Leko Vs Hoost.

Jerome Le Banner Vs Hunt.

Pettas Vs Ignashov.

Filho Vs Peter Aerts.

What do you say about the draw??

Here is my bet:

Pettas donst stand a chance against Ignashov, 1st round KO to Ignashov.

Leko beat Hoost by point 3-0.

Aerts looses to Filho after 5 rounds of fighting by points

Jerome beat Hunt by a 2nd round KO.

Sounds crazy??

Picture from the K-1 Grand Prix 2001 draw.

I'd go with Ivanashov and Hoost in the Final.
Hoost would have to be one of the favourites having proven hes got the skills over and over. LeBanner is undefeated for a couple of years, but will have a long fight against Hunt (Hunt may not be in great shape but hes got stamina and can take the blows), I'd say Hoost would beat LeBanner on points.
Hoost's the champ and you've gotta respect that. I'd say hes got a good chance to do it again...

Hunt better get his ass on the stair-master and work that taro off!

I wonder how Aerts health is?

How's Hoosts knee?

Is Leko's hand healed up strong?

That's the trouble Matt...he needs more taro and less big mac...LOL!

Well I will have to agree with lollo on that one!(ha!ha!ha!)...
I am sure mark will get his A into G and work on this he has been waiting for this moment so I hope he listen to the right people on this one......
Regards
Lucy Tui

His chances are as good as everyone elses...........
Who is Nickolas Pettas fighting?

Man!!! if he wins fights and qualified for the biggest event in Kick boxing looked out of shape, imagine when he will be in good shape?...scary thought to the heavyweights out there isn't it?

Lucy...remember that time you brought Mark over to Queensland? LOL! It's came true isn't it? He!he!

Matt:

I agree with you, Hunt has to get in a better shape if is going to have just a little 1% chance against Jerome. But fat or not fat, in shape or not in shape, I can not see how Hunt should defeat Jerome Le Banner in his opening fight? Not even if Hunt is training on the stair-master around the clock, or if he runs five marathons a week. As I see it, Hunt will get KO before the end of the 2nd round. But... Hunt will make my day if he defeats Jerome, that would make me more than happy!!

Aerts health is getting better, and I am sure that he will be ready to fight Filho in December. I have a good friend in Holland who knows Peter Aerts privately, and he has just told me that Peters elbow is getting better by the day.

My bet for a final would be between Jerome Vs Ignashov, or Leko Vs Ignashov.

Here is something interesting from the K-1 Official homepage, written by the Official K-1 webmaster Monty DiPietro.

"Final Eight Matchups Selection"

Hunt said after the draw for the K-1 Grand Prix, that he is looking forward to fight Jerome in his opining fight, because he has fought LeBanner before and lost. This is my chance for a rematch, said Hunt!

" Besides, I'm sore [from the previous night's tournament in Fukuoka] and I didn't want to walk all the way over to the G or H position!"

Mark Hunt, who won at the Fukuoka Repechage Tournament, selected sixth in the draw. With Leko, Hoost, and LeBanner already positioned in the first block, a member of the Australian contingent yelled from the audience for Hunt to "go right!" (Toward the second block, where Pettas and Ignashov might have looked like easier opponents). But Hunt ignored the advice, turned to the left, and paired himself up with LeBanner. A gasp of surprise went up from the hundred-strong media people covering the event, as LeBanner is undefeated in the K-1 arena since 1999.

!He's a man," smiled LeBanner. "He's a very good puncher, and we'll have a great fight."

........

I will say that Hunt has a good sense of humor and even more... A big heart! That’s the true spirit, and someone is going to be the first to stop Jerome and his successful career, and who knows - it might be Hunt. I sure hope so!

But if I was in Hunt shoes, I rather fight Pettas, Filho or Aerts than Jerome. Hunt and Jerome’s styles is very much alike, they are both heavy and they both punches so hard, that it feels like you have been hit by a truck. So it might be an open fight?

i dont know why so may people are anxious to write off ernesto hoost. all he
does is win every tournament he enters! i know hes getting old, but i still
think hes the favorite.
i can see hunts logic in picking lebanner. hunt is hard to ko, and lebanner
is mainly a big knockout puncher. he doesnt win too many decisions if he
doesnt knock his opponent out.
i think ignashov will easily beat pettas.
im not sure what to make of filho/ aerts. i want to see the fukoouka tape
to see how filho performed. hopefully my local store will have it in this
weekend!

i agree, an in shape mark hunt has what it takes to beat le banner. a chin, a heart, and a big right hand.he was extremely nervous his last encounter with jerome. i feel he will be more relaxed this time around.

David:

I don’t think that there are many people are fighters that are anxious to write off Hoost, not at all. Ernesto is a great fighter, and he is also one of the big favorites to win. (Again)

But Ernesto is not getting younger, and he do NOT have that much power in his punches, and if you look at Hoost group, he is in a group with the best boxers and most powerful punchers in the game. So it i going to be ultra hard for Hoost. Ok... Hoost got a great and powerful lowkick, but he is the type of fighter there almost always wins on points, and not that often wins by KO. I don’t believe that Hoost is strong enough to KO Leko in his first fight. So if Hoost are going to win and defeat Leko, it will be on points.

And starting a big tournament with a hard 3 or 4 rounds fight in your legs, is not the best start, especially not if Hunt or Jerome are the next in line. So if Hoost is going to win this year, he better be in the shape of his life.

As I see it, Jerome Le Banner and Ignashov most be the biggest favorites. Not only because they are the strongest in y eyes, but also because they haft the best opening draw.

Ignashov are going to fight Pettas in his first fight, and Pettas most be the "easiest" and also "weakest" fighter of the 8 in the tournament. So I think (personal bet) that Ignashov will win on KO in the 1st or 2nd round, and then he will be fresh and ready for Filho or Aerts, two fighters there are far from the best in theirs career.

Jerome are going to fight Hunt, who is big and also very strong fighter, with a fist made of stone! But Hunt is not on the same level as Jerome, so I think that Jerome will end the fight before time. And then he is going to fight your man Hoost or Leko, who both have to fight there best to qualified them self to 2nd round. So nothing personal against Hoost, but I think that the time is ready for a new champion!

P.S. Let me know if you get the Fukuoka on videotape, please!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark will not be scared of No One in this tournament,he will beat Jerome
I did not think Jerome will stop Mark,not at all,Mark has to much of a chin and heart.....
Regards
Lucy Tui

Lucy:

I hope that you are right!! I rather see Hunt than Jerome in the 2nd round, but I don’t buy it. Jerome will take this one.

From what I understand, Aerts is still having problems with his elbow and more than likely unless he can pull it all together, he is not going to be a factor. Hoost on the other hand is in the best shape he's been in for quite some time now. My guess is the Russian and Hoost in the final with the Russian surprising alot of people with a big Ko win.

Hi Olivier, great pics, great reports you have been posting,keep up the terrific work...I know what you are saying about Mark...
Do not judge a book by its cover......Mark is very resilent,and he will be very ready and hungry come the GrandPrix .......He has nothing to loose like Lebanner.......Mark had 2weeks to prepare for the last fights,he will come back here ready to train and wanting to make the final for this GrandPrix
He has been on holidays for the past 6weeks that will be over when he gets back to Sydney,and the mental work will start he knows what he has to do now he has had a taste of the best fighters in the K1 line up he handle that very well,he will be ready come December Tokyo Dome...........
Regards
Lucy Tui

Lucy:

Thanks!

I don’t judge a book by its cover, I always read it first. As much as I would love to see Hunt defeat Jerome, I don’t think that he good the skills or the strength to do it, but again... This is the K-1, anything can happen!

I think that all the 8 fighters will be hungry, but some of them are going to eat the floor, if you get my point? And Hunt & Pettas are some of the fighters who I think will get KO.

He is my bet for the whole Grand Prix:

1st round:

Pettas dont stand a chance against Ignashov, 1st round KO to Ignashov.

Leko beat Hoost by point after 3 rounds of fighting. 3-0.

Aerts looses to Filho after 4 rounds of fighting by points

Jerome beat Hunt by a 2nd round KO.


2nd round:

Jerome defeats Leko on points after 3 rounds. 2-1

Ignashov KO Filho in the 2nd round.


Final:

Ignashov KO Jerome in the 1st round and becomes champion........... Sounds crazy??

a agree that ignashov has the easiest first round draw. but we have seen
hoost win these gp's while fighting the maximum rounds ( even overtime rounds)
i still think hoost is THE favorite.
i think ignashov/ hoost will be the fight of the night, probably the two
best fighters in the tourney.
hunt/ lebanner will be a slugfest, id have to guess lebanner. but anything could
happen with these two standing toe to toe banging away.
id give aerts a slight edge over filho if hes healthy. aerts might even
be able to get past lebanner if hes smart enough to stay away from his
punches. but i dont think he can beat hoost.
oliver i will spout my 2 cents worth of fukouka when i see the tape, hopefully
by this weekend.

David:

So you believe that Hoost is THE favorite. I am not so sure if Hoost got what it takes to win the title again, but who knows? Hoost is a perfect fighter, he has an amazing spirit, great physic and a powerful lowkick. But he need some more power and strength in his punches, so he can finish more of his fights early. Mostly of Hoost fights is won by points, and fighting 6 or 8 rounds before you get to the finale, is far from healthy or good for your over all chances to become champion.

I will say that Leko is not the best draw for Hoost. Leko is a great boxer, and I am sure that he will trade punches with Hoost, and try to win the center of the ring. As I see it, Leko has the strongest punches and he is also has the best boxing skill of those two. But Hoost has a stronger spirit than Leko, and his kicks or also more powerful, so it is going to be one tuff and exciting fight. I think that Leko will win the fight on points after 3 round of fighting, but let wait and see.

Aerts is not strong enough to take out Jerome or Ignashov, not in year 2001. If Peter could get back to the strength and amazing technique that he had back in the late 90's, I would have said that Peter could beat them all – by ko. But today Peter is over the hill, and I think that this will be his last Grand Prix.

Peter Lumberjack Aerts has been in the game for many years, and his body and his mind is not as strong as it was in the days when he was the absolute champion and king of the K-1. And I am sure that Peter knows that. I highly respect Peter Aerts, he is a great human and fighter, but Jerome and Ignashov are to strong for the great Dutchman.

I still think that it would be Jerome Vs Ignashov in the finale. But I will laugh big time if it is going to be Pettas Vs Hunt. That would be the biggest surprise in the K-1 history.

Hi Olivier,

Well I can see someone going to be laughing louder than you by your predictions,where is Mike I thought he would have had his two cents worth,I will pick Hunt Vs Ignashov in Final, or Hoost Vs Ignashov, I have heard the Russian is pretty good fighter........
We are all entitled to our own opinions.......
Goodluck may the best man win on the night.............
Regards
Lucy Tui

Hi Olivier,

I forgot to mention why on earth do you think Jerome will KO Hunt when they have fought before and Jerome did not even hurt Hunt on there first encounter and he hit Hunt flush in which Hunt was able to take,now with Hunt stronger and a more exprienced since there first fight which was over a year ago..it is beyond my comprehension where you think that Jerome is going to KO Hunt did you not hear what Jerome said that Mark has a big punch and it will be a good fight....I bet Jerome will not rush into Mark like he does the other fighters because he knows that Mark is stronger now than what he was a year ago...........I am only telling you how it really is.............REALITY CHECK...............
Regards
Lucy Tui

Lucy:

Lets wait and see, but no matter who wins the Grand Prix, someone will be laughing. I agree, may the best man win on the night.

You are one big Hunt fan and believer, and that’s great! If Hunt defeats Jerome in his opening fight, I will say that we have the first big surprise of the night. It will be an ever big surprise if Hunt also defeats Leko or Hoost, but maybe you favorite fighter will be the one who stands with the biggest smile at the end of the day. (I don’t think so).

The biggest surprise will be, if Pettas defeats Ignashov, but I can not see how? Pettas only has two weapons, his lowkick and his Kyokushin spirit. But we all said the same about Watt, before he was going to fight Mike Bernado in the Fukuoka Grand Prix, and who won that fight - with style. Start laughing Lucy, it is healthy.

Lucy:

Why do I think that Jerome will KO Hunt? Because Jerome Le Banner more or less KO's everybody his fights against, and because Jerome is strong and the biggest favorite for the title.

Jerome is also stronger today and has more experienced since there first fight last year, please don’t forget that. REALITY CHECK!

But who knows who will the big battle between Hunt Vs Jerome? I mean.. Put money on the fight if you already know who the winner will be.

Who will win this fight between Jerome Vs Hunt?

this is my projection:

Leko Vs Hoost : Hoost wins on points

Jerome Le Banner Vs Hunt : Lebanner wins on points (Sorry Lucy! :) )

Pettas Vs Ignashov : Ignashov wins Ko or not

Filho Vs Peter Aerts : Aerts wins (KO??)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hoost vs Lebanner : Hoost again on points

Ignashov vs Aerts : Ignashov wins with a KO

Final: Hoost vs Ignashov : ???????????

well, Hoost because of his experience, not forgeting the younger russian body.

I'm hoping that there will be no injury dropout, that would be a big disapointment for the fans, as it usually is. this is my calculistic view of what will happen, but hey! it's K-1, who Knows??

any superfights yet?

