K-1 WGP 2009 IN SEOUL -FINAL16- Press Conference
From the opening video alone, the press conference promised to deliver in ways never before seen in K-1. And gThe Voiceh took great pleasure in leading us along a path that saw newcomers make bold declarations, the reining Champion repeatedly humiliated, and fan-favorites prove why it is that they are loved.
The first of the -Final 16- matches announced was Remy Bonjasky vs. Melvin Manhoef. Melvin made it clear that while he may well be 0-2 against Remy in the past, he put Remy on Queer Street in both of those matches so he is confident there is a chance for him to walk out of that ring having removed the ex-banker from his consciousness and qualified for the Final 8. Remy said he was glad that Melvin was as small as he was, because if he was 20cm taller or 20kg heavier, he would be one of the most dangerous fighters in all of K-1.
That didnft deter Melvin for voicing his dislike of Remyfs style of fighting, and he seemed almost personally offended that the current Champion didnft care about giving the fans the sort of fight they clearly enjoy watching so much though. gThe Gentlemanh kept his cool though, and simply stated, gI donft like to be knocked out. So, I keep my guard up. I wait and pick my shots.h
The next bout announced was the rematch between Errol Zimmermann and Glaube Feitosa. Errol may have managed to isolate himself from Golden Glory a little when replying to Michaelfs question about whether there were any fighters out there he liked with, gI donft like nobody,h but I donft think Glaube took any offense at all. The master of the Brazilian high-kick said only, gLast year was his year. He had a good fight and scored everything he could, so I trained hard. Letfs see (how it goes) tomorrow.h
The current Heavyweight Champion was the next announced, along with his opponent, the man with one of the highest output rates in comabat sports, Ruslan Karaev. The Russian stated, gOf course I am happy to be fighting the Heavyweight champion. He is quick and powerful, but unfortunately for him I will be the winner.h Kyotaro said he had about 30 game plans he had worked out to beat Ruslan with, and he seemed rather confident that one would come through for him.
The second representative of Ichigeki in the top 16 made his way to center-stage next, along with the first ever Indian heavyweight to fight in K-1. Wearing his trademarked dreadlocks Ewerton Teixeira confidently proclaimed gI am very different to last year. This time I will be able to show that difference.h A very humble gSingh "HEART" Jaideep just noted he was happy to be in his first ever Opening Round event, and that he planned to do his best.
The newcomer that has had everyone talking since the Last Chance GP, Bas Boon look-a-like Daniel Ghita came out next to face 3-time Champion Semmy Schilt. Schilt reassured all that he is back now, and that his recent poor run was mainly due to the birth of his son, and the purchase of a new house. He said simply, gI got my focus backh when asked how he would like to reply to those fans that have been wondering if he has lost his edge. Ensuring us that he is not one of those people doubting gHigh Tower,h Ghita stated, gThere is a big difference between my fights in Tokyo and Semmy Schilt. I respect this and will do my best tomorrow.h
A clash between veteran fighters Musashi and Jerome LeBanner was up next. After announcing his retirement, Musashi said gI will do my best. I have trained very hard and want end with a bang.h Heavy hitter LeBanner may just provide that gbangh for him after spending a period of time training in Quebec with current UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre. The Frenchman said he was happy to be here fighting Musashi, and said he hoped to put a smile on the faces of his new found friends in Quebec with the result of this fight.
The always jovial gMr. K-1h Peter Aerts was in fine form today. He noted that while his opponent Alistair Overeem had performed well in K-1 so far, ghe had two easy fights (current Champion Remy Bonjasky and former Heavyweight Champion Badr Hari), and now he has a real fight.h He also disappointedly asked Overeem why he hadnft prepared a trophy for him like he had for his previous opponent. Alistair replied deadpan, gBecause you are not an actor. Bonjasky is,h referring to Remyfs actions before refusing to try to carry on after Badr Hari fouled him during the final match of the 2008 WGP. Alistair also made it clear he felt it was an honor to fight such a legend of K-1, and a man that is a legend in Holland. He said that while MMA was his passion, he was fighting in this K-1 event because he was honored that the fans had chosen him to receive the first wild card.
Rounding out the final match of the -Final 16- was Badr Hari and Zabit Samedov. Zabit took the microphone first and declared, gMany people believe he will win, I know. But I have heart. I can win with my heart, and open the eyes of those people.h When asked by gThe Voiceh if that meant he thought Badr didnft have heart, he verbally stepped back a pace or two back and said that now he was part of the top 16, of course he wants to be in the top 8. Hari, somewhat uncharacteristically wasnft very upset at Zabitfs comments. He replied with, gI donft think I have to prove my heart. I have had a lot of dogs in my life, and I beat down those dogs. I proved it already. I still think Zabit has a big heart too. But a big heart wonft be enough to win.h He also made it clear who he wants to face in the World Grand Prix this year. Current Champion Remy Bonjasky, the last man to knock him unconscious, Alistair Overeem, and the person holding what he believes is still his belt, Kyotaro.
The undercard fighters for the event all promised to make sure not to be outdone by the -Final 16- matches and one in particular to keep your eyes on is the match-up between the man that has been in K-1 since day 1, Taiei Kin and the only remaining Bob Sapp fan, wine-maker Catalin Morosanu. This is a fight that has no chance at all of being left for the judges to decide the winner, and both have all but declared victory already.
Top to bottom this card is stacked with match-ups that will leave no time for bathroom breaks. In addition to that, the outcome of the Final 16 will give us our first look at the line-up for the K-1 2009 World Grand Prix.
Tune in to the K-1 WORLD GP 2009 IN SEOUL -FINAL 16- commentated by gThe Voiceh Michael Schiavello as it is broadcast LIVE in Korea, on FujiTV network in Japan, HDNet in U.S.A., ProTV in Romania and TrueTV in Malaysia. It is also it is shown with delay in 135 countries around the world. Check your local listings to find out when it will be shown in your area.
