zodoon
30-09-2008, 18:35
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9197/2008093000000013spnavifqc2.jpg
The first of the World Max semifinals sets respected Japanese kickboxer Masato -- the World Max 2003 Champion and last year's runner-up -- against compatriot Yoshihiro Sato, the '06 & '07 World Max Japan Champion.
"Since August, I been working to make myself stronger," said Masato. "It's been the hardest, deepest and most fruitful training of my career. I think now I have more strength than ever, and tomorrow with Sato I will win. I noticed at the weigh-in that he was 500g under, so maybe he didn't maximize his training? Anyway after a beat him, I will go on and beat Souwer, and become the champion!"
"I know the expectations are high for Masato," replied Sato, "but my friends and fans and peers have all given me a great deal of courage for this fight. Last year I fought Buakaw, whom I respect highly, but I made a miracle and beat him. Tomorrow I will make a bigger miracle and beat Masato. I was at my weight when I woke up yesterday, and I got in a hot bath and lost about 300g in just a few minutes. I have a fast metabolism, that helps me grow muscle!"
http://i34.tinypic.com/pvs44.jpg
The second semi sees two-time and defending World Max Champion Andy Souwer -- who has but one World Max loss since July 2003 -- taking on 21 year-old Ukrainian fighter Artur Kyshenko, whose only loss in nine World Max bouts came against Masato in last year's final.
Due to new World Max rules (see below), Souwer will not be permitted to compete in his trademark shoot boxing pants.
"I represent shoot boxing, so it's too bad I can't wear the pants, but I'll do what I have to do, it will have no effect on my performance," said Souwer. "As I always say, I am on my road to the championship. Now in the final four I'm coming to the end of the road -- everything so far this year has been leading me here, and I will continue to do my very best! I'm happy to hear Masato say he wants to fight me in the final, he's the most popular fighter here and he'll bring a lot more to the final than others, so I want to fight him too. Good luck to all!"
"It's my first time giving a speech like this," smiled Kyshenko from the podium. "To be in the final four is an honor, and I wish all good luck. To be here means we are all good and we all had some good luck. I don't know who will be smiling the champion's smile tomorrow, but I will try to be the one!"
http://i37.tinypic.com/fmjfic.jpg
In the first tournament reserve, Japanese kickboxer Yasuhiro Kido will fight the first-ever World Max Champion, boxer Albert Kraus of Holland.
"I appreciate the chance," said Kido, "my opponent is a star and I admired his style for years. But now, I think I can come up to his level, be even stronger, and win."
Speaking in Japanese, Kraus told the audience "I promise I will do my best!"
http://i35.tinypic.com/2meaih3.jpg
The second tournament reserve pits two-time World Max Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand against Indian muay thai fighter Black Mamba.
"I have regrets about not being in the tournament bracket to fight for the championship," said Buakaw, "but it's my pleasure just to be in the ring and I will do my best."
Mamba made light of the slim chance for victory afforded him in the fan voting, "I arrived in Tokyo and immediately heard had that I had less than a 10% chance of winning! Well, I imagine Buster Douglas had about the same chance of beating Mike Tyson when he came here, so tomorrow I will fight with my feet, my hands, my spirit and everything!"
http://i38.tinypic.com/1z14fes.jpg
In a World Max Superfight, Japanese kickboxer Taishin Kohiruimaki will meet Dutch kickboxer Joeri Mes.
"It's been a year since my last fight," said Kohiruimaki, "so for me and my gym and my fans, I want to prove myself. Mes is strong, but I will hit hard to make it a good fight!"
"I've been fighting in Europe for a long time," said Mes, "but it's always been my dream to fight in Japan. This is a big opportunity for me, I respect my opponent but tomorrow I will destroy him!"
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1826/200809300007spnavi20080ea6.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6193/2008093000000014spnavifgf3.jpg
Het is oorlog
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4034/200809250007spnavi20080os9.jpg
The first of the World Max semifinals sets respected Japanese kickboxer Masato -- the World Max 2003 Champion and last year's runner-up -- against compatriot Yoshihiro Sato, the '06 & '07 World Max Japan Champion.
"Since August, I been working to make myself stronger," said Masato. "It's been the hardest, deepest and most fruitful training of my career. I think now I have more strength than ever, and tomorrow with Sato I will win. I noticed at the weigh-in that he was 500g under, so maybe he didn't maximize his training? Anyway after a beat him, I will go on and beat Souwer, and become the champion!"
"I know the expectations are high for Masato," replied Sato, "but my friends and fans and peers have all given me a great deal of courage for this fight. Last year I fought Buakaw, whom I respect highly, but I made a miracle and beat him. Tomorrow I will make a bigger miracle and beat Masato. I was at my weight when I woke up yesterday, and I got in a hot bath and lost about 300g in just a few minutes. I have a fast metabolism, that helps me grow muscle!"
http://i34.tinypic.com/pvs44.jpg
The second semi sees two-time and defending World Max Champion Andy Souwer -- who has but one World Max loss since July 2003 -- taking on 21 year-old Ukrainian fighter Artur Kyshenko, whose only loss in nine World Max bouts came against Masato in last year's final.
Due to new World Max rules (see below), Souwer will not be permitted to compete in his trademark shoot boxing pants.
"I represent shoot boxing, so it's too bad I can't wear the pants, but I'll do what I have to do, it will have no effect on my performance," said Souwer. "As I always say, I am on my road to the championship. Now in the final four I'm coming to the end of the road -- everything so far this year has been leading me here, and I will continue to do my very best! I'm happy to hear Masato say he wants to fight me in the final, he's the most popular fighter here and he'll bring a lot more to the final than others, so I want to fight him too. Good luck to all!"
"It's my first time giving a speech like this," smiled Kyshenko from the podium. "To be in the final four is an honor, and I wish all good luck. To be here means we are all good and we all had some good luck. I don't know who will be smiling the champion's smile tomorrow, but I will try to be the one!"
http://i37.tinypic.com/fmjfic.jpg
In the first tournament reserve, Japanese kickboxer Yasuhiro Kido will fight the first-ever World Max Champion, boxer Albert Kraus of Holland.
"I appreciate the chance," said Kido, "my opponent is a star and I admired his style for years. But now, I think I can come up to his level, be even stronger, and win."
Speaking in Japanese, Kraus told the audience "I promise I will do my best!"
http://i35.tinypic.com/2meaih3.jpg
The second tournament reserve pits two-time World Max Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand against Indian muay thai fighter Black Mamba.
"I have regrets about not being in the tournament bracket to fight for the championship," said Buakaw, "but it's my pleasure just to be in the ring and I will do my best."
Mamba made light of the slim chance for victory afforded him in the fan voting, "I arrived in Tokyo and immediately heard had that I had less than a 10% chance of winning! Well, I imagine Buster Douglas had about the same chance of beating Mike Tyson when he came here, so tomorrow I will fight with my feet, my hands, my spirit and everything!"
http://i38.tinypic.com/1z14fes.jpg
In a World Max Superfight, Japanese kickboxer Taishin Kohiruimaki will meet Dutch kickboxer Joeri Mes.
"It's been a year since my last fight," said Kohiruimaki, "so for me and my gym and my fans, I want to prove myself. Mes is strong, but I will hit hard to make it a good fight!"
"I've been fighting in Europe for a long time," said Mes, "but it's always been my dream to fight in Japan. This is a big opportunity for me, I respect my opponent but tomorrow I will destroy him!"
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1826/200809300007spnavi20080ea6.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6193/2008093000000014spnavifgf3.jpg
Het is oorlog
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4034/200809250007spnavi20080os9.jpg