Olivier,Olivier,Olivier, it sounds to me that you are a fan of Lebanner,have you met Lebanner personally,he is a very nice person,he calls me his friend, Mark Hunt is a fighter who came from Alex Tui originally when Mark moved to Australia, Mark lived with me for one year at the start of his road to K1 of course I will support Mark,he is now with Hape Ngaronoa another close friend of ours and we support them both and now his manager Dixon Mckver from NZ,they all make a great team, Mark will succeed, like I said do not judge a book by its cover you seem to be showing alot of photo!s of Jerome, I know who Jerome is he has two arms two legs just like any other, okay he has height and more muscles,but that made No difference when Ray Sefo KO him......Do You Get The Picture..........Reality
Check that one..........
All in fun, I know most of the best fighters personally,Peter Aerts, Ernesto
Hoost, Mike Bernado, Ray Sefo, Jerome Lebanner, and like them all they have done alot for K1.....now we have MARK HUNT..........
Regards
Lucy Tui

Lucy:

Me a Jerome Le Banner fan?? Ehheeee I don’t think so! With all my deepest respect for any fighter in the K-1, Also Le Banner, but Jerome is just the only fighter of them all who I don’t like. I have never ever meet him, and this is nothing personal, please don’t miss understand me, but he is not my cop of coffee!!!!!!!!!!!

Jerome might by a nice guy and good friend to the people around him? I don’t know - but I sure don’t like him. So Hunt is my man if he beat Jerome in his first fight.

I am a BIG Andy Hug, always have been and always will be. Andy Hug was to me the best in the game, and there will never be anyone who can be compared with Mr. K-1. Check out my homepage about Andy Hug on this address: www.andyhug.subnet.dk

I know that I am big target now for saying that I don’t like Jerome. I have been very unpopular before on this message board, because I have said that I don’t like Le Banner. But friends, relax and don’t attack me for having one single fighter in a big sport who I just don’t like, ok!

Lucy:

Me a Jerome Le Banner fan?? Ehheeee I don’t think so! With all my deepest respect for any fighter in the K-1, Also Le Banner, but Jerome is just the only fighter of them all who I don’t like. I have never ever meet him, and this is nothing personal, please don’t miss understand me, but he is not my cop of coffee!!!!!!!!!!!

Jerome might by a nice guy and a good friend to the people around him? I don’t know - but I sure don’t like him. So Hunt is my man if he beat Jerome in his first fight.

I am a BIG Andy Hug fan, always have been and always will be. Andy Hug was to me the best in the game, and there will never be anyone who can be compared with Mr. K-1. Check out my homepage about Andy Hug on this address: www.andyhug.subnet.dk

I know that I am big target now for saying that I don’t like Jerome. I have been very unpopular before on this message board, because I have said that I don’t like Le Banner. But friends, relax and don’t attack me for having one single fighter in a big sport who I just don’t like, ok!

GO MARK HUNT!!!! HOEEYYYY!!!!

Lucy.....I think Oliver base his decision on facts....It's true. On book Jerome Le Banner should win. He has height, power and the experience. To me however, I would have to go with Mark. Anyway Oliver my friend...this is just my 2cent piece. OK!ok!...maybe I am biased a little bit cause I want Mark to win...but 95% of my decision to pick Mark comes from a coaches point of view....

It's true that Le Banner has improved about 25% since their last bout, but I think Mark has improved 125% since their last bout. And I'm not just talking about techniques but confidence also. I agree that Le Banner has the Power to knock anybody out, but we're not talking about just power here. If Le Banner going to use his stalk walking in style against Mark.....ummmmmmmm??? I think it will be a big mistake....We are not talking about someone like Hoost who can frustrate a smaller guy and force him to make mistake than set up the angle to intercept his technique to double the power. We're talking about a pretictable big strong guy walking in. He has been doing that in the last 6 years...Do you think he will change for this particular fight? Maybe and maybe not. In my opinion, Le Banner may have improves his punching power, but style and habits hasn't changed. On the other hand, the last time they meet, it was Mark's first appearance in Japan and may have felt a bit overrawed. This time he is more confidence. There are lots of good reasons why. Some of the reasons I'm going to put down maybe debatable to others but it's only my opinion. No doubt some of these things maybe running through Mark's head to prepare himself mentally better for this fight:

(a) Mark can take a much better shot than Le Banner can. It shows when he took some good shots from Ernesto Hoos without blinks. These same shots from Hoost had knocked out Le Banner twice.

(b) Mark took Ray Sefo's hardest shots with his hands down and asking Ray for more. This was the same Sefo who knocked Le Banner out cold for over 5 mins.

(c) He was a bit nervous when they first met, but now gained lots of experienced.

(d) Mark took the last fight in 2 weeks noticed and out of shape and still end up at the final. Hape will make sure that Mark is 150% fit for this one.

(e) Le Banner is a walking in fighter. Mark don't need to worry about range. If they both land shots at the same time.....I know who's gonna go....It won't be Mark. He has a coconut head...LOL!

(f) Even when Mark is not fully fit, his workrate still higher than Le Banner and for some misteries reasons recovers pretty well...Imagine when he does fully fit for this one.

I think there is something about Mark which which lots of people dont understand. He has no fear of either losing or winning but willing to give it a 100% whenever he hops in. When he lost to Peter Graham here in Auckland this year....He didn't jump up and down...He just took it like a man and carries on. He just go out there and fight. Mark is the real Rocky story of kick boxing. He came out of nowhere. He lost a few fights and takes fights on hours noticed and yet, he still hasn't let the promoter down. I had the pleasure of working on Mark's corner in one of his last minute noticed. I said to Lucy and Mark than when he fought Nathan Briggs...Do you know what you have here?....anyway, that's another story. Things changed for Mark since the K-1 Oceania starts. I know this is off the topic a bit, but one day you will see the best fight ever when Mark Hunt will fight one of our boys...His name is Tristam "The Twister" His style is very similar to Mark but shorter and heavier....if fact, he looks distustingly flabby when he hops in the ring but has the same mentality as Mark and can push his workrate amazingly high.....He's not a world beater but I'm talking strictly about matching...It maybe not happen but, wouldn't that be exciting Lucy? He!he!he!

Not a knock against Peter Aerts as i truly respect him, but does anyone think he pulled out of Fukuoka not because of surgery on his arm (well maybe it wasn't as serious) but because by pulling out he knew he'd get the last spot in the tournament without having to fight?

Not Peter.....The only reason Peter would pull out of a fight is because of Doctor's order or his management team.....Peter had fought through with so many injuries in the past and I think he has learned from the mistake knowing he is not getting any younger.....Expect him to be fired up for this one...

I agree with Lucy on this one, I not only think Mark Hunt is going to beat LeBanner, I also believe that he is a real darkhorse to take out the whole thing. He's got the power to KO anyone in the K1, and on the night anything can happen. I personally think that Ernesto Hoost will take out title number 4, but anyone who gets hit by Mark, stays hit!

The winner should come out of the top half of the draw, but we should get some entertaining fight out of the bottom half, I think Peter Aerts ahould be able to take Filho if his elbow is ok. One thing is for sure, this is one of the more interesting tournements we've had for a while.

I agree with Lucy on this one, I not only think Mark Hunt is going to beat LeBanner, I also believe that he is a real darkhorse to take out the whole thing. He's got the power to KO anyone in the K1, and on the night anything can happen. I personally think that Ernesto Hoost will take out title number 4, but anyone who gets hit by Mark, stays hit!

The winner should come out of the top half of the draw, but we should get some entertaining fight out of the bottom half, I think Peter Aerts ahould be able to take Filho if his elbow is ok. One thing is for sure, this is one of the more interesting tournements we've had for a while.

In all honesty I do not care who wins this as the only guy I would have liked to see win ain't gonna be there (Mikey), and this line up lacks...I dunno it doesn't do much for me!!! Maybe I cant accept the likes of Pettas and Drago as new "stars"...although I would be glad if Peter at least beats Filho (I DON'T want Filho to win!) Although I would laugh if Filho k.o'd everyone! With those bizarre punches he throws...
Jerome can either make it an easy fight for himself or a hard one! Against Hunt. Ray Sefo was in the same position, he either could have made it easy or hard and he chose to make it hard by standing there and banging away. He still won but he could have done it sooo much simpler!!! True Lollo?? If you stand there flatfooted and ask to get hit, well your asking for a belting! A bit of basic ring smarts by Jerome and I honestly dont see much of a prob for Jerome...christ, if Peter Graham had no probs with him!!! Just my thoughts for the record I have a miles better track record than Lucy!!! Hee..hee! (thats a joke Lucy!)

Peter Graham is a totally different fighter...Peter hit and run...Jerome Le Banner will be right in front of Mark, and this time Mark won't run. The first time they met, Mark looked like he had too much respect for Jerome. I'm sure he would have a few sleepless night after that for not being his noraml self himself of giving it his all attitude, win or lose than have a beer after...(sorry Hape...an orange juice after LOL!)

I wouldnt call it hit and run, I thought it was smart, all he needed to do. Keep Mark away with jabs and front kicks and chop away at the legs. Two rounds in and Mark was tired and Peter was rolling. Bang, victory. Yes of course Jerome is a different fighter but the principle is the same! Mark is not a complex fighter, fight smart and dont be stupid! (This can apply to ANYONE really) Eg Ray was being silly last weekend but got away with it. It was EXACTLY as you said Ray either could of made it easy or hard!

Lollo & Lucy:

I hope that you are right, but I still I don’t think that Hunt has the experience or the technique to win against Jerome. He sure got the power to knock out any fighter in the K-1, but... I don’t buy it!

Lollo you said that: “ Mark Hunt has improved 125% since their last bout, not only in techniques but confidence also.” I am sure that he has, and I also think that we will se a fit and mentally strong Hunt in December. But please don’t forget, that Jerome think that he is unbeatable and the strongest fighter in the world. Jerome has a mentally strong spirit because he hasn’t lost a fight for almost two years, and that might be Jerome strongest weapon, much stronger than his punches.

But Jerome’s “playboy” style can also be his biggest weakness and his own worst opponent, because I am sure that if you ask Le Banner, he is already the new champion. And that is going to be Hunt’s biggest chance to win the fight! If I was Hunt or his coach, my “plan” for the fight will be to surprise Jerome - by fighting him in the center of the ring, and trade punches… Simply give and take. Jerome thinks that Hunt will hit and run, but that is not the way to fight Le Banner when you are as strong as Mark Hunt is. Especially not when Jerome do not have the strongest draw in the game.

Mike:

I don’t think that the fight between Pettas Vs Filho will take place, at least not in the 2001 Grand Prix. As I see it, it would be almost impossible for Pettas to defeat Ignashov, I simply can not see how the great Dane should take out the strong Russian?? But if Pettas somehow should qualify himself to the 2nd round, Filho also has to defeat Peter Aerts - and that is not going to be easy. (There are no easy fights in a Grand Prix - I know... But some a harder than others and this one are going to be a tuff fight.)

As you say yourself Mike, Filho has the most bizarre punches in the game, and Peter is and old fox and at the same time he is also fighting for his career, so he will NOT jump into to same trap, as Sam Greco or Andy Hug did when they was fighting against Filho. If Francisco Filho are going to defeat Aerts, it will be on points, but it is going to be one tuff and long fight for Filho to defeat the former champ in his own backyard.

Who will win if the fight between Filho Vs Pettas somehow will take place?? I will say Filho, big time. Filho would have won the fight mentally against Pettas, before both of the fighters even has entered the ring. If you ask Nicholas Pettas, I am sure that he rather fights Jerome, Hunt, Leko or Hoost than Filho.

Hi Olivier, You have or opinion and I just hope it works for Mark...
Anyway there is something we do have in common and I can truly tell you that the fighter that Mark & I really liked in the K1 would have had to be Andy Hug,Mark and i would get K1 Tape on the Japan Circut and sit down and watch them for hours and Andy Hug was our favourite....
1. Andy had charisma....

2. Andy was a true spirit fighter for his size,and that is what we loved about him never say die attitude...

3. Andy used every technique you can think off...

4. Our favourite technique would have been the axe kick....

5. I have his signature on a pair of gloves which was also signed from all the fighters in 1998 GrandPrix...

Mark and I were very upset like a million other people that he passed away at such a young age....

I am sad I did not get to meet Andy Hug personally,Mark said he saw him in the crowd when we were in Osaka when he fought Lebanner..

So Olivier we do have one thing in common we both liked Andy Hug...

I was also a big fan of Ray Sefo,and Peter Aerts...............
Thanks for your constructive critisim it has been very refreshing....
Regards
Lucy Tui

Hi Lollo,

Yes I do remember what you said about Mark, and it was a very long night
that night...I recall I had to keep talking to keep you awake to catch your flight back to NZ...he!he!he! Everyone that was there could not believe how long we talked.....he!he!he! (I will rephrase that I talked..)
Everything we discussed has come through today,about Mark been the perfect K1 fighter for the future,because the 3x3 rounds suit his style of fighting.......his tough coconut head....what you explained why he would beat Jerome in hindsight is so true, so lets see if he can now finnish the business.........I know Hape will prepare Mark well........
Regards
Lucy

Hi Mike,

Well as far as your predictions have been for the K1 Grandprix I must say
they have been pretty good, yes better than mine I will have to agree with that one..he!he!he! Mirco cop, seems like he has gone as far as he can go
which has been another fighter I thought that would win.......man he hasn!t even made the Grandprix on this one......(which is ashame)....

The fighter in the Grandprix that I have the upmost respect for now would have to be Ernesto Hoost,he is the best in the ring and out of the ring,for a fighter of his age he is the best...Goodluck Ernesto,you are definetly Mr Perfect........
Regards
Lucy Tui

Oliver.....obviously you didn't read my post properly he!he! (I guess I do that too if someone writes too long LOL!)...but you are correct. What you've said in your last paragraph is exactly what I am expecting. It will be a toe-to-toe, but it shouldn't be at the centre of the ring. Mark should either lead or draw Le Banner closer to the rope as he is not very good near or using the rope. Basically because of lacked the angle moving skills. Maybe he has but I have yet to see it. Sure he cuts the ring but only when he is moving forward. Both time he had been knocked out by Hoost, is when he was near the rope.....Mind you when Peter knocked him out in 1998 at the center of the ring. Peter diverted his attacks with a punch than sneaked around him (almost behind Le Banner) to set up a perfect head kick. While Le Banner was pausing wondering where Peter had gone...BANG!!! out with a head kick. I don't expect Mark to knock him out with a head kick, but a big right hand might do. Winning fights in the last two years don't make no difference. When people get hit, they go. Remember this is K-1 heavyweight. Le Banner is more mature now, so I don't think he will be cocky, but I still think he will come forward and Mark won't be moving too much away from him.

