aerts' left eye, prompting a doctor check. But the Dutchman was cleared to continue, and rode out the round and the fight in a defensive mode to take a comfortable unanimous decision. Remarkably, Aerts has made it to the K-1 World GP Final every year since the sport's inception -- this will be his 12th trip!

Thirty-nine year-old Ernesto Hoost, K-1's only four-time World GP Champion, took on Brazilian Kyokushin fighter Glaube Feitosa in the fourth fight. Amid rumors that he will retire next year, Hoost predicted that the bout would be "the first step on my road to a fifth championship."

This was another good technical fight, the first round one of the best on the night. A fit Hoost, looking better than he has in years, was constantly coming in with his punch combinations. Feitosa, for his part, looked something like fellow Kyokushin fighter Francisco Filho in his upset of Remy Bonjasky last May -- composed and focused and good with the guard, fast with the legwork, always ready with the deadly twisting high kick.

In the second, soon after the referee took a good head butt, Feitosa planted a hard kick on Hoost's midsection to double the four-time Champion over. But Hoost recovered, and was light on his feet throughout this one, generally staying out of harm's way and always coming forward, uncharacteristically aggressive. In the third Feitosa missed more than he connected, and although he worked Hoost's lead leg with low kicks to effect, Hoost was always good on the counter, and was better with the punches.

A well-deserved unanimous decision for Hoost, who earned his chance to make history in 10 weeks at the Tokyo Dome.

New Zealand's Ray Sefo is the consummate K-1 veteran. So dedicated has Sefo been to conditioning as of late, for the first time in more than a decade, he weighs less (4kg less) than his younger brother Rony. Sefo has always been in the pack this time of year, and now he means to win it all. His opponent here was Hiromi Amada, one of the toughest Japanese K-1 fighters. Amada had won his last five bouts.

Two similar builds and similar fighting styles made this was a very entertaining bout. The hard-fought first ended with the two crouched toe-to-toe, locked in a slugfest. As would happen throughout the fight, Sefo got the better.

Sefo played his characteristic drop-the-guard and taunt routine here, doing so more than usual, actually, and the crowd loved it. The outclassed Amada bore the brunt of the showboating, but even he had to smile in the second, when Sefo dropped his guard and deftly dodged five consecutive punches, his head quickly cocking this way and that. Sefo looked very good here, lean and quick and in control throughout.

Amada never gave up, but he never really got into this one either, and despite landing a few when Sefo had his guard down at his side, could only watch as, in the final minutes, Sefo outdid himself with the swaggering. First it was a bow and a kiss thrown to the crowd in defiance of any Amada threat. Then Sefo danced the dopey monkey, and followed this with the fancyfoot jig. All the while, Amada could not lay a glove on him.

Of course, occasionally Sefo would get serious and snap in a straight punch or three, he also worked the hooks and uppercuts to effect, and launched several high kicks, a couple making partial contact with Amada's head. A unanimous decision and Sefo was on his way to the Final.

In what was technically a Superfight, Defending World GP Champion Remy Bonjasky (who has a bye to the Tokyo Dome Final) stepped in against former Sumo Yokozuna Akebono.

With his flying knees and spectacular kicking attacks, the 28 year-old Bonjasky is the ne plus ultra of finesse in the K-1 ring -- if he were a car, he would be a Ferrari. Akebono, on the other hand, is the biggest fighter in K-1, standing 203cm and weighing in 215kg, all power, a veritable bulldozer. In close quarters, a bulldozer can mess up a Ferrari, and Bonjasky has to know that. Still, at the pre-event press conference the Dutch fighter promised he would take the fight to Akebono.

From the bell Akebono launched a Bob Sapp-style charge, corralling Bonjasky into the corner and laying in with the body blows. Alas, this was about as good as it got for Akebono, for after Bonjasky slipped out of the trap he was able to attack at will and stay out of the way of Akebono's counters. Akebono lumbered round the ring, from time to time he got a good hook in, but throughout Bonjasky used his speed to pepper the big guy with punches and kicks. To the crowd's delight, Akebono laughed off a flurry of punches in the second, sending the message that Bonjasky's fists were not hurting him. But when Bonjasky put a high kick up to the side of Akebono's head midway through the third, this did hurt him, and he went down, not unlike a building felled by implosion, and lay on the canvas in a heap for a long while. Akebono's fifth K-1 fight, and fifth loss.

