On 7th July, at Tokyo’s National Yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium, seven fighters qualified to advance to the final rounds of the “K-1 WORLD MAX 2024” -70kg Final, with the late addition of the mystery Wildcard Fighter. Who are these athletes? In this final installment of our series, we delve into Stoyan “The Unsinkable” Koprivlenski.

Stoyan Koprivlenski, a formidable contender in the GLORY lightweight (-70kg) division, is celebrated for his victory over the current GLORY World Lightweight Champion Tyjani Beztati in 2017. His first visit to Japan in December 2022 saw him fiercely competing against Kaito Ono, the Shootboxing Champion, in the RISE ring. At the March 2024 MAX opening match, he faced Kacper Muszynski and, despite a decision loss, was given another chance due to Ouyan Feng’s absence.

<July 7th Finals Tournament First Round Matchups>

• Stoyan Koprivlenski (Bulgaria) vs. Buakaw Banchamek (Thailand)
• Dengue Silva (Brazil) vs. Darryl Verdonk (Netherlands)
• Viktor Akimov (Russia) vs. Romano Bakboord (Suriname)
• Kacper Muszynski (Poland) vs. Zhora Akopyan (Armenia)

🎟️ Grab your PPV ticket now! 🥊✨July 7th(SUN) ✨Check your time 

▪️TrillerTV ｜https://www.trillertv.com/watch/k-1-world-max-2024-finals/2pf9e/

▪️K-1 WORLDWIDE PPV｜https://www.stream-ticket.com/events/detail/1419.html

Interview with Stoyan Koprivlenski:

――What are your thoughts about your fight with Muszynski on March 20th, in the K-1 World MAX 2024 – World Tournament Opening Round? Your fight with him ended with a knockdown in the final round.
“It was very disappointing. I think I was ahead on points until the knockdown, so to lose at the very end was tough. It pushed me to quickly get my motivation back and work even harder at the gym.”

――Muszynski was almost unknown compared to your previous high-profile opponents. Did you know much about him before the fight?

“I wasn’t familiar with him before we fought, but I quickly realized he was a very tough opponent with a lot of heart and strength. Since he got the upper hand last time, I’m determined to win in our next encounter.”

――The offer to fight came suddenly due to Ouyan Feng’s withdrawal. How did you feel when you got the call?

“I was surprised, but I figured there was a strong chance that someone might end up injured. I wasn’t hoping for it, but I thought I should be ready just in case. After my fight with Muszynski, many kind words from the Japanese fans made me think that I might get my chance, and after my opponent withdrew due to injury at the K-1 Fighting Network tournament in Romania on June 13th, I started to think maybe it might happen.”

――When the offer came, how did you feel?

“Of course, I never wish for other fighters to get injured, but I did have a feeling this offer might come. When it did, I was surprised but honestly happy because it meant I could return to the tournament.”

――You’ll be facing Buakaw, a legend of the sport.

“Yes! Fighting Buakaw, someone I’ve admired since childhood, is truly exciting. Kickboxing and Muay Thai are my passions, and he’s always been my favorite K-1 fighter. I’ve watched all his matches and even incorporated some of his techniques into my training. It’s an honor to face him.”

――You mentioned Buakaw was a favorite of yours growing up. Why was that?

“I started my training in Muay Thai, and Buakaw was known for his powerful kicks, which I always felt were a strong part of my own style. I learned a lot from him. Although I enjoyed watching fighters like Masato and Andy Souwer, who were great at boxing, my style is more suited for kicks, and Buakaw was my role model.”

――When did you move from Bulgaria to Mike’s Gym in the Netherlands?

“I was 22. I had been practicing Muay Thai since I was 15 in Bulgaria, competing in around 60 amateur fights with headgear and shin pads. When I was 22, I moved to the Netherlands to turn pro.”

――What do you like most about training at Mike’s Gym?

“It was actually a friend who introduced me to Coach Mike, and I joined right away. Training at Mike’s Gym really improves my condition; I can always prepare 100%. They say ‘If it works, don’t fix it,’ and it’s a really good fit, so I plan to stay put.”

――It looks like you’ve found the perfect fit.

“Definitely. Coach Mike is not just a fantastic coach but an excellent manager too. His gym is one of the most famous gyms in Europe, maybe even the world. He’s great at getting me into competitions that match my level, which is one of the main reasons I joined his gym.”

――Your next fight is against Buakaw, a fighter you’ve idolized. Do you see any decline in his abilities compared to his peak?

“I definitely see changes in his rhythm and defense. But his body’s still strong, and his strikes are still very powerful. His timing might have slowed down, but each hit is still formidable. He’s a dangerous opponent, and I’ve got to be very careful.”

――How does it feel to be a representative of today’s K-1, facing a K-1 legend?

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. I were in a different bracket and someone else might have beat Buakaw before me, and I wouldn’t have had the chance to fight him. I’m thankful, but I also feel a deep responsibility. While I respect Buakaw greatly, The sport of kickboxing is evolving, and as a fighter of the next generation, I have to prove that we’ve moved the sport forward.”

――What kind of outcome do you expect in your match against Buakaw?

“I always aim for a KO but not so much that it overshadows my strategy. I’m aware of his weaknesses and will do my best to exploit them, but I’ll fight him with the clear goal of winning in mind. I aim to prove that the next generation surpasses the old in technique, condition, and strength.”

――You were given a second chance at the tournament, and “respawned” into the fray. How do you feel about the upcoming tournament?

“My motivation is sky-high right now, and my condition is excellent. I believe nothing can stop me from achieving victory. Actually, I don’t want to make excuses, but in the last match, I couldn’t punch decisively due to a lingering injury, but now I’m in peak condition and I look forward to competing.”

――Finally, could you share a message for the fans?

“I’m sorry I lost last time, but I was training hard for the June 13th match, so I’m in great shape. The unexpected withdrawal of Ouyan Feng happened right when I was at my best—it seems I still have some luck left. I believe everything happens for a reason. Defeating Buakaw, the legend, and then taking my revenge on Muszynski in the finals, would be the perfect scenario. I look forward to your support!”

🎟️ Grab your PPV ticket now! 🥊✨July 7th(SUN) ✨Check your time 

▪️TrillerTV ｜https://www.trillertv.com/watch/k-1-world-max-2024-finals/2pf9e/

▪️K-1 WORLDWIDE PPV｜https://www.stream-ticket.com/events/detail/1419.html