Oliver.....the only thing that would surprise me if Le Banner starts to use lateral movements and keep the fights at the centre of the ring so he has room at his back in case to may need to move...

Mike...I didn't mean to sound disrespect to Peter Graham...yes was smart strategy set up buy Peter & Alex Tui designed to out point Mark and it worked.....but that's what I mean, do you honestly think that Le Banner would do that???? He didn't do that against Aerts, Hoost, Leko, Sefo, Greco, Filho..etc to name a few. When was the last time you saw Le Banner during the last six years move around the ring and use counter fight style to frustrate an opponent? Do you think he is going to change specially for this fight? If he does, than I take all what I have said back. Anything can happen, and Mark may lose on points because of reach advantage. But as I said earlier, I will be surprised if Le Banner does decides to use the whole ring and counter fight. But I have no doubt about Le Banner's power but he has to hit it really flushed to knock Mark out. If it's just a rapid punches exchanging and Mark is able to land shots of his own...it could be it.

i agree, mark hunt would have a tougher time against a technically skilled
fighter. lebanner has enough confidence in himself to go straight at anyone,
i think its a good matchup for hunt since he apparently has a good chin,
and lebanner can be knocked out. i wouldnt be surprised if lebanner decides
to just stand toe to toe with hunt, and if so, it could be anyones fight.

Lollo:

Thanks for your message, as always it was nice hearing from you!

I do hope that the fight between Hunt Vs Jerome will be a toe-to-toe fight, and not a Jerome hunting Mark from the first second. Jerome is best when he is in offensive, mowing forward with his one-two jab combination and short lowkicks, waiting to drop the bomb. Jerome weakest spot and way to fight him is, when you fight him punch to punch and constantly are mowing around him, not backwards!

Peter Aerts did that as you said Lollo, and knock him out with a great kick in 1998. Mike Bernado did earlier this year - and knock him out,(no contest because of the bell, like it or not) Ray Sefo did the same with great success, So hopefully Mark Hunt will try the same, especially because Mark Hunt has the power to finish the job.

So you think that Le Banner is more mature now. Do you mean inside or outside the ring, or both?

Lucy:

I am glad to hear that we something in common - that is always nice. So you and Mark do also like Andy Hug, well.... Who don’t? You said it all in your great message about Andy: Charisma, technique, spirit and strength.

I have been so lucky, that Andy Hug has trained me in knock down Kyokushin karate, back in 1989 when he still was a member of the Kyokushin organization. So I got to se Andy and bring some time together with him, and it was simply amazing! It is still hard and very sad to understand that he is no more among us!!

Please give Mark my respect and good luck, I sure hope that he will win his fight against Jerome!! Take cares and stay healthy.

Yes Mark did train with Alex, what did lucy and K1 do for Mark Hunt, big ZERO.
Since he has been training with HAPE NGARONOA at LIVERPOOL KICKBOXING you have seen a different Man and Fighter.

HAPE has given all his experience and time to Mark, creating a good fighter and getting him where he is today. No one will ever know MARK HUNT as good as HAPE, they are both men of high repect, and repect everyone, and men of their Word.

No one knows the hard road that Mark has had to go through, when he was with Lucy he had only 1 fight in the whole year, not even the Promters here in Oz have helped in Marks career. Mark has only been traning with HAPE 11 months, imagine if he had been with Hape 2 years.

Hape Ngaronoa has taken Mark Hunt to the Dreams that all fighters have, to the Dome in Tokyo. Someone, anyone, if you want to know about Mark, ask HAPE.

This is how I hope to see Jerome Le Banner against Mark Hunt

Yes...Ali...I hope that Mark wins the Grang Prix also...It will be great for everybody in Australia and New Zealand....Especially Maoris and Pacific Islanders...

Well Ali you are obviously still the bitter person you are, how can you say that myself and Alex Tui did nothing for Mark Hunt,I am sure Mark will tell you how much of a imput we have been for his career you have a very short memory,if you cannot write positive things about Marks support group do not write things at all,I am sure there are alot of people who know what myself and Alex have done for Mark, Hape has done alot for Mark also so do not try to put people down that have helped build these fighters to where they are today.............
Regards
Lucy Tui
Ps* because you are back with Hape!s Gym that gives you No Right to put me and Alex Tui down........(How dare you!)

If this is you Michael....I find this hard to believe....Whatever Lucy did or say, must have upset you so bad...Honestly Michael....this does not sound like the warm friendly family person I was introduced to, which I grew to respect everytime I come over to Australia...It upset you so bad that you don't realised that you've unitentionly threw dirt on Alex. Alex is always willing to help anyone who ever walked into his gym. Mark was just one of them. Alex helped Mark to win the first Oceania K-1, which is why he got the first chance to fight in Japan. Hape helped Mark to win the second Oceania K-1. They are having great team relationship and we hope they will go on and win the Grand Prix..... Even though Mark is now with Hape....Lucy and Alex are still proud of him...Michael, you can not deny the chance of anybody from Mark's past to be proud of him......even if someone you don't like. Obviously Mark & Hape are very comfortable at Liverpool gym and the enviroment is right for them there. If you're not careful, you will accidently draw them into the ugly side of the sport (politics). That's the last thing they (Mark & Hape) have in their mind right now...Especially the huge event coming up. Right now, they need everyone's support in the country (including us Kiwis) but they are at your gym, so be proud but at the same time let go of whatever is eating you up, cause they need all the positive feed they can get....

Hi lollo
I agree with 110% well said lollo im still the loving person that i am and am still with the same crowd and a close family i have not mentioned anything about alex all i have to say about alex is he is the best thing that ever happened in marks career.he has opened the road for marks future .i have done nothing wrong to lucy i have not changed in any way and you know that lollo as far as mark hunt wants out of his career lucy could not provide she should not be bitter about that it was marks choice to look for somewhere else.all hape done was work on lucys loose peices and worked on her mistakes and dealt with problems as he went along but he dealt with them and not swept them under the carpet hoping they would go away.why mark ?mark is the only fighter from a joint country with a chance that would open roads for the newer generation to acheive what mark has acheived.in my opinion mark is still in hybernation look out world when he comes out.New zealand fighters in the past have taken the best in the world on adays notice i dont think money was the motive cause they were never paid enough for their troubles.My experience with mark his word is everything to him he is honest,straight forward ,humble and very down to earth and he does not have an ego problem.love is stronger than war. please keep in contact lollo you know you are family to us and i would like to discuss things with you in private email me amta@iprimus.com.au

To Lollo,
We need all the positive energy for Hape & Mark from both Countries,I only hope that we as friends can help them with there preparation make that big win in Tokyo...Lollo you have been a great support for this ever so
political sport, it is such ashame there are people out there who are jealous of such people who try to do there best to help fighters,trainers,& promoters succeed in this Political Sport........
Regards
Lucy Tui

Ali:

Great pictures - keep them coming!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Oliver. Lucy if you realy care about Mark you would live him alone.
you have not stop sence Mark fired you Lucy give up Mark does not want to have any thing to do with you in this sport Thank you
Ps please give Hape ago he has been training Mark for allmost a year I would like to here it from the horse mouth!!!!!!!!!!

Ali, you just do what you do best and post photo!s, thats not what Mark said to me the other day,so you get your facts right....and that is straight from the horses mouth........and stop trying to come between Mark myself and Hape.......just remember we are from the same place in this world....
Regards
Lucy Tui

Lucy I am With Hape and Mark and allways have been here in LIVERPOOL KICKBOXING 33a scott st Liverpool Ph (02 98243536 so who is trying to come in between
lucy you have missed your station 11 month ago time to get of NOW

Thats what you think, just see who is going to be there for Mark when he goes to Japan for the Grandprix...........3months ago you were sacked from Hape!s gym for trying to shit stir,for the life of me I do not know why he has you back in his gym,you will only give it a bad name........
Regards
Lucy Tui

Ehheee... Lucy & Ali, are you two good friends??

wrong Lucy I have my own gym at Liverpool South. all the fighter still with me. that was anther branch of Liverpool Kickboxing. lucy only two weeks ago My fights were on your show in googee with (Hape) we all belong to one family LIVERPOOL KICKBOXING we all work hard to inprove. Lucy are Bitter Because of Joe
when I pulled him off your show Lucy? what went wrong Lucy are you doing it again to who this time good Luck in japan I'm sure you will be paing your way have fun

Who will win the Grand Prix 2001?

Jerome is in my eyes the biggest favorite together with Ignashov, even do many K-1 fans don’t think that Le Banner is the best tournament fighter in the game, including myself.

If Jerome was in the same group as Pettas, Filho and Aerts I will say that he had a 99% chance to win the title this year. But being in the same group as the former champion Hoost and Leko who is better than ever, and who both also in my eyes are dark-house for a place in the finale, will force Jerome to fight the absolute best of his capability to get the victory. Jerome has the power and strength like a grizzly bear, but his spirit is much weaker than many of the other fighters, so I don’t know if he got what it takes to stand as "the" champion at the end of the day?

I think that Jerome’s biggest chance to win the title will be, if he can KO Hunt in the first round in his opening fight, so he can go past to the 2nd round without injury’s. Because Leko Vs Hoost are going to be the hardest fight of the night, and no matter who of the two fighters there will win this war, the winner will be very very tiered and hurt for his 2nd round.

The reason why I believe in Ignashov is first of all, because his lucky draw against Pettas in his opening fight. I can not see how the Great Dane can defeat the big Ignashov? I think it will be a quick fight – where Pettas will loose on KO before the end of the 2nd round. Then Ignashov will be ready for Aerts or Filho, who both are over the hill, so Ignashov most also be one of the favorites. Or are we in for a new big surprise????????????

It could be ”fun” if Aerts are going to fight Hoost in the finale, champion vs. Champion. Then I will take my hat off for Peter in respect!

ok, my turn.

hoost-leko will be the fight of the evening. hoost by 5 round decision.

lebanner won't be able to ko hunt and hunt will be too fat to score an upset in rounds 2 or 3. he might stun the world in the first round but i'll go with the safe bet. lebanner by 4 round decision.

ignashov will embarrass pettas almost as badly as he did van dams. the only thing that will make it less embarassing will be that the fight will be shorter. ignashov by 2nd round ko.

filho will flatten aerts out. i don't give peter a chance.

hoost will outpoint lebanner who will be too tired after 4 rounds with hunt.

ignashov will make filho look slow. more than ivanovich. iggy by 5 round decision.

hoost-ignashov. 50-50. i can't pick. what the hell! i'm a chicken! i'm going with the safe bet; hoost.
this won't be easy. iggy will work the body and really take the steam out of ernesto.

ok: ( felix remember that tournament fights are 3 rounds)

hoost vs leko: leko has improved a lot, but hoost still has better skills
and that reach advantage. hoost by decision.

lebanner vs hunt: lebanner will outpunch hunt, but will take a lot of abuse.
lebanner by decision.

ignashov vs pettas: ignashov in an easy win

aerts vs filho: i think filho's poor boxing defense will be the difference.
aerts by tko.

hoost vs lebanner: lebanner will be too beaten up, and hoost is too smart
to give lebanner a chance for that big punch. hoost by decision.

ignashov vs aerts: aerts is just too slow and ignashov is still fresh.
ignashov by tko


hoost vs ignashov: id have to pick hoost based pn his history, but its a close
call.

Felix & David.

Great bets! They do look very good and almost like they came directly from the K-1 bookmakers. It is always very difficult to predict who will win and who will loose in the K-1, but your bets are not only very realistic, I also think that fights more or less will turn out the way you are betting.

I agree with both of you about the fight between Hoost Vs Leko. The winner will be found on points and not on KO. But I am not sure whom of these two great fighters who are going to win this battle? But I think it will be 2-1 decision after 4 rounds of fighting. My heart says Hoost but my brain says Leko.

Jerome is going to beat Hunt. As much as I like Mark Hunt, I don’t think he can stop Jerome Le Banner or even take the fight to the scorecard. Jerome is stronger and hungrier than Hunt, and I think that Jerome will this one by KO in the 2nd round.

Ignashov, well…. It will be a walk in the park for him against Pettas. I hope that Nicholas will fight Ignashov on the distance and only trade lowkicks with him, and not punches! Then I think that Pettas has a tiny chance to stand up after the tree rounds. But if Pettas will try to create the fight he will get hurt big time by Ignashov’s amazing knee kicks and straight right hand.

Filho Vs Aerts… As much as I hope that Filho will represent Kyokushin with pride, I am afraid that Peter is to smart for the great Brazilian, even do Aerts is far from the best in his career. I will say that this is a 60% fight to Aerts and 40 % to Filho. But I simply don’t know?

I know that the tournament fights are 3 rounds, but in the fight between Leko Vs Hoost, there will be an extra round before the winner has been found.

You guys are Sacked ??? I think that I am better to go and dip my hands in a Weet Bix box, at least I will Know that their is Weet Bix in the Box.,
first you reckon that Bernardo will knock out Watt, then Bernardo will bust Ray Sefo, Bernardo go's to the Grand Prix.
Then as it all un-folds, Bernardo gets KO'ED, Sefo beats Hunt but can't continue. " Hunt Wins " you guys cant be Trusted.

nickosis,
you miss the point of predictions. it's not to be right but to get a close as possible. watt beating bernardo was a million to one phenomenon. great upset. sefo giving free shots to hunt was a little closer to 50-50. dumb ass!

him, not you. :)

enjoy the weetabix.

david,
the way the k-1 judges snooze through the first two (sometimes 3) rounds these days means that you'll see double overtime a lot. i factored that into my predictions.

you guys really think aerts can beat filho? he hasn't beaten anyone of that calibre since sam greco in 1999.

here are the guys he's beaten since:

cyril abidi- 3rd round decision
stuart green- dive
nobu hayashi- 5th round ko
nobu uchida- 3rd round ko
maurice smith- 5th round decision

the real question for me is whether or not mark hunt will show up fat or not? at 110 kg and with the right stamina he might beat jerome.

