2024 K-1 World Grand Prix Revival: Global Qualifying Tournaments Announced
K-1 Announces Revival of World Grand Prix in 2024 with Global Qualifying Tournaments
K-1, the iconic Japanese kickboxing organization, has announced the revival of the prestigious K-1 World Grand Prix in 2024. The global expansion, first revealed last year with the K-1 ReBIRTH tournament won by Liu Ce, will now see a series of qualifying events held across the world.
The qualifying schedule includes tournaments in the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Brazil, and Japan. In these events, four participants will be selected to compete in the K-1 World GP Final in Tokyo in December 2024. An additional three participants will be chosen by K-1 from individual bouts during the Asian round in Osaka.
The journey begins with the US qualifying tournament in New York City, set to be held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on either May 19 or June 22. The event will be organized by veteran promoter Lou Neglia, known for his work in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
The Bosnian qualifying tournament will take place in Sarajevo on June 29, under the guidance of former K-1 fighter Dzevad Poturak. The Western European round will be hosted in Sicily, Italy, on July 27, with the involvement of Oktagon promoter Paolo Biotti and Sicilian promoter Bruno Bottindari.
The Brazilian qualifying tournament is scheduled for August 3 or 10 in Curitiba, organized by Paulinho Zorello, the Executive Director of WGP Kickboxing. Finally, the Asian round will be held in Osaka, Japan, on October 5, with K-1 selecting three direct entrants for the World GP Final.
The revival of the K-1 World Grand Prix marks a significant moment for the sport of kickboxing, as the iconic tournament seeks to uncover the next generation of stars. The global qualifying events will provide a platform for up-and-coming talents to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the prestigious final event in Tokyo.
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