Perennial Japanese contender Musashi squared off against enfant terrible Cyril Abidi of France in the penultimate matchup. Only Bonjasky could stop Musashi (in the title bout) at last year's Final, and the Seidokaikan fighter had gone undefeated this year. Plus, for the first time since the 1990s, Musashi had something resembling a natural hair color, which may indicate he had spent more time on training and less at the salon.

Abidi struck first early in the bout with low and high kicks, and this set the crowd chanting "Abidi!" But Musashi's defenses were sound, and the Japanese fighter got a hard kick to Abidi's midsection that was the most damaging strike of the first.

Again, from the bell to start the second, Abidi came out with his wide-open attacking style, and here Musashi answered with a good high kick. Now the chant was "Musashi!", and soon a left punch and a high kick, then a right hook got through, and Musashi had the edge he needed to win the round on all three cards.

In the third, Abidi opened up again, just missing with his haymakers and big high kicks. Musashi kept his cool, and while he was not spectacular here he did what he had to do to win comfortably and take Japan to the Tokyo Dome Final. This being the first year the Japan GP Winner did not automatically qualify for the Final, Musashi was justifiably proud that he had fought his way into the Final Eight.

French powerhouse Jerome LeBanner had gone 3-0 since coming back from a nasty fracture to his left forearm, but he had not faced a particularly strong fighter in these bouts. Widely regarded as the best K-1 fighter never to win the World GP, LeBanner received a thunderous reception when stepped in against Francois "The White Buffalo" Botha of South Africa in the card's main event.

LeBanner threw mostly kicks in the first, and looked good with these to take the round. But some of the ferocity of LeBanner's attack was missing -- by midway through the bout, he had used his left but thrice. For his part, Botha was much improved -- especially good was his blocking, the lack of which had been his downfall in previous bouts. In the second, Botha's aggressive style paid off -- a right hook caught LeBanner going the other way and stunned the Frenchman. Botha followed up immediately, chasing LeBanner down with punches. None of these connected like the right had, but their cumulative effect was to send LeBanner to one knee for a down, which brought the crowd to their feet: Had Botha, winless in his four K-1 fights, found a way to beat one of K-1's best?

Yes, he had. LeBanner looked for chances in the third, but Botha's defenses were up to the task. When LeBanner did get in with a high kick, he was unable to follow up, and Botha was able to recover. Botha finished the fight throwing jabs, keeping his opponent at bay, always threatening and always in control, looking a much smarter fighter than he had in the past.

There was some confusion when the judges' cards were read out. The first scored the bout a draw, the second gave it to Botha by a point, and the third also scored it a draw. But even as the crowd cheered in anticipation of a tie-breaking extra round, LeBanner turned to his cornermen and began shaking his head. When the ring announcer called "Seconds Out," LeBanner's cornermen did not leave the ring, and the fighter himself went to the referee to indicate he was not going to answer the bell. Nobody was sure how to proceed until, finally, a white towel was thrown, which gave Botha the win by TKO.

LeBanner went to a local hospital to have his left arm examined after the fight, and did not appear for his post-bout interview.

After a less-than-convincing start to his K-1 career, Botha picked the perfect time to turn things round. Said the jubilant boxer afterward: "I studied LeBanner, I knew what he was going to do. This was my first time preparing for a fight this way, I finally feel that I'm among the best!"

A fine tournament, and at the end of the night, it was probably the Dutch who were the biggest winners, as a trio of fighters from the Netherlands (Bonjasky, Aerts and Hoost) will represent Europe at the Final. There will also be two Asians (Musashi and Kaoklai), and one fighter each from North America (Mo), Africa (Botha) and Oceania (Sefo) at the Tokyo Dome.

