On July 7th (Saturday) in Tokyo, the public weigh-in and pre-fight press conference for “AZABU presents K-1 WORLD MAX 2024,” set to take place the following day, were held. The eight fighters participating in the “K-1 WORLD GP 2024 -70kg World Strongest Tournament Finals” took the stage to announce their intentions for the main event.

　Much of the focus was on the wildcard entry, “The Timeless Thai Titan,” Buakaw Banchamek. A K-1 MAX legend, Buakaw won the K-1 WORLD MAX world tournament in 2004 by defeating Masato and Takayuki Kohiruimaki. In 2006, he clinched the title again by defeating Yoshihiro Sato in the semifinals and avenged his loss to Andy Souwer, securing a second world title. After a hiatus from fighting lasting more than 3 years, he made his triumphant return in November 2022, winning a decision against Muay Thai legend Saenchai in a bare-knuckle match. In May 2023, he drew against Rukiya Anpo in a RIZIN fight. In March 2024, he defeated Minoru “Philip” Kimura by first-round KO, again in RIZIN. At 42 years old, Buakaw remains a formidable warrior with an astounding career record of 283 fights, 243 wins (74 KOs), 24 losses, 14 draws, and 2 no contests.

　At the pre-fight press conference, the confrontation between the legendary Buakaw and the new generation of fighters eager to make their mark on fighting history came to the forefront. The theme of the July 7th tournament became even clearer: a clash between two inexorable forces, the Legends of the Past versus the Rising Stars of the Present.

Here is what the fighters had to say ahead of tomorrow’s inevitable showdowns:

Buakaw Banchamek
“Konnichiwa Japan. I’m still here, and I’m ready.

I thought very carefully about my participation in this tournament. Twenty years ago to the day, I became the MAX champion on 7/7, and it’s deeply moving for me to be part of a K-1 that is still filled with vitality. I can’t wait to show people that I can still fight.”

“I’m going to reclaim my championship title tomorrow. Look forward to it. In this tournament, everyone is a top-level fighter, so I will fight anyone I face with all my might.”

（When Masato did not predict him as the outright winner）
“Once I committed to participate in this tournament, I’ve been training tirelessly to regain the K-1 World MAX title, but I know it won’t be easy. If I become the champion tomorrow, I hope Masato will come back and join me”

(Masato commented, ‘Is there a Masters category?’ causing laughter).

(When mentioned by many other fighters the opponent they wanted to face)
“I am honored my name was mentioned. I’m sure many have watched my fights. Everyone here is strong and skilled, but I have experience. I will not lose to anyone.”

Stoyan Koprivlenski
“I am happy to be in this tournament. It is an honor to face a legend. I have prepared well for the greatest event in the martial arts world. In the finals, all the fighters are amazing, so I’m ready to fight anyone. I look forward to seeing what happens.”

Dengue Silva
“I am happy to be back in K-1. This is the biggest event, and I am looking forward to it. I started martial arts 10 years ago, and the K-1 champion belt means everything. I am only thinking about becoming the champion. As long as I win the first match, it doesn’t matter who comes next. I am proud to be here and I look forward to taking the belt back to my homeland.”

Darryl Verdonk
“I will showcase my skills. All the fighters are prepared for the finals. I am ready to fight. The only thing I can say is that I am here to win.”

Viktor Akimov
“I want to thank everyone who made my participation possible. K-1 is a dream for kickboxers around the world, and I am very happy to meet everyone. I have prepared mentally and physically through training camps, and I am honored to be in the same tournament as Buakaw.”

Romano Bakboord
“I am looking forward to tomorrow. I am ready to go against everyone, but when I make it to the finals, I hope to fight Buakaw.”

Kacper Muszyński
“I am in great condition, and I look forward to having a great fight. In the finals, I want to fight Buakaw, and I want to win.”

Zhora Akopyan
“I am looking forward to tomorrow’s big event. I think all the fighters aim to win. Everyone here wants to make it to the finals. But I will be the one to win.”

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