Felix:

" You miss the point of predictions. It’s not to be right but to get a close as possible"

Exact my words if my English just were a little better - great message!

Sorry guys but I'll be biased here. I will base my predition on Mark Hunt to win only if Hoost lose to Leko. It will be hard for Mark to beat Hoost. Hoost right side of his head is his weak point, but he is very good at covering it up. When he steps in for low kick, he really roll to his left so that he is not in the centre line of counter right hand punch. If he go past Leko....I predict him to win it again. I think that Hoost still has the good to out smart any fighter in the K-1.

Mark Beat Jerome Le Banner by KO in the 1st. round.

If Leko manages to beat Hoost, it will be good news for Mark. Mark would KO Leko in the second round. (If it's Hoost than I say Mr. Perfect would go on and win the Grand Prix again.)

No disrespect for Peter, but from what I was told, he still not 100% with his injuries.....Some of the fighters saw him and they reckon he has lost lots of weight....I also think that Filho had improved his hands....I have just saw the last K-1. He truelly out boxed Van Dam with some good hands combos...
I think he will beat Aerts this time.

Ignashov would beat Filho on points.

But would lose to either Mark or Hunt in the final....

However, I'm going to contradict myself here...If Aerts does get speedy recovery and 100% fit, and end up at the final with Hoost....Than he will take it.....For some reason, Peter always seems to sust our Hoost's style.

my 2 cents and my 2 picks - Hunt or Hoost...if Hunt comes in shape and trains hard, he will be hard to beat - he is very tough physically, very strong mentally, always hungry and i think he'd want the money bad :) (he talked about the money in an interview about k-1 oceania, and now he's in for the jackpot! hehe) ....Hoost, cos he's the champ, the champ is ALWAYS hard to beat - experience, smarts, and all the skills that got him there in the first place...he's not gonna turn up to the final like a chump, I'm sure he'll train to take it out.

just reread...and i DID mean he won't turn up like a chump...he'll turn up like a champ (to avoid confusion, hehe)...cheers

ok, felix, i reread your predictions. hoost can be very conservative
against a dangerous opponent, i wouldnt be surprised to see his fight against
leko go an extra round.

i cant imagine lebanner/hunt going an extra round. i think someone will get
stopped before 3 rounds are up. i dont think hunt will have the stamina to
win if the fight goes the distance or even an extra round from what i saw of
him at fukouka.

aerts/ filho is interesting because it is a matchup of two guys who were
considered to be the tops only a couple of years ago, but the stock of both
has fallen recently. maybe aerts will walk into that weird right hook of
filho's but i think filho still has problems defending himself against punches.

To Mark Hunt well done Mark (BRING IT HOME SON) .love him or hate him ,he is trying his best for AU & NZ I wish you all the best in your future Mark

PS At this time Mark & Hape need all the suport they can get.HUNT HUNT HUNT

david,
i didn't predict the extra rounds solely on the fighter's styles but also on what i have seen k-1 judges do in the past. last year hoost-crocop went 4 rounds and leko-filho went five. these were unnecessary extentions IMO.

ali,
whether or not mark wins the final, he would win our hearts if he met us halfway. before the k-1 oceania there were reports that he dropped to 112kg. then he showed up at 120kg. now he weighs 123kg. we want him to win but he has to want it too.


7 weeks to go.
can hunt lose the weight?
can aerts get in shape?

7 weeks to go.
Can all the fighters stay out/away from injuries before the Grand Prix?
How strong is Hoost, and has it been to long since the last time he was in the ring?

i don't know how hoost can stand it that jerome is the k-1 poster boy who is on nearly every event and yet has never won the grand prix. hoost on the other hand has won 3 times [would have won four if he weren't sick in 98], was a finalist in 93 and won something called the k-2. he still isn't the number one draw.

i hope jerome either proves himself or hoost gets revenge for the lack of respect from ishii and co.

Felix:

I will NOT say that Hoost would have won the 1998 Grand Prix if he were healthy and fit.

I don’t think that there was no one stronger than Peter Aerts at the 1998 K-1 Grand Prix. The Dutch Lumberjack was the best fighter back in 1998, and they way he won the title, talks for it self. He won all his fight by KO in the first round, he beat up every fighter that got in his way!! It was "the" night for Aerts - and Hoost would not have been apple to take the title away from Peter, not even if he wasn’t sick.

A fighter like Andy Hug was also very sharp, fit and strong at the 1998 Grand Prix, and I don’t think that Hoost could have defeated Mr. K-1 if they were to fight in the opening rounds. Andy defeated Sam Greco in an amazing fight, he took out Ray Sefo easily – but Andy was to tiered when he was to fight Peter in the final, otherwise I think that he would have stand a good chance to have won the title for the 2nd time. But we will never know!

But agree with you about the lack of respect he gets from Ishii, and then again... Jerome is the biggest name in the game today, even do he hasn’t won anything big in the K-1.(Grand Prix). Jerome is the people choice right now because of his big success, but lets see where he stand after December if he looses in his first fight against Mark Hunt. The best way for Kancho Ishii to promote his sport, is to show the best and the strongest on his poster, and like it or not – Jerome is the strongest today, and the one with the biggest success.

Mark was blessed to be in the Fukuoka tournament. Rebel said that in another post. Micheal Mcdonald ( reserve fight winner was to go through if winner of any of the fights could not continue ). As it turned out Mike had a nasty Gash on his eye, Mark was blessed again. It was the will of God that Mark be in Fukuoka, the rest was left to Mark, I see person probelms between some good Buddies of mine, we cant stop the train, we are nearly there lets do it together.

hoost is the most successful k-1 fighter, but people love those big knockouts,
thats why lebanner and bernardo get a lot of publicity even though theyve
never won. sometimes hoosts fights arent too exctiting, but most of lebanners
end up being a k.o. ( one way or another) you have to give aerts credit in
this department also, his fights are always worth watching.

i agree hunt needs to lose some weight if he wants to have the endurance
to get past the first match in the tournament

Felix:

I would not say that Hoost was the best in 1997, even do he won the big Grand Prix title. The 1997 Grand Prix finale fight between Ernesto Hoost Vs Andy Hug was to me a very very even fight, and Hoost was not the best. He was as good as Andy Hug, but he was NOT better. Andy could or should have won the title as well as Hoost, so the decision could have turned out to Andy as much as it did to Hoost.

Just like it turned out to Andy in the 1996 Grand Prix semifinals – it all depends who you are and how you judge the fight. If you like amazing kicks and beautiful techniques, you vote for Andy, but if you rather like to se counter fighting and great boxing skills when it is absolute best, well then you vote for Ernesto Hoost. Both of them where amazing, and true champions, just like Peter Aerts is/was in 1998.

Do you agree?

I would have to agree with Lollo and Hape, Lollo for his prediction if Leko
beats Hoost, Mark to win , if Hoost beat s Leko well it maybe a Hoost win against Mark I still think that Mark can beat Hoost,if Mark beats the two favourites on the night that would make Mark the next K1 superstar if he is not one already.......Hape stay focused and do not take any notice of us all I want to do is be there for you and Mark like I have always been from Day1.......You know what to do........ Goodluck....Kia Kaha Bro....
Regards
Lucy Tui

Cuz , The Train is on its way, you cant stop the train. He he

Thats it the train from liverpool is on its way ... Mark Hunt express and of course with a trainer like Hape , its all on ........

whats up my man what you doing up late, didnt come to training, will see you tomorrow, couldnt sleep or you watching porn again

Tickets please, all aboard

Lets just hope that it is not a one way ticket to the blues!

Oliver...yes...it is a one way ticket...Mark is their to stay...

And Oliver...keep an eye out for this kid Doug Viney in a couple of years time at K-1. UUUMMM! might even be sooner mate, as Mark and some of the big names in Australasia are now settled themselves over in Japan and overseas....

Hape all the best bro...and bring home the belt...

hi Lollo, hows the boys in NZ. I would just like to say that K1 Oceania will produce a good base of fighters, well most of them will come from home NZ. I will say that I am a no.1 fan of Mark Hunt as well as friend, trainer. The same doors will open for those that want it so much, follow your dream is my advice to those that have one. Mark Hunt represents the every day kid. Your back street kid. If Mark can do it, I know that all my hungry brother back home will be bitting at our heals, we will have to watch out for our own kind as they know what takes to mix with their own kind.

Lollo:

I am glad that you, Hape, Shane, Ali and Lucy all believe in Mark Hunt. I hope for you that he will bring home the belt. I like Hunt, he is a strong fighter, but I don’t think that he has the physic, skills or routine to win the title this year!!

1) First of all, he is not the best or the strongest fighter of the 8 worriers in the 2001 K-1 Grand Prix. (Not in my eyes.)

2) Mark Hunt doesn’t have the routine. One thing is to fight a tournament home in Australia, in front of a home-crowed, good friends and family. But fighting in the Tokyo Dome in the biggest tournament of the year, in the most prestige full event of the game, together with the absolute best fighters in the K-1, is an enormous presser. This is the first time for Hunt, and I just don’t think that Mark can “walk in from the street” and take the title, if you know what I mean?

3) No one expect that Mark Hunt will win, no one!!! Please don’t misunderstand me friends, and with all my deepest respect to Hunt, but no one around the world except a little handful on this message board, believe that Mark will or can win the title. I will say that I don’t even think that he can go 3 rounds against Jerome in his opening fight. So the expectations to Hunt are as I see it: " If you win Mark, well... Then it is great. But if you loose, it is no shame because the other fighters are the favorites, and you did the best you could."

I can simply NOT see how Mark Hunt can be a bigger favorite than Ernesto Hoost, who is a tree times champion, or a bigger favorite than Jerome who hasn’t lost a fight in the last two years. Or bigger than Leko their have just have won in Las Vegas with style. Mark Hunt cant simply not be the favorite, I mean he is only in the Grand Prix because of Ray Sefo got an injury. If Mark not even can defeat Sefo, well how can he take out Jerome, Leko, Hoost, Ignashov, Aerts or Filho? Please tell me, because I can not se the picture myself???

Nothing-personal friends, ok! I like and respect Mark Hunt, but... Tell me something that I don’t know, please.

mark can do well just like adam watt did against bernardo. in the k-1 longshots do happen.

why would jerome suddenly be in a position to ko hunt when he couldn't do it last year and ray sefo with free shots couldn't do it this year? lebanner hasn't improved that much. i never bet someoe will get knocked out until they at least get koed once. if anyone is going to get knocked out it will be jerome since he has done the puppet dance a few times already. really, i done see that happening though. jerome will probably take advantage of hunts stamina and get the decision.

i disagree that this is mark's first experience in front of a big crowd. he fought in japan last year and was a little dumb struck but in fukuoka he was even playing the crowd and beat sefo at his own game. if mark loses, i wouldn't say the crowd was a factor.

i don't expect mark to win but i'd give him a better chance than pettas or aerts, especially if he gets his weigh down to 110kg. that would be scary!

mark's strengths:
hard to hurt
hits like a mule

weaknesses:
reach
stamina
doesn't make opportunities

Yes, Adam Watt did well against Mike Bernado, but he did not do well in the K-1 Fukuoka tournament, unless you think that loosing by KO in the 2nd round is great?

I am not saying that the crowd is "the" factor if you loose, not at all. But it takes some tournaments to get use to fight in front of so many people, and to handle the fans, TV and journalist, without getting a little confused and distracted. Fighters like Hoost, Leko, Jerome, Filho, Aerts and even Pettas has been there before - many times, and as I see it, that is a big plus. But I agree with you Felix, it is not the crowd that makes you a winner or looser.

If Hunt was to fight Pettas, Aerts or Filho in his first fight, I will say that his chances would be bigger to make it to 2nd round. But Jerome in fight one is the worth draw he could pick... And If Hunt somehow should defeat Le Banner, then Leko or Hoost is the next in line. So it is going to be almost impossible for Mark to make it to the final. Well this is only as I see it!

I also think that Mark Hunt chances to win his first fight against Jerome, is bigger than Pettas chance against Ignashov! Aerts Vs Filho is even.

all in all this is a great experience for mark. he might score an upset [it seems there is one every event] but even if he doesn't, i think he'll have 3 rounds of fun with one of the heaviest hitters.

his chances are bleak because everyone in his division can out point him.

aerts-filho is even? aerts is one of my favourite fighters of all time. i just think he is out of time. filho looked much better in fukuoka than in vegas.

Felix:

Aerts is also one of my favorite fighters of all time, he is simply an amazing fighter, and I will say if not "the" best in the history of the K-1. But just like you, I also think that Aerts is over the hill, and that his career soon will be over.

But lets wait and see - Peter is a smart and strong fighter, he might be the biggest surprise of the night!

Can this fighter...

Beat this fighter...?

or this fighter...?

Oliver...my friend....you certainly made up + for some of the unkind things you've said about Le Banner in some of the old topic threads...LOL! And I have my suspicion that perhaps you just want us to get annoyed so we can end up in a debate to make your thread look big LOL! And for some reason, I do hope that is your intentions, because some of the things which you said can be a bit harsh. However, I made no secret on who I wish to win the Grand Prix...I predicted that Mark would win againse Jerom by KO, only if Jerome choose to come in, so he can over power Mark inside 3 rounds (like you said).

Oliver, you can't blame us with our small population and little nation to want a hero and vote for our man (Mark). Just like you when you vote for your Kyokushin brothers...I didn't say that Mark is favourite.....

