March 20, 2024

On March 19 (Wed.) in Tokyo, Japan, the day before the “K-1 WORLD MAX” event, 13 fighters who will participate in the “K-1 WORLD GP 2024 -70kg World’s Strongest Tournament Opening Round” took the stage for an open weigh-in and press conference.

The 70kg weight class is known as one of the hardest fighters in the world, and all of the fighters looked very strong and tough. The following are the passionate comments from each fighter for tomorrow’s showdown.

Hiromi Wajima
I have changed everything since the last time I fought. I have switched my mindset, my training, and even my daily life, and I have been training to win the belt again. Tomorrow, I want to show a reborn Hiromi Wajima more than in K-1. This tournament is filled with strong fighters, but I think it won’t be exciting unless a Japanese fighter wins. (What do you think of the competitors?) (What do you think of the competitors?) There are champions in the championship class, and I think it would be an honor to win here because there are players I know and famous players from the beginning. (How confident are you of winning?) I am doing this to win, so I am confident. (What about revenge against Ouyang Feng?) I would love to get my revenge, I would love to fight in the finals.”

Darryl Ferdonk
I’ve been watching K-1 for a long time, so I’m happy to be able to participate. Plus, I am happy to be able to fight Wajima.”

Ouyang Feng
I am happy to be able to participate in this MAX event. I have been preparing for the best condition. I know that my opponent is a strong opponent who has fought in China. I just love to play against strong opponents. My goal is to advance to the next final in July, so I definitely want to win tomorrow and show them how exciting I can be. (About Wajima) I hope we can win one match against each other and be in top shape in July.”

Pascal Schloss
I am honored to be able to participate in this tournament. I can’t wait for tomorrow to be able to compete in K-1, which I have been watching since I was a little kid. I wish all the fighters the best of luck and I want to prove who is the best and who is the strongest.”

Viktor Achimov
I feel great right now. Thank you for the opportunity to compete in K-1, which I have been watching since I was a boy. I also want to thank my teacher. I am blessed with a good opponent, and I think we have both been training hard as professionals. Tomorrow, I want to show my MAX.”

Rei Nakajima
I wanted to be a K-1 champion when I was little, so I am deeply moved to be able to compete in this MAX event after I finished boxing. I don’t have any particular impressions of my opponent, I just want to stick to my own game and knock him out with a bang.

Stojan Koprivrensky
I am proud to be a part of this great tournament. Japan is a country of martial arts and I have special feelings for Japan. I have the impression that Polish fighters are tough and don’t back down. I think tomorrow will be a fun match.”

Kasper Muszynski
I am happy to be in a tournament with the best players. Stoyan is a world-famous fighter and I want to show him what I am capable of in a fight.

Zohra Akapyan
This is my first time in Japan and of course my first time in K-1. Japan is a wonderful country and it has been a dream of mine since I was a child to compete in MAX, so I am very happy to be here. Tomorrow, I have a difficult opponent, but I hope to give a spectacular fight. I hope I can come to Japan again and again.”

Taras Natiuk
I am proud to participate in this tournament, I have dreamed of participating in MAX since I was a child. I can’t tell you how I will fight tomorrow, but I will give it my all.

Romano Bakubode *Missed the press conference due to overweight. Due to his 950g overweight of 70.95kg at the re-weigh-in, both fighters discussed and this time the fight was reduced by 20% of fight money, starting from 1 point minus, gloves handicap (10oz, 8oz), and the winner will remain in July.

Thananchai Sisompinon.
I am honored to be invited to fight in K-1. I am happy to be competing for the first time in MAX, which I have been watching since I was a kid. This is my first time using kick rules, but I am very excited. I wish you all the best of luck.”

Deng Silva
I am happy to be able to participate in K-1. I am happy to be able to come to an event that I have always watched. I’m happy to be here at an event that I’ve always watched, and all the fighters who are here have achieved a lot in this category. On top of that, I want to represent Brazil and keep winning. Riku, let’s fight on behalf of our country.”

Riku
Riku: “After weighing in, I am thankful to be able to participate in this great tournament. It was great to be among such strong competitors. But I’m not here to lose, I’m really aiming for the championship, so I’m really fired up. Tomorrow, I want to win the first round so that I can lead the tournament to Mr. Wajima and Mr. Nakajima. I want to make an impact. (Impression of opponent) I saw the Brazilian flag, and I thought he was very spirited. But tomorrow, I hope we will exchange blows and I hope he falls down.