The K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final Elimination attracted a sellout crowd of 14,860 to the Nippon Budokan. It was same-day broadcast nationwide in Japan on the Fuji TV Network, and is set to be shown in some 95 countries on a delayed basis. Check the K-1 Official Website for official results from the Final Elimination, as well as the matchups for the Tokyo Dome Final, which will be posted soon after they are determined in a September 26th draw.
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-27 22:07:29
David Lucas
many thanks for that, Cheers
( when i have an Hour i will read it ? )
LOL Joke,
Seriously Thanks ! Interesting Bits ive just started reading it ! Nice-1
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-28 01:56:21
Lightning Mike Angove;

Thanks for the info from the show!
Lightning Mike Angove
Posted: 2004-09-28 02:48:36
No worries Oliver it was a great show and the Budokan was a great venue - very intimate and gladitorial

Some have speculated wether the Thai will somehow come down with an "illness" al la semi schult and be replaced at the show - however if you take a look at the ratings, the Thai was voted by the fans as the fighter of the night and really captured the heart of the crowd. Also he is up against Mighty Mo first which is sure to be another hit and run event as mo isn't the most agile of fighters. Imagaine that a middle weight making it into the finals - the Thais and proponents of Thai boxing must be loving it!

Aaron these were pretty commonly known problems for which the doctors were reluctant to let him fight. But these are simple reporting of the facts. As is the fact that Jeromes arm had problems again. You can draw what ever conclusion you like from that.
Lightning Mike Angove
Posted: 2004-09-28 02:49:22
For Kiwi Fans you can judge for yourself this Saturday on TV2 at 9.30
T
Posted: 2004-09-28 02:50:58
It will be interesting.
I wouldn't really like to see a 78Kg guy get hit with mighty Mo's big right hand, like he was throwing at Las Vegas, though.
aaron boyes
Posted: 2004-09-28 03:26:28
If these are the facts Mike then why do you say you doubt Lebanner had an injured arm cause he hardly threw it? Isnt it a fact that he did, or is it only factual when its one of your fighters, lol.
E
Posted: 2004-09-28 03:38:58
I know plenty of people who go in to fights carrying injuries - how many of them go in annoucning it? not many. You tend to only hear about problems when they lose, maybe they shouldn't fight if not 100% but who fights thinking they will lose ;-)
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-28 07:51:46
jerome's arm was shattered in dec of 02, and then it was reinjured the next year.
hes had a couple major surgeries on it, so he faces a difficult task to get his
arm back 100%.
everyone is rooting for his arm to recover, but based on how it looked at budokan
his career looks in doubt.
although supposedly hes set for a superfight with abidi at the finals???
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-28 09:13:42
hoost looked to be in his best shape in years, anyone have an idea what he weighed?
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-28 09:59:21
It is no secret to anyone, that Jerome Le Banner broke his arm tree places against Hoost at the K-1 2002 Grand Prix, and that he had been threw surgery and long and hard rehabilitation.

I hope that his arm will recover, but just like David Lucas says - his career looks in doubt. Jerome is going to fight Abidi in the Dome, and here Jerome will get the chance to test his arm, if he gets ready and healthy in time, to fight in the reserve fight in December? I deeply hope so for Jerome and for the sport.
Lightning Mike Angove
Posted: 2004-09-28 16:58:09
Its no coincidence that Jeroeme's opponent was Botha - i.e. someone that wouldn't kick to the arm, but if you watch the fight carefully Francois went to the body with hooking right hands which Jerome had to block with the arm - wild abidi will really test the arm with his kicks.

Aarron I don't understand your comment with regard to Jerome, he began the fight throwing it and stopped into the 2nd round which indicates he may have damaged it again. He then went to hospital to have it checked after the fight.

With regard to Iggy lets face it he fought poorly against a guy who fought a brilliant game and deserved his great win. Doesn't change the fact that the doctors almost pulled the fight and that there was quite a commotion backstage about it.

Mighty Mo will be quite a different fight for Kalokai - Iggy fights in a Thai rythem and style Mo fights very differently and times his counter punches of the kicks, he also throws counter when struck with flush shots al la makr hunt - so if he cuts the ring should be able to KO the Thai boy, if he can't cut it off he'd better have his sprinting shoes on to catch up (LOL)

David, Hoost looked in great shape - not sure what he weighed but it was lighter than in the past, he said that this year he has had no problems with the skin condition that has affected him in the past. One thing he said over and over was "5 times champion" when ever asked how he thought he would go.




aaron boyes
Posted: 2004-09-28 18:16:36
Thats better mike it took awhile but finally got you to admitt the that kaoklai beat iggy fair and square, lol
T
Posted: 2004-09-28 18:34:14
You're about the same size arn't you Arron?
Maybe you could fight Iggy on he next NZ K1 :-)
Lightning Mike Angove
Posted: 2004-09-28 19:42:48
Aaron - no question the Thai deserves big ups, but had you been back stage and seen the coffuffle you'd undertsand the comments, And I also agree that if you aint right to fight you shouldn't otherwise it could come back to bit you in the arse. Or in Iggys case kick you in the arse.