You wrote: "Mark Hunt cant simply not be the favorite, I mean he is only in the Grand Prix because of Ray Sefo got an injury"....You almost sound like you are being insulted just because Mark Hunt is qualified for the Grand Prix. Don't forget he still had to go past Adam Watts who KOed Barnardo. My friend....You keep saying "nothing personal friends" but if your not careful, some of the things you've said can easily be taken as personal comments. You wrote: "I just don’t think that Mark can “walk in from the street” and take the title, if you know what I mean?" Oliver.....I'm sorry but I don't know what you mean....What make you think that Mark just happened to walk in from the street? Have you studied everyone's background in the whole K-1 on where they come from? Does it matter where they come from?

Oliver....I don't know everything nor will I pretend to....However, you said to tell you something you don't know...I have a few list here:

a)Mark has more natural power than Jerome....Jerome had to work really hard in the last few years to gain more power. Only a few years ago, Jerome couldn't put away a little Thai fighter whos was only 70 Kgs. (giving away about over 40 kgs)

b)Mark is all natural mate...no drugs, staroids. etc...just Taro!!!LOL!

c)You may not agree with me but Mark can hit as hard as Jerome (or even harder)but you probably think I'm being silly now.

d)One more thing....I want you to count the total punches thrown by Mark's last fight with Ray Sefo which went full 3 rounds (after only two weeks noticed) Than take Jerome's last fight to which he fought 3 full rounds (on fully fitness) Count the punches, knees and kicks than let me know who threw more and and have higher work rate....Just because Mark doesn't look like Mr. Universe doesn't mean he's not allow to throw more than someone who look like Arnold Swarhzaniger

e)You said that Jerome is the people's choice.....(not us Kiwis and Aussies...that's another thing you don't know! LOL!) Like Felix said....If there is a chance for Jerome to KO Mark, it would have to be the first one...now that Mark has been in the ring 3 times now in Japan, it had made a lot of difference. The hype from Fukuoka is no differnt from Tokyo or any K-1 event...anyway, that's my opinion after 3 years with the K-1 scene.....

f)And let me tell you something else you don't know Oliver....it's a lot harder and more pressure to fight in Australia and New Zealand than in Japan.....In Japan, it doesn't matter if you win or lose...people will still love you anyway....in our part of the world....(especially Aussies vs Kiwis LOL!...) winning is almost everything...

Anyway Oliver, don't take it personal.....I hope all the fights are all exciting and may the last man standing wins...

IGNASHOV -all the way to finals

i do think that lebanner was a good pick for mark. the style that lebanner
fights is tailor made for mark. a technical fighter like hoost or ignashov
would throw a lot of techniques and stay away from his power. i think lebanner
will just stay in front of him and slug it out, thats how he likes to fight.
and we know that lebanner can be knocked out. obviously hunt has a tough
chin, i wonder has he been knocked out?
i think lebanner is a favorite here, but this fight looks like it has good
potential for an upset, we usually get one or two at the k-1!

ignashov in the final? i can see it. if he fights hoost he might even win the whole thing. if he fights lebanner, i'm afraid he'll be in trouble. the grappling will work less on jerome.

tournament outcomes vary with the draw, don't they? i'd even prefer to see these four fights scheduled for 5 rounds [they'd never give me 10x2]than to see a tournament. if they threw in bernardo-sefo and abidi-crocop, most of you would agree. i know mike would.

Lollo.

Thanks for your message. I don’t take it personal, I just like having a good and clean debate about the K-1, and you are always ready for a great message or two!

1) Yes I have said some bad things about Jerome in the past on this message board. And I most amid that some of the words that I used was to hard, and I regret saying some of the primitive thing the way I did… but at the end of the day, I JUST DONT LIKE JEROME!

2) Believe me Lollo, I don’t like Jerome Le Banner, not at all! If I could get a dream come true, I would hope that Mark Hunt - who I like and respect a lot as a great fighter, will win his first fight in the upcoming Grand Prix, and hopefully take out Jerome by KO. But I don’t think that Mark has the skills or the technique to do it!

3) It is no secret to anyone that I hope that Pettas or Filho will win, just like you hope for Mark Hunt.

4) When I said: “Walk in from the street”, I mean that he is a newcomer - hero of tomorrow - not famous, not a favorite – Dark Horse….. It was not mean negative like a know how he grew up or how he is living, or that I am a professor and know all about his childhood. Please don’t misunderstand me!!!! What I am saying is, he is not a star like Hoost, Jerome or Aerts, do you get my point Lollo?

5) Denmark where I come from is also a very little country, so I know all about how important it is for a little nation to have a hero, and to have a fighter to be proud of. Just like you have Hunt, Denmark has Nicholas Pettas… And I know 250 % that Pettas is not the best in the game, he is far from the level that Mark is on, but never the less, when the bell rings in December, Pettas is my man! . I am really sad that you misunderstand me so much Lollo, is my English so bad?

6) When I said that Jerome is the people’s choice, I mean the majority of the K-1 fans around the world, and even more important, Kancho Ishii and the K-1 organization. People like to see action and some great KO’s, and like it or not, there are “always” some great KO’s in the fights that Jerome takes part in. This is not only sport, it is also business. And KO sells tickets, TV programs and merchandise, get my point..... $$$$$$

I hope that this message makes you know what I mean, and even more important, where I stand, even do my English is so pure! You got me all wrong Lollo, sorry!!

Kia Ora,
Hi Hape,Lucy and Ferri it's Danny from Queensland. Changing my name from Smith to Blake,no Hape i'm not a rapist man.Good to here how Mark went in Japan,all the best in the Grand Prix.Mark has a real Chance. (HE'S THE MAN!)
Hopefully see you next week at Mick Spinx's Show 28th oct. Give you a call when we get down there.
Peace.

Lollo you got me so wrong, I feel like I have been hit point black by Mark Hunt and Jerome at the same time. What a day on this message board, I fell floppy.... LOL! Some one call the doctor or ask my corner for the towel, please.

All of the guys that are in the finals are great fighters, but Jerome and Hunt are both characters and that will make one hell of a fight, plus one of the most waited for fights. Just cant wait , it kinda looks like someone will get KO-ed.

Damn Oliver, you should come duck shooting with us, we shoot, you duck. lol

1. I just have to say, why??? didnt Igonov or pettas match them selves with Jerome

2. what is the big deal with jerome

3. Mark has got balls, to walk to jerome where he would sure as get a fight

4. not like those other 2 who pissed their pants and elected each other

Oliver you have called some dud predictions in the past, we will only know on the day 8 dec , it is good to read your thoughts, but you dont know how they breed them in NZ. bloody tuff

Hey Danny whats happening bro, change your name again ??? what you on another sex charge??? thanks for the good wishes, thats all we need, ring and I'll pick you up to come to the Gym. later Bro

1. they chose before jerome.
2. he hits hard and hurts people
3. yep. i wouldn't say he's got brains for doing it but like you said he's got gnads. if he fought filho or aerts he would have had a better chance of a ko victory. this way we'll get to see a better fight.
4. as i recall, every one pissed themselves and elected each other.

please hape, pretty please with sugar on top,

get mark's weight down and punches thrown up. i don't care if he wins. i just want to see him as a serious contender.

yeah felix I have got this new strategy for marks weight lost,

1. pad lock the fidge

2. bread and water

3. tow truck ( for sprint work ) tie chain around marks waist and drag him around paddock

Hape:

So you think that I have called some dud predictions in the past, well... Who hasn’t. We are all giving our best try to predict if our heroes will win or loose. Sometimes "we" get lucky and sometimes we don’t.

1. Hell yes, Mark do got balls and a Great Spirit, which is what I always have been saying. I like Mark Hunt, ok!! But you don’t win the K-1 Grand Prix with your balls, so the size of your balls big or small... It docent matter.

2. Why did Ignashov & Pettas not match them selves with Jerome? Because the came after Hunt! And if Pettas were to draw at the time Mark did, well he would not pick Jerome. Call it small balls, I call it big brain!

3. What is the big deal with Jerome? Well he is strong and KO 95% of all his opponents, otherwise there is no big deal about Le Banner. I don’t like Jerome as a fighter, he is definitely not my man in the game - I can’t stand the man, but I do give credit when credit should be given. And here we are talking about a fighter there haven’t lost a single fight in two years. That is a big deal if you are going to fight someone whom always wins. Than rather pick a fighter there only win every 2nd time he steep into the ring. This is about winning, or am I not familiar with rules in the K-1? (LOL)

4. Who pissed in their pans and elected each other? Are you talking about Pettas & Ignashov again? Even do Pettas & Ignashov would have loved to fight Jerome, it would not be possible for them, because he was already taken. I don’t understand you?

5. Yes, the NZ are bloody tuff, just like the Danish Vikings - LOL! Let’s just hope that Mark doesn’t get to bloody or get hit "down under". But as you say my friend, we are all much wiser after the day 8 December. I am not and Official K-1 bookmaker, but I like to give my bets, so call them dud predictions or what ever, I dont cares. The results talk for them self after every tournament, so who cares what a stupid Dane might think or might not think?

Hape....you don't need to do that...just show him what Oliver wrote about him...LOL!

Yes, I have called some dud predictions in the past. I said that Adam Watt will KO Ray Sefo, and you all started to laugh and was ready to bet against me. The fighter never took place, but Watt did fight Mike Bernado, and "Watt" happened?

Lollo:

Show it to him, then I will show Hunt how to fight and how to beat Jerome... LOL

Oliver....Sorry if I hurt your feeling. But I think that you may have misunderstood me also....You still fail to really read my message....As David said, Jerome is the best pick for Mark up first...(You said it's the worst...) You tell me who else in the top eight who would walk in to trade with Mark which makes experience, height and reach advantage don't count no more....Is it Hoost? No! is it Ignoshov? No! Is it Pettas? No! Is it Peter No! Leko? maybe...etc...Will Jerome??? Well, that's why Mark picked him.... I tell you some else you don't know Oliver. In the early days in K-1 were given a choice on who we would like to fight by Stacy Kim (secretary for K-1 than) Remember he knocked out Hoost who beat Ray in his first ever fight at the K-1.....Guess which choice we gave Stacy? Of course you would never have pick it....Yes, it was Le Banner....We know he walks in (and he still does)....remember them days, he had never been knocked out by a punch by anywone...He even stopped Barnardo with low kicks....And them days, everyone stayed away from Barnardo. Even Mr. Ishii knows this and only put Aerts agaist him most of the time. Mike is very strong and intimidating....Please excuse me, I'm not being arrogant of pickng Mark to beat Jerome out of just the Kiwi thing....my pick is base on a coaches experience facts.....You keep saying you don't think Mark is this, or that....You focus on telling us about Mark's weak points...How about look at some of Jerome's weak points and a possibily on how Mark may beat him, instead, you trying to connvince us (or yourself) that Mark is not good enough. You keep saying that Jerome had never been beaten and look very strong in the last 2 years...does his fight with Barnardo count? And something else you've failed to to noticed....Mark had never been KOed, boxing and kick boxing....I was working at Mark's corner when he took some heavy kicks from Nathan Briggs (in my opinion is the hardest heavyweight kicker in Australia) without a blink. Anyway, Jerome will need to hit Mark flushed on the.....anywhere but the head to hurt him...LOL!

hape,

i've got an idea. first let mark read the opinions written by oliver. then, wisper in his ear that oliver likes his sister. then let mark chase him around the track. you might even consider putting a picture of his sister kissing oliver on oli's back.

When Jerome saw Mark coming to his spot he thought "Sacre Bleu, I can't win the K1 now! I'll either get knocked out or worn out winning!"
But seriously, he will come straight at Mark to try and end the fight early knowing that will be his best chance to win the whole thing and he will get a sleeping pill! That's not blind faith, it's an educated guess because that's the way Jerome always fights. Marks probably got more chance of catching Jerome than one of the smaller, cagier fighters (who will have slowed down by the time Mark gets to them in the next fight) so his chances are better than ever.

OK OK Oliver, Pettas wins the whole thing! There happy now? LOL

you guys are funny, I think you all write good posts, but It takes me 5 minutes to read them, can you put some spaces between paragrahs please.

Hape, are you sure it's their writing or ...you just finished sparring with Hunt again..LOL! :-P

does filho still train with mo? in his fight with ivanovich he fought in a style that looked like mo, especially the knee strike to the thighs.

in my opinion we have not seen the best of mark hunt, the prodictions havent been right not once. its like the melbourn cup you have a better chance on the favorite and all the horses are champions in there home country. Mark hunt is the current back to back 2000 2001 K1 champ and he earned it, it was not handed to him, if anyone deserved to be in japan its mark. i feel he should be our fav champ in the oceania and strongly supported by us. Mark has been having fun while hes fighting, and gaining on experiance. what i can say about mark he has mixed it up with the best in the world and carried on with his daily rutine the next day without injeries. Mark has never been down or out or injered in any of his fights or could not continue in his fighting career far as i know.

fight Mark Hunt if mark doesnt win your chances of continuing and winning are very slim. all abord on DR HUNT TRAIN.

Ali although we don't know each other i would agree 100%. To be k-1 gp champion as much as your skills have to be top notch you must also try to make it as far as you can injury free and Mark has that ability. Everyone is talking about Mark's size and fitness, what there forgetting is that his size in my opinion is what absorbs those injuries where others suffer. Mark can pull out that knockout punch in round three of the third fight, don't be decieved by his size because his speed, power and stanima is as good as Jerome's and many others.
As Lollo said if he can get this far in his current shape imagine whats around the corner.If the french express went head to head with the coconut express I know what train Im on.

