First card announced for 4/3 WGP in Yokohama

The excitement continues in 2010!

K-1 Event Producer Sadaharu "Tany" Tanikawa announced the tentative schedule for the 2010 WGP. Starting on April 3rd with the Yokohama event, the international tournament to determine the "World's Strongest Stand-up Fighter" continues with events in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Oceania, and Asia. Like in 2009, the best 16 fighters will meet in Seoul at the end of September or beginning of October to determine the top 8 fighters who will then go on to compete for the WGP championship in the WGP Final in early December. Previously announced for MAX, FEG Inc. (producers of K-1) are working to make WGP events viewable live through pay-per-view. Another innovation that will be tested is the implementation of 3-D starting from the Yokohama event. The 2009 season was one of K-1's most exciting and Tanikawa promises that 2010 will keep up the same level of excitement. The first step in that direction is the announcement of the K-1 Heavyweight title match with Kyotaro defending against challenger and 3-time World Champion Peter Aerts. According to Tany, Aerts promised he would drop to under 100 kgs if he could have a chance at the title.

Kyotaro has his work cut out for him

Against Japanese fighters, Peter Aerts record reads 13 wins, 1 loss. That one loss was to a decision in favor of Japan's former premier fighter Musashi in the 2003 semifinal. Japanese fighters Hori and Sawayajiri who are from the same gym as Kyotaro were both dropped by high kicks. There's no doubt that the pressure is on for the young fighter. Aerts is showing little sign of aging as he is in top form and having little trouble defeating much younger fighters like Gokhan Saki and Errol Zimmerman.

Kyotaro seemed confident about defeating his opponent as he stated to the press, "I wasn't expecting to fight Aerts so now I have to decide on an appropriate strategy. He is a living legend and part of me has always wanted to fight him. With due respect to one of K-1's greatest fighters, it will be my honor to destroy him." Concerning possible strategies, Kyotaro commented, "he's a nearly-perfect fighters with no chinks in the armor. Devising the right attack plan will be a challenge." Though it looks as if the young fighter may have his work cut out for him, supporters are quick to point at that Kyotaro has defeated such heavy-hitters as Saki and Melvin Manhoef in the past. What could be a deciding factor in the fight? According to Kyotaro, it's hunger. "Succesful fighters are relaxed and no longer have that gleam in their eye that the younger warriors have. I'm continuing to live in the same beat up hell-hole so that I never forget that hunger for victory." Kyotaro could have a point, but only time will tell. Fans will just have to wait for April to find out.

Besides the Heavyweight title match, a Superheavyweight match featuring Semmy Schilt defending his belt is also planned for the Yokohama event. The opponent is yet to be announced. Other fighters who are expected to join the fightcard are Badr Hari, Remy Bonjasky, Jerome LeBanner, Errol Zimmerman, and Ruslan Karaev. Expect more of the world's finest fighting beginning with the Yokohama Arena event! Check out this site for more announcements or follow us on twitter at @k1_official.

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