K1 wordt FIKA World Cup:
Kazuyoshii Ishii will make an announcement tomorrow from Beijing, China about the new format for a relaunched K-1. Headqurtered in Hong Kong the
Federation International K-1 Association (FIKA) will launch in 2012.
New investment from Chinese Seven Star Entertanment Fund, part of the
Sun Red Rock group of companies, will see to the launch of the
Federation International K-1 Association.
With a format that includes 32 national teams with each country hosting qualification tournaments to select national representatives in three weight classses:
- Lightweight > 63kg (139 lbs.)
- Middleweight > 70kg (154 lbs.)
- Heavyweight > 100kg (220 lbs.)
A press release from FIKA lays out a time table for 2012 including national qualifying events until April. The 32 national qualifiers will then proceed on to the international events in the second half of the year, eventually culminating in 8-man World Grand Prix Finals tournaments in all three weight classes at the end of the year.
The new K-1 league is to be held in partnership with
WAKO, the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations. WAKO-Pro, the organization's promotional arm, has been holding events pitting national teams of kickboxers against each other in five different weight classes throughout 2011. FIKA it seems will blend the WAKO-Pro and old K-1 promotional structures to form the new concept.
Nikkan Sports reports that Ishii signed a memorandum of cooperation with WAKO in July of this year.
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