AX discussion bord,i belive is about informing people around the world with as much accuret information as possible. sometimes its annoying to hear some individuals still claming success for mark this time round.
this is bringing a negitive reply on the bord for me and the other party. So if anyone out there does claim that they have had any influence towards marks success speak up or forever hold your peace.
Far as i know Hape has found a jewl on earth which is sending little sparks, Hape belived that it is a jewl but unfortuently theres still a lot of mud left around it. hape has been washing it for the last 12 months on his own, wait until its buffed & polished.
hape Any more room on the train (he he he)
As long as you are in control of the wheel hape im sure we'll get there.
DR HUNT AND ALL HIS FANS!

Lollo.

I am back again on the board, and please let me answer your questions.

1) Dont be sorry, you did not hurt my feeling. You are a good human Lollo, and I like having a good debate, just as long as we can maintain the respect to each other, and not bring personals feelings or insulting words into the messages! I think that we both are misunderstanding each other big time, because what you are writing is not what I am saying, and the other way around. But please let me try again...

2) Maybe Jerome is the best fighter that Mark could pick for his first fight in the Grand Prix? But with the best of my knowledge, I would say that Mark has a bigger chance against Pettas or Aerts. But who knows, trading punches with Jerome as you say, may be the way to beat Le Banner, simply to fight him one-0-one in the center of the ring? I just see it this way, If I was Mark, not if I was his friend, fan or coach, but if I was Mark Hunt, I would pick Pettas or Aerts, because they would be more easy to defeat than Jerome, and then I would have a very big chance to get to the 2nd round, and that is what it is all about, right!

3) I am not saying that I think that Mark Hunt is this or that, and I am not focusing on any weak points on Mark! Come on Lollo, read my messages again. As I see it - Mark only got one weak point, and that is that he is to heavy/fat. He has great technique, strength and power, but he has to loose weight and loose 10-15 kg., before the Grand Prix, otherwise he will get in problems if he is to fight many rounds. But I have been focusing a lot on Jerome's force, advantage and strength that is right. Mark is good, that it was I have been saying over and over again, he has a stronger chin than Jerome, and that might be where to win the fight. But I still think that Jerome is going to defeat Mark Hunt, one way or the other. There are two fighters in the ring, and there can only be one winner. I think that the winner will be Jerome, but that is not the same as saying that Hunt is weak!!! Do you agree with me here Lollo, or am I still talking Russian?

4) No, I did not know that Mark Hunt never has been KOed, in boxing or in kickboxing.

Did this “little” message bring us closer Lollo, or are we still talking North Vs South?

Lollo, I surrender!!!

Here is a picture from the 2nd round of the upcoming K-1 Grand Prix in December 2001...... LOL.

(If this is going to happen, Hunt has to defeat Jerome, and Hoost has to win against Leko. Not impossible and not easy)

Great photos Oliver....Honestly, I didn't take anything seriously or personally. I really mean it. You can still go duck hunting with Hape though...LOL! just kidding...He!he!

The picture on the right has backed up the point I was making before. It's not that easy hitting Hoost with a right cross as he throws his trade mark leg kicks....Look at the photo, he ducks sharply to the right (away from the centre line of a right cross counter) while hiding his head with his left hand (just in case it's a round house right counter). Mark is not the first, (and certainly will not be the last) who often deliberately trying to take Hoost low kicks, so he can intercept him with a right cross.....but only to find Mr. Perfect is not there...LOL!

If you drift in, he would slap your right or left glove with his right hand. This would temporary put an opponent off balance (believe it or not) for a split second (or lose thier range), than throws body shots combined with low or high kicks, than he's away....or change angle. And if you charge forward carelessly, remember he has more than average right cross punch to put anybody away....especially in such a position that would double the impact and make his punches harder than it should...And he never lose his cool....He always hit what is opened or exposed. Not like some fighters I've seen recently...LOL! Hape and Dixon know who these guys are I'm talking about....he!he!

That's why I said, it would be good for Mark if Leko beats Hoost (but we all know Hoost capabilities). Leko is a good techical fighter who is very tough, but his toughness is often his weak points. In my observation, he is just the type of fighter that would start with a good fight plan to stick and move against someone like Mark, but once he gets hit, the fight plan would go out the window and time to brawl....which would suite Mark Hunt.....As for Ignashov, I haven't seen him fight so I can't predict...but of course I wish Mark wins.....

Meant to say Hoost ducked sharply to the left....

Hi Oliver,

Well you are pretty well stuck on your opinion on who is going to win the Grandprix goodluck for your prediction.......
I really think that you want Jerome to win because he is the hot favourite in your eyes.....
I really think you will be surprised at what Mark is capable of doing.....
I have been to Denmark in 1989,I went to Copenhagen and stayed for couple of days.....nice country it is like NZ.....

Hi Dixon& Danny,
Welcome to the axboard, looking forward to your posting,
Dixon you are doing a excellent job with Mark , looking forward to the K1Grandprix, All Roads & Planes lead to TOKYO DOME, will see you there
bro,we are behind you, Mark, & Hape....
Kia Kaha.....
Regards
Lucy Tui

To Dixon, what ive been hearing about you is the quality of a man, it is a pleasure to shake your hand. unfortuently only few are still around thats why the K1 could not communicate with mark hunt they could not speak his language. and it was so simple they try to make it very difficult,a language that mark could not understand it reminded me of a strong healthy bull, young full of life. he was left in the arena with savages trying to take a bite out of his flesh whilst he's still alive. little they know dixon,mark until now doesnt belive he done anything specile. i dont know what is specile to mark? mark has been unpredictable in most of his fights,a mind of his own u have to be a cocanut to really understand him. i have been working closley with them to try and understand there culture for so long i would say mark hunt picked Le banner he was most probably the closest to him .hehehe. i wish you all the best on DR HUNTS TRAIN belive me dixon it safe with a very strong foundation. one things for sure it will edventually get you there.

Lucy:

First I would like to say thanks for your little greeting. I am glad that you like Denmark and that you enjoyed your holiday in wonderful Copenhagen!

1) Yes, it seems like I am pretty well stuck on my opinion on who is going to win the Grand Prix. At least in the fight between Mark Hunt Vs Jerome Le Banner. Dont wish me good luck for my prediction, because I hope I am wrong!! I hope that Mark will win, but I think that Jerome is the best and that he will stand as the winner when the tree rounds is over. BUT I DONT HOPE SO!!!! Just Like Lollo, you don’t read my messages. I hope that Mark Hunt will defeat Jerome and also Hoost or Leko if he go on to the 2nd round, but… I am afraid that Jerome is too strong for Hunt.

2) I also hope that I will be surprised, that is what I have been saying over and over again. For the last time everybody: I HOPE THAT HUNT WILL WIN, OK!!!!!!! Please surprise me Hunt, please… But Lollo, Lucy, Ali, Hape and all you great guys on this message board, don’t get mad a me if Hunt is out of the GP tournament in less than tree minutes. At least I can say: I told you. What would you say to me…. LOL

Felix, Mark just laughs at all the scorn that he gets from every one, he told me that all those little bloody pest behind their little bloody command centre's
better be nice or we going to come to their house for a feed. Now you dont want that. Besides I am starting to see the funny side of it all.

Now Oliver, I like you, cause I know that you are really a Mark Hunt closet fan, you just need time to come out. LoL
Great pic's Oliver ,Yeah the Danish are good, I like the Danish Ice Cream its the best in Australia.

Hape.

That's a new one!! You like my country because of the Ice Cream, you got great humor. Well I like NZ for the great sheepdogs you got. Border Collie is my favorite dog, and I got two myself. (I am not a farmer, or a Mark Hunt closet fan...LOL)

Ok, let’s be serious. I am glad that you like Danish Ice Cream.... I am still laughing!!

hi Lollo hows it going there back home. Just watched ray and marks fight man those 2 were awesome, I think that the ozzies will be shitting when you show up with your fighters. hope every tyhing is fine back home, if you see Jason suttie please say hello for me , thanks.

hi Oliver, man you know my girlfriend, you really upset her with all the jerome and mark thing, she really wants to strangle you, only cause she is a Mark Hunt groupie. But I told her you like animals and she said thats good you would like me and mark.lol

Lollo.

I am glad that you like the photos of Hoost Vs Hunt! Lets go duck hunting, but is ok that I bring a good friend of mine, his name is Jerome. He has been talking a lot about you lately...LOL

Hape:

I like animals, especially chicken - GOT YOU!!

Let me know the next time you visit Denmark, then I will teach you NZ some Kyokushin techniques and how to fight. Because of your great humor I will teach you for free. Bring on Mark Hunt, and I will make him the next K-1 champion, if he can handle some real hard training. Have you ever heard of about Danish Dynamite…… LOL

Watch out for Ignashov, Lollo, Kaman's farewel fight may be the wildcard in this tournament.

Ignashov lost to Kaman in his last fight??

yum...i remember those danish delights they used to sell at mission bay..and at rainbows end...mmmmm damn!! hehe

I am delighted that you like Danes, LOL... Good one Vince!

He!he!...Oliver, I don't have problem go duck shooting with Le Banner....I know him personally....I've met him a few times. Your the one who need a tank if you go duck shooting with him LOL! After what you've said about him...

The theory behind my picking Mark to win is only if Le Banner comes in to brawl with Mark....I even said that Le Banner could win if he fight from the distacne.....Your theory doesn't seem to give Mark any hope, whether he is there toe-to-toe or use the whole ring....You can't even see the possibility of even Mark landing a single shot at Le Banner it seems.

And Oliver, I have been reading your post very carefully (believe it or not)According to you, regardless or how Le Banner is going to fight Mark, he'll KO in less than 3 rounds anyway, without strong technical reasons behind it. Yet in your arrogancy and disrespect to Hape who is Mark's coach, you mentioned that you could show mark how to beat Le Banner LOL! How about let us know your secret formula....or is it so secret that even you don't know...LOL! I think your bro. Pettas needs that advice more than Mark...LOL!

Like I said nothing personal Oliver, just having fun and healthy debate...

I doubt it very much Olivier that Mark will be stopped in the first 3 mins,do you want to bet on it....Danish icecream for all the kiwi!s that post up here...he!he!he! if you win we will buy you NZ icecream for all the Danish that post on here.....he!he!he!.....mmmmmm..
Regards
Lucy Tui

I doubt it very much Olivier that Mark will be stopped in the first 3 mins,do you want to bet on it....Danish icecream for all the kiwi!s that post up here...he!he!he! if you win we will buy you NZ icecream for all the Danish that post on here.....he!he!he!.....mmmmmm..
Regards
Lucy Tui

nothing to add.

just wanted to be the 150th post on this thread.

i did it!

Think about it first Oliver, that's a LOT of ice cream!

Best danish ice creams I've had were from QE2 square vince, but the best Kiwi ice creams were down on Bondi beach! The hot summers must make them taste better!

so let me get this straight.

a] the bet is whether or not mark can last 1 round with jerome?

or

b] whether or not mark can last 3+ rounds with jerome?

either way oliver, unless your family owns an ice cream factory, i'd gracefully decline this bet.

hape,

if i get under mark's skin, good. as long as it's not in his belly. haha.

seriously, if he does a 180 in terms of conditioning, i'll do a 180 in terms of critique. that's fair.

I think that is a fair call felix.....where are you from again?
Regards
Lucy Tui

In one condition, you don't give Mark any...we need him to stay trim....LOL!

felix, I can not promiss you a miracle, will just have to wait and see. I will push Mark, but he has to want it. I will try to get rid of that ab he has, and turn it into abs.

Felix....I have nothing to add, just wanted to be the 156th post on this thread...LOL!

Oliver how interesting it is that you would like to teach me Kyokushin, what is funny, my trainer was ex-kyokushin Selwyn Jones from NZ. He actually switched to the Shidokan, following Yoshiji Soeno whom was next under Mas Oyama. Soeno was giving the name of the Kyokushin Tiger. The reason why my trainer followed Soeno was that he was a boxer before he joined Kyokushin, and the Shidokan allowed you to thai-box and kickbox,wrestling, kendo, judo all of whom Soeno was the all Japanese Champion of, as well as Black belts in Wado Ryu, Goju Ryu.
Where as Kyokushin stayed traditional.
Do you know what else is funny, Ernesto Hoost trainers are ex-kyokushin (Vos, Jan), and so was Thom Harick founder of Chakuriki, I could nearly give you a History lesson about the Kyokushin. ha ha oliver I have got you thinking???

lucy,

if there is ice cream in the deal. i'm a kiwi too.

hape,
i don't expect a miracle in 6 weeks. if mark sheds a few kilos and increases his output in the ring, i'll still do the 180. i think mark has the potential to be in the grand prix in 2002 too. it all depends on him now.

is anyone wondering what abidi's chances are of ever making it to the grand prix again? i thought that he was the real deal when he beat both aerts and sefo in one night. i didn't believe at the time that two top fighters could choke.

now that he has lost his top seed position he'll have to fight guys like mjstorvic, graham, mayer and lindwall. if cyril has trouble with kusatsu and tomihira, these guys will really dish out the pain.

Ok... Where do I start?

1) It sounds like someone this message board are going to use more than 200 US$ on Danish ice cream, and who would it be - LOL.

2) Lollo: You are a great guy, I like you messages and sense of humor. Keep it on!!

3)Lucy: You are going to eat a lot of ice cream in December. Dont blame me, I gave you a good advice but you will not listen! Maybe you good friend Mark Hunt will help you to eat some of the Ice Cream…. I have heard that Ice help keeling the pain, if you get my point!

4) Chainsaw: The ice creams from QE2 square Vince may be very good, but wait to you taste the ice cream that Lollo and Lucy will give us all, after the Grand Prix in December. Then you will know why the bartender always ask if you would like ice in your whisky...LOL

Any one like this kind of Ice Cream??

Ore is it going to be Soft Ice........??????

Just pick your favorite, it is on the house.

Greetings from Lucy & Lollo.

Lucy :

I don’t think that Cyril Abibi will "return" back to the top in the K-1. Ok, Abidi did win against Peter Aerts, and that is the only reason why he got “famous” in the K-1. And to me, after watching the fights, it was more or less or luck, and NOT because Abidi was better than Peter, not at all!!!