T Aaron, has already fought Kalokai and lost a decision on points in New Zealand a couple of months back, maybe Aaron could fight Iggy, with the winner rematching Kalokai for a K-1 Grand Prix spot (LOL)
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-28 19:52:48
Good Posts Mike Always Like reading yourpost and LOL and Wow Ref: the Thai etc: just a Shame there wasnt such a thing as heavyweight Thailanders !?
then it would be Called `THAI-1`
:-p
and Mike What Commotion ? backsatge ?
please highlight? enlighten?
Cheers !
Lightning Mike Angove
Posted: 2004-09-28 20:25:38
Yeah Sandy I agree If there were heavyweght Thais I think that the Thai's not the Dutch would have dominated the K-1

Backstage when Iggy came back from Doc there was breifly talk of possibily having to find a replacement ... and obviosuly the docs being quite animated about the fever in combination with the other injuries. If Iggys temperature had been .2 of a degree higher apparently they would have pulled the fight. But at the end of the day I think Iggy expected the Thai would get bowled over by the first big shot he threw. And when Kalokai fought so well he didn't have a plan be or the energy to execute it.
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-28 21:07:49
Cheers Mike! And Yep ! and Ref: the Bit about a Fighter and Team NOT Complaining before a Fight is a GREAT point, as Why should you give a Opponent a Strength with your weekness ?
All part of the Game plan !

I Remember when i broke my arm in last and Best Fight V My great Dutch Opponent ! It Broke in the Second Round and again in the 4 th: Further up ! Imagine him Knowing that in the Fight ?
and me Showing Pain?
id have Lost and Crumbled !"
Psychology in and out the Rings a Big part !
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-09-28 21:09:07
Sorry Slightly off ! Was talking about further above in ref: to Excuses ?? Hope i didnt do a Sandy-Speak on ya lol ? !
:-p
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-29 02:21:05
Lightning Mike Angove:

I am not a fan of Hoost, I think his style and way of fighting is getting boring to watch, because he has not developed his style or techniques for years. Hoost always use his one-two punches combination, combined with a lowkick, to get his opponent in the rope to fight close toe to toe, and to get in the clinch. It is very effective, but in my book damn boring to look at.

Still I think Hoost will get his 5th Grand Prix title, by using his routine and the technique mention above. As Felix says in one of his messages; "Hoost always manage to makes his opponent run out of gas". I don’t think that Remy will run out of gas, I just don’t think he has the routine or skills to match Hoost. When it comes to Aerts Vs Hoost, it will be a dead even fight, but the question is, if Aerts body can go the distance? Aerts body seems very vulnerable in his career autumn.

My heart is hoping for Aerts, but I think that I will be Hoost Vs Sefo or Hoost Vs Mighty Mo in the finale.

Funny that you mention, that Mo throws counter, when struck with flush shots al la Mark Hunt. I think exactly the same, and has mention the same thing on another board.
David Lucas
Posted: 2004-09-29 08:58:02
mike thanks for the info of the backstage "goings on".
i wonder if iggys busy fighting schedule is taking its toll?
or is his inconsistency a mental thing?

oliver i agree, if francisco filho could get the best of remy ( mainly with his
punching) i think ernesto will do the same. dont forget that venetian ( also from vos) dominated remy a couple of years ago.

i dont think aerts has the endurance for three fights in a tournament any more.
if by chance he gets an early k.o. on botha, than he might have a good shot at
ernesto, otherwise he is likely to fade like he did against musashi.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-29 12:20:05
Davis Lucas,

Aerts fight against Musashi last year was a rip off. Aerts was the best and should have won the fight. All my respect to Musashi, he did well - but he did not win.

