September 26, 2004

TOKYO, September 26, 2004

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

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

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

This year, the selection went as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final is set for Tokyo Dome on Sunday December 4. It will be same-day broadcast across Japan by the Fuji TV Network