Abidi was almost KO by Nobu, but somehow Cyril was so lucky that hit Nobu with a lucky punch before he was sent to sleep, by the heavy and slow Japanese fighter. I have not seen a fight with Abidi against a big star, where Abidi was in control of the fight, or amazing and breathtaking to wacht. Cyril will maybe get another chance in the future to fight against CroCop, Skelton or Van Dams, but he will loose and then he will be a fighter on the same level as Nakasako, Kurosawa and Adam Watt. (They are all good, but not the cream of the cream in the K-1!)

No way will Hunt get Knocked out.
I don't know if you aussie and kiwi guys have noticed, but Hunt seems to perform best when he's regarded an underdog.
Remember the first Oceania, no one gave him a chance. Hunt who?
Remember the second, Peck, Briggs and Graham seemed a much safer bet to most people I spoke to.
This guy is hot and cold sometimes, but hottest when he's under a lot of pressure, which his past record here in Aus illustrates.
I hope this time he'll take it to Jerome good and hard, with the same attitude he had in the last oceania. I thought he gave Jerome a lit too much respect last time, but understandable for his first time in Japan.
I wouldn't be too surprised at all should he bring home some big cash.

Here we go again...

1) I don’t hope that Hunt will get KO. But there is chance that he might get hit big time! Just like there is a big chance that Hunt will hit Jerome with his right hammer, and end the fight with a great KO.

2) This is the K-1 Grand Prix, and NOT the Oceania.

3) A fighter like Peter Graham is great, but he is far from the same level as Jerome Le Banner. I have seen Graham fight in IKO 1 Kyokushin Karate in New York.(The Americans Cup), and he was nothing compared with a fighter like Glaube Feitosa!

4) I will like to give Mark Hunt all the respect and credit in the world, but please tell me, why should Hunt be able to do what not even Peter Aerts, Filho and 15 other big fighters in the K-1 not has been able to? I believe that Hunt has big chance to defeat Jerome, but it sounds like you don’t think that Jerome stand a chance in hell against Hunt. I don’t get it? I mean… If Hunt can loose to Ray Sefo, why should he not loose to Jerome? Le Banner is many times better than Ray, I will say 10 times as good!!!!!!!!

Oliver wrote: ! Just like there is a big chance that Hunt will hit Jerome with his right hammer, and end the fight with a great KO.

It's good to hear that Oliver...you are starting to see the possibility of Mark even landing a single shot at Jerome...thank you. Before you didn't see it. It took Lucy's ice-cream bet to convince you to see a slight possibility of Mark landing a hammer shot at Jerome.

And how can you say that Jerome is 10 x better than Ray after Ray knocked him out cold....I often question your abilities to judge. And now you can see why I never really take your comment seriously, but it's been a very entertaining debating.....

Oliver.....Ray is a lot faster than Jerome and more skills, also he can take a better shot.....Maybe it's your English (maybe we went to the same English school LOL!) Hey man! I won't argue with you if you say that he is stronger and bigger than Ray, but 10 times better? ummmmmmmm??? Keep talking my friend....We are starting to realise how much you know about the sport....LOL!

Lollo:

Ray did KO Jerome, big time! But come on Lollo, you know the game! Aerts KO Andy Hug, latter Andy Hug defeated Peter. Mike Bernado KO Andy Hug, latter Andy Hug defeated and KO Mike. Peter Aerts has KO Jerome Le Banner, and the other way around. You know what I am saying Lollo. This is the K-1, there are 15 fighters who fight each other two or tree times ever second year, I mean... Why do you think they call some of the tournaments for "revenge".

If you look at Jerome and at Ray Sefo at the same time, you most amid that Jerome are the best fighter. Forget whom you love the most, but try to listen to your mind. Jerome is better than Ray Sugerfoot Sefo - be real Lollo!! Ok... If Jerome was to fight Ray 10 times in period of one year, whom of these two fighters do you think will win most of the 10 fights?

See it this way, if Jerome was to fight Ray today, and you had the chance to bet and win 100.000 $ if you could pick a winner, whom would you choose? This has nothing to do with my abilities to judge. It hurts when you are saying that Lollo, because you of all people should know better. I mean, you can not compeer a fight that took place in back in 1998, and say that because Ray won the last time, that he still is better. Please Lollo, you are a pro coach, you know better than that!

This has nothing to do whom you or I you like the most, this is all about being neutral and realistic. Dont say that you don’t take my comment seriously, because you are only hearing what your heart would like to hear... As I see/hear it? I don’t know your background Lollo, but I will say that I know the K-1 and the fighters pretty good.

I know that Mark Hunt is your man in the game, but Mark Hunt has not been fighting as many pro fighters as Jerome has. Please remember this Lollo: I am not a Jerome fan, not at all. But you keep talking like Mark Hunt has been fighting in the Grand Prix the last 5 years, and like Hunt has been fighting many times against top fighters like Mike Bernado, Peter Aerts, CroCop, Leko, Andy Hug, Sam Greco, Van Dams, Filho & Hoost. Mark has never been tested in the same amount as Jerome has, how can you compare them like you do??

Ok, Mark Hunt has been fighting Peter Graham, but who is he? (I know who how Graham is, but he sure isn’t any f..... star or champion). Mark has been fighting Hoost, but who won? Mark has been fighting Ray Sefo, but who won? Lets take on the professional glasses my good friend Lollo, and please don’t say that I don’t know the game. To me it sounds like you and I am in the same boat.

Would anyone on this board please comment my message her. Also Mark Hunt fans like Lucy, Ali, and Hape. I am totally blind, stupid and a retard, or have I been eating to many Danish Ice Creams.

Lollo: If you can not take my bets and message serious, well... You know how I fell about your last one to me. Dont say that it is my bad English, because you know what I am saying...LOL!

Lollo:

Ray did KO Jerome, big time! But come on Lollo, you know the game! Aerts KO Andy Hug, latter Andy Hug defeated Peter. Mike Bernado KO Andy Hug, latter Andy Hug defeated and KO Mike. Peter Aerts has KO Jerome Le Banner, and the other way around. You know what I am saying Lollo. This is the K-1, there are 15 fighters who fight each other two or tree times ever second year, I mean... Why do you think they call some of the tournaments for "revenge".

If you look at Jerome and at Ray Sefo at the same time, you most amid that Jerome are the best fighter. Forget whom you love the most, but try to listen to your mind. Jerome is better than Ray Sugerfoot Sefo - be real Lollo!! Ok... If Jerome was to fight Ray 10 times in period of one year, whom of these two fighters do you think will win most of the 10 fights?

See it this way, if Jerome was to fight Ray today, and you had the chance to bet and win 100.000 $ if you could pick a winner, whom would you choose? This has nothing to do with my abilities to judge. It hurts when you are saying that Lollo, because you of all people should know better. I mean, you can not compeer a fight that took place in back in 1998, and say that because Ray won the last time, that he still is better. Please Lollo, you are a pro coach, you know better than that!

This has nothing to do whom you or I you like the most, this is all about being neutral and realistic. Dont say that you don’t take my comment seriously, because you are only hearing what your heart would like to hear... As I see/hear it? I don’t know your background Lollo, but I will say that I know the K-1 and the fighters pretty good.

I know that Mark Hunt is your man in the game, but Mark Hunt has not been fighting as many pro fighters as Jerome has. Please remember this Lollo: I am not a Jerome fan, not at all. But you keep talking like Mark Hunt has been fighting in the Grand Prix the last 5 years, and like Hunt has been fighting many times against top fighters like Mike Bernado, Peter Aerts, CroCop, Leko, Andy Hug, Sam Greco, Van Dams, Filho & Hoost. Mark has never been tested in the same amount as Jerome has, how can you compare them like you do??

Ok, Mark Hunt has been fighting Peter Graham, but who is he? (I know who how Graham is, but he sure isn’t any f..... star or champion). Mark has been fighting Hoost, but who won? Mark has been fighting Ray Sefo, but who won? Lets take on the professional glasses my good friend Lollo, and please don’t say that I don’t know the game. To me it sounds like you and I am in the same boat.

Would anyone on this board please comment my message her. Also Mark Hunt fans like Lucy, Ali, and Hape. I am totally blind, stupid and a retard, or have I been eating to many Danish Ice Creams.

Lollo: If you can not take my bets and message serious, well... You know how I fell about your last one to me. Dont say that it is my bad English, because you know what I am saying...LOL!

How many K-1 fans on this message board think that Ray Sefo is better and stronger than Jerome Le Banner?? I would like to know that.

(Please be real friends)

Go Olivier.......lol!s lol!s,that was funny Lollo hehehe!!!!!.......
Sorry guys just going a little of the subject Lollo namesake wants to talk to his Uncle....
Hi Uncle Lollo, I am having a sleep over with Nanna, I would love to come and visit at christmas but daddy has not got my passport yet...maybe I will see you at the next NZK1 with Nanna...say hi to Aunty Lenata & rest of uncle & auntys....lots of love...Lollo leka...xxxxooo
When Nana gets a scanner I will show you how much I have grown.....
Regards
Lucy & Lollo leka.

Back to the Debate... Who do I think would win out of Ray or Lebanner if they both had 10fights who would win the most....
1. depending on who it is..
2. Ray to win some..
3. Lebanner to win some..
4. Pretty even I would say,has Ray and Lebanner ever rematched....
5. Result Draw.........
That is how I honestly feel Olivier, I think Jerome is strong and powerful
but technically No way...his hands are okay if he connects...
Ray Sefo has power and technique and improved over the years as a K1 fighter...
I think Ray has improved so has Lebanner so there you have it a Draw..
Olivier you will be suprised come December,just have that icecream ready
If I thought Mark would not make it I would honestly say,I know Marks weakness is his fitness and food but come December he will be mentally and physically ready,he knows what he has to do. I personally feel that his preparation from 1999 up until now to getting there has alot to do with why I think he can make it.....It is his call,we will be there for him no matter what the result may be..Win , Lose or Draw............
I want you to recall when Mirco Cop made it to the final in 1999 I think and he fought Hoost..what chance did he have...I liked Mirco cop everyone gave me hell of him,now look where he is,he has skill and heart it is ashame that a fighter like him has turned out the way he is now....
Will you be there Toyko Dome? if so hope we can meet up for a few icecreams...lol!slol!s lol!s..............
All of us from NZ we are gracious losers and gracious winners.....
I am speaking for myself on this............Knowing Lollo & Hape they are too....Hape might take the loosing abit harder than us he!he!he! been from
Hawkesbay hehehe.........
Regards
Lucy Tui
We will still be friends no matter what the result....

ok oliver,

here is my list of guys i would expect to beat jerome:

hoost
leko
rick roufus
bernardo

guys who have a real chance:

ray sefo
hunt

the reason is that jerome's weaknesses are exposed to good boxers. hoost has beaten him twice. leko lost but had the game plan to make jerome look bad. roufus really made jerome look bad. if he didn't have such weak legs then, he would have won the fight. bernardo hit him three times after the bell, but if they fought again mike would be the favourite, wouldn't he?

sefo and hunt have the tools to hurt jerome and both can take a punch. ray even has better combinations. the doubt comes from the stamina of these two. lebanner doesn't have great stamina either but he tends to conserve his limited resources better.

so,
can lebanner beat sefo? yes
can sefo beat lebanner? yes

Oliver...you don't need to tell me off twice...LOL!

OK! OK! I'm sorry. I shouldn't said what I said. It's disrespectful and insulting...Please accept my apology.....

But Oliver, I know mine is not up to scratch but I have to blame your bad English here to stop myself from laughing to death!!LOL!. Since when I said Ray is better and stronger than Jerome. Maybe stronger chin, but I wasn't talking about the whole physic. I only responsed to what you've said. Do you honestly think that Jerome is 10 times better than Ray? When you say better, do mean skill? It sounded like when you say "better" you meant brute strength.

When you said one fighter is 10 times better compare to another K-1 fighter, it's very insulting. It's very insulting to Ray's fans. It's insulting to his family and of course Mr. Ishii. I apologise for getting myself falling into the trap of insulting people, but Oliver, you can be very insulting yourself, without realise what you are saying. I can only blame the bad English to keep myself from either laughing or being insulted. However, if you understand perfectly and delibrately what you were saying, than I take my apology back...

You've seen Ray, counter fight. You've seen Ray fought from the distance (against Filho) You've seen Ray brawl. You've seen Ray throw high kicks and you've seen Ray won fight on knees and body shots(agains Peter Mastro) You've seen Ray threw spinning back kick and spinning backfist.

Oliver....Let me ask you this question....Say you can take some else's skill and just put it on to another young strong fighter. (Like computor soft ware) Let's say you only allow to have 2 choices. No one else! Never mind strong chin or heart or whatever, just skills. Let's say the only choices you allow to have is either Ray Sefo's skills or Jerome Le Banner's walking in fighting style. Which one would you choose? Be honest......

I like what Felix said....

I'm sure we can apply this to Mark and Le Banner also....

Can Mark beat Le Banner? Yes
Can Le Banner beat Mark? Yes

Who does Oliver thinks is going to win? Le Banner
Who does Lollo whinks is ging to win? Mark if Le Banner comes in to brawl.

I shouldn't try convince Oliver why I think Mark would win, and Oliver shouldn't try and convince me why Le Banner would knock Mark out in less than 1 round.
Forget the ice-cream (it's too fattening andyway LOL!)...let's just wait and see...

Lollo.

Uheee, the "war" is still on between you & me...LOL. But it is also getting to an end, because we can talk and talk, write one long message after another but at the end of the day, it is going to be Mark & Jerome who will show one of us, who are right and who is wrong.

