K-1 World MAX Returns with Thrilling Matches in Tokyo
Kickboxing Enthusiasts Witness Thrilling Return of K-1 World MAX
Tokyo, Japan – July 7, 2024
After a 14-year hiatus, the iconic K-1 World MAX made its triumphant return yesterday at the Yoyogi 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo. The spotlight was firmly on legendary Thai fighter Buakaw, who was vying for his third World MAX title, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of his first championship win.
However, it was not meant to be for Buakaw, as Bulgaria’s Stoyan Koprivlenski delivered the performance of a lifetime, defeating the Thai icon in the first round and claiming the coveted K-1 World MAX 70 kg championship.
“I will have to think if I will fight in K-1 again. I want to fight in many promotions in Japan. K-1 will get bigger in the future, but right now my main promotion is Rizin. I want to thank everyone for not forgetting Buakaw. I will continue to train hard in Thailand. I might be older and different Buakaw now, but I can still fight. I will fight anyone. Thank you everyone for your support,” said a reflective Buakaw in the post-fight press conference.
The main event of the evening saw Stoyan Koprivlenski, fresh off his victory over Buakaw, face off against Viktor Akimov in the K-1 World MAX final. Despite entering the bout more battered than his opponent, who had secured two previous knockout wins, Stoyan set the pace, landing clean knee strikes and a barrage of punches that ultimately earned him the knockout victory and the prestigious K-1 World MAX crown.
In a highly anticipated non-title matchup, reigning champion Yuki Yoza crushed former champion Kongnapa, with a flying knee and a left hook that secured the knockout win. After the fight, Yoza called on K-1 to bring in even tougher international fighters, eager to showcase his skills against the best in the world.
The -55 kg tournament saw all four Japanese fighters advance to the second round, with Akihiro Kaneko and Masashi Kumura emerging as the favorites after dominating knockouts in the opening round.
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