You Guys forget that with out the publicity of K-1 much of the interest and ultimately money generated for traditional kickboxing would not be as high as it currently is.

Before you guys get on my case and tell that k-1 Does little or nothing for Muay Thai - shows the interest in Kickboxing shows in most countries which hold K-1 has increased significantly.

The problems with being a purist and a traditionalist is that you make no allowance / felxibility for something different - to your detriment. I hate Bob Sapp as much as the next man - but hey he beat Hoost twice so stop your whinging - he beat him with punches not a body slam.

sure these organisations are abnout making money but with Guys getting paid $NZ1500 - 2000 for a decent title fight (UK 1000 pounds max) I'll taske the US $5000 for a K-1 beginner ( i.e. journeyman fight) in a heart beat. In NZ our fighters fighting on a K-1 show will all earn around the vacinity (ie. cant talk exact figures) of $5000 for a one off super fight coming up. Thats 20,000 to NZ fighters alone - K-1 , sponsorship and TV rating have allowed this - not sticking to tradition.

If you want to fight for love and the art fine but you will do so in relative obscurity and earning small purses and when at the end of your career which you have decicated so much to you will have achieved in title terms/ in experience terms but having given so much physically what are your financial rewards ... Simply put K-1 offers those opportunities if you are good enough or big enough.

Unless you guys can can set up a similar organisation which can promote fights with simlar entertainment values, promise similar purses I suggest you leave out the criticism of K-1. Come up with a viable alternative / format and I'll take you seriously.