I have been reading all your messages, and I am not blind or to proud to admit when I am wrong. If I cross the line or say something that is wrong or might upset someone, I am always ready to amid my mistake and apologize and say I am sorry. If I hurt friends, family or fans of Ray Sefo, well… Sorry friends, it was not my attention. Jerome may not be 10 times better than Ray, it was just a way of speaking, and putting it all on the edge - to tell how much stronger I really believe Jerome is if you compare him to Sugerfoot.

can lebanner beat sefo? yes
can sefo beat lebanner? yes

But can Ray defeat Jerome more times than the other way around, I personal don’t thinks so. But again... This is ONLY my personal point of view. I could be wrong, but still I think that Jerome is a better fighter than Ray. So lets just leave it here, ok!

Can Mark beat Le Banner? Yes
Can Le Banner beat Mark? Yes

Everybody can defeat each other in the K-1, but some have bigger chances than others, and some are bigger favorites than others. Got my point?

Lollo I DONT believe or hope that Jerome is going to win the GP title. I have from day one been saying that I believe Ignashov will win.

Ali you look like that next to Mark, you would be Musashi's tooth pick.

Any one likes the ice cream above?

I believe 100% Mark can win The GP , everytime he fights , he improves again and again dramatically . Mark has the talent and most of all he has the heart to win . I train with Hape and have seen him work Mark . The both give us younger guys inspiration , by showing just how a person with the heart and drive can make it .

Alot of K1 fighters have around 3 different trainers
(1) Technique
(2) Fitness
(3) Nutruition
Mark trains with heart and determination , just watch how far that does go!

Oliver we have that same Ice cream poster in NZ with most of the same products and colours and layout is almost identical. It must be a Danish plot to rule the ice-cream world!

Saves you having to freight it over then, just order it here, have it sent to the Balmoral gym in Balmoral, Auckland and we'll stop hassling you! Oh yeah you'd better send Mark some AFTER the GP too!

That sumo with Mark is the dancing sumo from the Reebok ad eh?

Oliver....there is no war mate...we're just discussing our view but at the same time keep it within the boundry. I have agreed with you in lots of your other posts, and this one here I don't....remember your the one who start this thread...people won't always agree with you. Just like when some agree with what I say, and some don't, but I don't go out of my way to try and use insulting words to express my strong feeling why this fighter is better than another and to prove them wrong. After all, the fight hasn't even happen.

As for Ray vs Le Banner, we dont know that too. We dont know who would win more times if they fight 10 times. I didn't even try to make any prediction. Maybe, Le Banner would win a couple more than Ray or the other way around or perhaps like Lucy said even. I am certain in one thing though if it happen, the first 3 will be OK to watch, but the rest will be boring and not many people are going to pay big dollar to go and watch. Unless of course it's free, which I doubt these guys would do it for free to prove your point...He!he!he!, That's why it's stupid and childish to even talk about it and compare it like that.

After Ray beat Adam Watts, you mentioned that the next time around, Ray would lose. Did I oppose you for that? No! You are entitle to your point. Even though I am no longer coaching Ray, I'm still a fan and a friend, but at the same time I'm trying to stay nutral as this is an open discussing site. Now you are going about it again...You kept saying you like Ray and respect him but at the same time contridicting yourself. I was just talking about alround skill level here. You brought up things that it's not even relevent to Mark Hunt and Jerome Le Banner's fight. In the K-1 heavywieght, it's like paper scissors and rock. Your almost convinced that the rock would win most of the time....if you get my drift...

Oliver....sorry for carrying on...but like I said, there's no war. You will find some of your future points, as some of your past posts, I agree 100%, but also some I would not agree and vice-versa, and both of us shouldn't take it personal. I don't and I really meant that. Hopefully your not taking it personal also....Life is too short to have grudge on people....

Oliver, if Mark wins, I'm happy for Mark. If Le Banner wins, I'll be the first one to congratulate you for picking the winner...that's if I get to the computor quicker Felix...LOL!

Hi Oliver,

I don't know if you were replying specifically to my post , in the post just under my last.

I don't know where you got the idea from that I think that Jeromme hasn't a chance. I think Jeromme is about as hard a fight as possible. And to me a great fighter.

All I said was that there is no way that Hill will get K.Od. Maybe TKO, but not KO. His head and chin are just too hard.
On paper I'm sure Jerrome is a safer bet.
But I am a Hunt fan so off course I will be most optomistic for his success.



As fare as being K.Od goes guys.
Isn't Jerome more experienced
No?

Lollo:

I am not mad at you, never has been and never will be!! I don’t take this personal, as you are saying my good friend: "we're just discussing our view but at the same time keep it within the boundry". So please don’t take it personal, because I don’t!

I like your messages & your bets, they are realistic and always written with respect to the fighters you talk about, and even more important in my eyes, to the exact person you write to. So Lollo... Keep on the great work!

lollo,

my manager should know better to put a computer with internet access on my desk.

lollo and oliver,

stop apologizing to each other. damn. someone had to say it. or maybe you two could start a "nothing personal" thread. hahahaha.

Felix.

I apologizing ... LOL. It will not happen again, I am so sorry...LOL

Hi Lollo & Olivier,

It has been good to read your guys threads they have been very educational learning about each fighter on how they fight....and how you both able to disect Ray & lebannner the way you two have.....
I hope the readers got something out of it like I have or going to have
lots of icecream from Olivier.....lol!s lol!s lol!s...
Olivier you still have not answered my ? whether you will be at the fights on the 8th December Tokyo Dome hope so....
Olivier those photo!s of Jerome & Hunt how come you posted them like that???
Are you sure your not Jerome!s brother????......hehehe....just joking don!t
start showing your Viking Horns......
Regards
Lucy Tui.
.

Lucy:

No I am not going to be at the fights on the 8th December Tokyo Dome. I would love to be there and to see the fighters in action, but... who knows, maybe next year.

Lucy:

I do have a brother, but his name is not Jerome.

Not at all related to the post, but can this be the first ax topic to break the 200 posting mark?

Is it just me - or do Hoost look a little "scared" and unhappy on these pictures from the K-1 2001 Grand Prix draw?

Peter Aerts look happy and very satisfied for his draw, or did someone just told him a good joke? (Maybe he is just happy for not going to fight Leko in his first fight, I guess he still remember Las Vegas)

Mr. Kyokushinkai himself looks concentrated. Just wait for the big surprise friends, Filho will bring the title home to Brazil, just like he did at the Kyokushin World Open Tournament back in 1999.

OSU!

What about Pettas? He knows that this is not going to be easy, but being a Danish Viking and a Kyokushin sensei, he is ready to the best he can. He has the spirit and he is showing it on the pictures. But do Pettas have the chin and skills to survive Ignashov?

Go for it Nicholas, make Denmark proud again like you did at the Andy Hug memorial cup.

I don’t know what you see, but I am seeing a fighter who is ready for business. I will say that Ignashov is the biggest favorite in group B. I will be very surprised if Ignashov do not end in top 3 at the K-1 Grand Prix!

Well, he is "only" going to fight the champion in his opening fight, but it do not seems to keep him awake at night. If Leko is ready mentally, he got the skills and strength to surprise, and make it to the top.

Champion champion champion champion champion.

(Got you Lollo, Lucy and Hape...LOL)

21/10-2001......... Ignashov lost yesterday in Holland against Jerrol Venetiaan.

That is good news for Nicholas Pettas!!!!!!!

(Read more on this address: http://www.man-magazine.com/uk/newsflash/view.php3?nid=71)

Cool photos! Also this thread just topped the 200-post mark. Isn't that some sort of a record?

Great Posting Olivier, I will send 10litres of NZ icecream just for your posting excellent stuff...love all the photo!s you would be surprised what the photo!s tell you how they are feeling about the Grandprix...
Congradulations on a great post having hit over 200 I guess this would have been the most that has been posted on a thread....(you started it..)
Lets have some more great topics......
Regards
Lucy Tui

Hi cuz, whats doing. As for Oliver, you got me, the Danish " Rule " the Ice Creams War he he!

i don't know if it is a record. i seem to remember a thai guy named bunjerd who claimed that thailand invented the soccer kick or something like that. his threads could last forever.

check the archives for his threads.

I know that Nicholas Pettas not are going to win the K-1 Grand Prix!! But after Ignashov lost in Holland yesterday (21/10-2001) in a Muay Thai fight against Jerrol Venetiaan, in The Battle of Arnhem, I will say that Nicholas chance to do well in his opening fight has got a little bigger.

I am not saying that Pettas are going to defeat Ignashov, but where the is hope there is ...

Hi Bro,
Will you be going down to the show on the 11th Nov to support Alex,would love to see you and Mark there....
I have been busy with the show on the 16th Nov,give me a ring when you can,great pics you and your brother are posting are there anymore of you and mark in Japan....
Still waiting to hear from that sponsor should hopefully know tomorrow....
Take Care
Arohanui bro,
Lucy..

Keep Mark onto it mentally & physically.............will come and see you Friday at the show...Fairfield..

Hi everyone just some more pictures to build the hype.(like it needs more!)

I'm guessing by dec 8th this thread should hit 350.

Great pictures - keep them commiiiinnng!

Hehe! Quit stirring up trouble Felix. LOL :)

Hi Danny,

Excellent photo!s looks like you will have to share that icecream with Olivier....hehehe!!!!!
See you at the show on Saturday....
Regards
Lucy Tui

Hey Danny, Waz up ?? Come to the boxing Friday. Talk to you tonight Lucy.

Dr hunt giving his time to the new generation.a day Before He left to Japan

Oliver a picture tells a TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS,in the above picture there is a message for u from hussy saying "open your eyes oliver and have a good look at Dr dinamite hunt" THE NEW GENERATION OF LIVERPOOL KICKBOXING.

I am looking at Hunt and all the sweet kids, and who knows...the new champ might be on one of the pictures above?

Great picture Ali.

If a picture "TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS", well... What is this picture saying?

If a picture "TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS", well... What is this picture saying?

it is saying that the ring can hold 650 lbs.

yarbourgh was sweating really badly in one fight because the opponent just walked aroung the ring until he got tired.

it's a shame he's not good at sumo.

Felix: LOL

Here is a picture af Ray after his K-1 fight against Mark Hunt in Fukuoka. I wounder how Jerome will look like...?

Here is Hunt after his fight against Ray, looks ready for some more fun in the ring.

Jerome will be looking up at the stars......flat on his back....hehehe....
Regards
Lucy Tui
Ps* or looking into the canvas in the ring..flat on his face..hehehe......
Just remember Olivier you asked the ?????????

But how will Hunt look like after his fight against Hoost or Leko in 2nd round?

Like this??

LOL

Is this an old picture or a flashback... Time will show!

Well you guys better call up Jerome and tell him not to even bother comming, because Mark will kill him. At least according to some of you, but I still think it will be very tough for Mark to get past Jerome.
Sorry but you guys make it sound like Jerome is actually the easiest opponent for him.

Mark: Go "Hunt" down Jerome..

LOL!

Olivier that was a good one lol!s lol!s lol!s......
Regards
Lucy Tui

Has any one heard about Hoost lately?

oliver last time i heard ERNESTO HOOST was sampling dr hunts recipe the proof is above. Hunt Hunt Hunt Toot Toot Toot all abord

Perhaps Hoost was in Jerrel Venetian's corner in his fight against ignashov. When Venetien won the K-1 Holland Hoost was his cornerman.

did you see the fight? id be interested in hearing a little about how the fight
was.

me too.

photo hoost and Ali was taken by Ian Sly

I wasn't at the fight between Ignashov and Venetian. If I hear anything about that fight I'll post it here.

on this martial arts news website someone mentioned on another thread,
they take a poll on who people think will win. the results give an interesting
view of what the public's opinion of various fighter's odds to win:

leko 9%
hoost 26%
pettas 7%
ignashov 9%
lebanner 21%
hunt 1%
aerts 13%
filho 11%

personally, i would rate pettas and lebanner's chances a little lower
and leko, ignashov and hunt's odds a little higher.

K-1 2001 GP fighters...

What line up, the guy from Russia towers over all of them....We will have to wait and see how much power and heart he has got....I have heard he is good...
Great pic Olivier.........
Regards
Lucy Tui

Ignashov is good - very good and strong, even do he just has lost a fight in Holland two weeks ago.

He is one big fighter, I agreee with you Lucy, but... Not bigger than he can lie down - lol. (Go Pettas, show the Russian Bear some Danish Dynamite!!!)

Pettas is getting ready!! Look Ignashov, pain is coming...SOON!

Ignashov... is VIKING time !!!!

Pettas doing the "Andy Axekick" in the gym.

Oliver....I almost forgot our ice cream bet with Lucy...LOL!

Quote from Oliver Sperling, world renowned K-1 expert:

"I agree with you, Hunt has to get in a better shape if is going to have just a little 1% chance against Jerome. But fat or not fat, in shape or not in shape, I can not see how Hunt should defeat Jerome Le Banner in his opening fight? Not even if Hunt is training on the stair-master around the clock, or if he runs five marathons a week. As I see it, Hunt will get KO before the end of the 2nd round."

LOL! LOL!, kiddin' big fella....danish delights, MMmmmmm, hehe.....

it is good to see a fighter make a critic [myself included] eat his words.

Felix...in this case...eat ice cream...LOL!

UPPPSS!

Go Mark Hunt, and thanks for beating Jerome, great job..... (Why did you have to win against Filho, silver is also great for a newcomer - LOL!)

Vince:

"world renowned K-1 expert"

I eat my words, respect to Hunt from Denmark.

Don't worry Oliver...one of these days, we'll be eating ours also. This time you lose, maybe next time you win.....We still friends anyway.

hey Oliver...it's all good fun my man!! Merry Xmas from NZ! (i'll have an extra icecream on your behalf...well, thats my excuse, hehehe)

hi Lollo, i've just sent u an email re:Jason Suttie on the "Update on VUW.." thread, to your ihug address noted above

cheers

vince

Thanks vince.