I agree with you about Aerts properly don’t have the endurance for tree fights on the same night, unless he as you also says, get an easy first fight against Botha. Lets see if Hoost has the endurance… I dought.
Felix
Posted: 2004-09-29 23:25:22
aerts injured his elbow. he was kicked in the arm while he was punching and the elbow hyper-extended. he did the best he could but with only one arm, he couldn't keep up with musashi.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-30 01:39:04
Felix;

Are "we" talking about the K-1 Grand Prix 2003, Aerts Vs Musashi? I personal think that Peter Aerts was better than Musashi in that spectacular fight, even do Aerts was injured. Aerts scored with has jab and his lowkicks from the first bell, veil many of Musashi combination only landed in Aerts guards.

I scored the fight 2-0 to Aerts, but ok… I am not a pro or a K-1 judge.
Felix
Posted: 2004-09-30 05:26:47
i saw the fight live [crap seat i'll admit] and by the end of the fight i was sure that aerts was behind and needed a KO to win.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-09-30 06:24:51
That was not the felling I had, in the last seconds of the fight. I was sure that Aerts had made enough to win the fight, and to make it to the finale.

Are you going to make a pool for the 2004 Grand Prix Felix, (when we get near D-day), and who do you think will become the next K-1 champion?
Felix
Posted: 2004-10-01 04:26:12
yes. i'll make a pool.

it is so tough to say. mo could get emabrrased by the thai kid. mo and ray could kill each other. peter could get cut. hoost and remy could go 5 rounds at 50-60 attacks/round each [do the math. that's 500-600 attacks].

this could be as good at 1999. i'll have to pull out my prince CD and listen to "tonight we're gonna party like its 1999"
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-10-01 05:36:03
Felix,

Thanks for answering, and for setting up a pool! I agree with you about Mo Vs Ray, Aerts could get a cut and about Remy Vs Hoost. I hope that it will be as good as it was in 1999, time will show?

Did you get my mail Felix?
Felix
Posted: 2004-10-01 18:52:28
i just check my hotmail and no message from oliver.
try again.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-10-02 02:02:55
You got mail...
Felix
Posted: 2004-10-02 04:25:52
so do you.
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-10-02 12:18:22
Thanks Felix!!
xnfx
Posted: 2004-10-03 04:20:31
Wow, very nice pictures Oliver Sperling!
Did you take those yourself? Or are they from a public website?
( o Y o )
Posted: 2004-10-03 05:17:22
sportsnavi.com
Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-10-03 07:35:31

Photo by Sportsnavi.com


Oliver Sperling
Posted: 2004-10-03 07:36:42

Photo by Sportsnavi.com


( o Y o )
Posted: 2004-10-03 11:00:05
[img]http://www.nikkansports.com/news/up/up1_08.jpg[/img]
( o Y o )
Posted: 2004-10-03 11:00:39
Hmmmm.....no img tags here eh?
matman
Posted: 2004-10-03 15:40:48
Hey (oYo)- Have you been an Axer for long? I haven't noticed you here before. You'll find the board a bit tamer than your usual on-line hang out but on the whole the debates are better informed with less flaming. I always enjoy your posts on my visits to the dark side and your presence here will give Felix and Mike Angove someone new to play with! (though as you know Felix also crosses over to the dark side occassionaly) Sorry if you've been here for ages and I just haven't noticed but a big welcome if you're new!
( o Y o )
Posted: 2004-10-03 18:48:31
Thanks matman. I actually joined up here quite awhile ago, just read more than posted.....hense not knowing about the img tags :-0

Do I know you under a different handle somewhere else?
Sonik
Posted: 2004-10-04 19:52:31
What about Francisco Filho ? I think he deserved a shot too. After all, he did beat Remy Bonjasky fair and squair at the Ishigeki.


Btw, Oliver i can't get the videos at yousendit. Is there another adress so i can download them ?



Osu
Sandy Holt
Posted: 2004-10-04 19:57:30
"100"
:-)
:-p
Sponsor
Sonik
Posted: 2004-10-05 10:54:55
Does anybody know why Francisco Filho didn't get a chnace at the Grand Prix this year ?

Mo vs Sefo!! That sounds like a slugfest to me


It would be nice to see Kaoklai vs Bonjasky or Hoost or even Aerts in the finals or in the midfinals.

I'm rooting for Sefo but this Thai kid has got my support as well mainly because he's the lightest fighter here. He's got balls!!
Sponsor:
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