10.5.2024

In a highly anticipated matchup at the K-1 World GP 2024 in Osaka, Stoyan Koprivlenski (30 fights, 22 wins (8 KOs), 8 losses) from Mike’s Gym faced off against Japan’s rising star, Jinku Oda (9 fights, 8 wins (4 KOs), 1 loss). Koprivlenski, the reigning K-1 World MAX Champion, came into the ring with superior technique and endurance, while Oda, a determined and resilient young fighter, aimed to make a statement in front of his hometown crowd. The bout promised to be a showdown of endurance, power, and tactical adaptation.

Round 1:
Oda came out aggressively, pressing forward from the start. Koprivlenski, however, kept his composure, responding with sharp body jabs, followed by a front leg roundhouse kick and a precise left hook. Stoyan used his footwork to stay elusive, landing front leg kicks and hooks while staying just out of Oda’s range. Oda adjusted his stance to southpaw in an attempt to gain an edge, but Stoyan capitalized on openings with a combination of punches and kicks, avoiding Oda’s attempts to pin him against the ropes. Oda, though persistent, couldn’t break through Stoyan’s defense as the round came to a close.

Round 2:
The second round saw Oda step up his game, surprising Koprivlenski with his resilience. Stoyan responded by mixing up his timing, throwing well-placed body hooks and launching heavy attacks off his lead foot. The Bulgarian fighter also tried spinning backfists a number of times throughout the fight, narrowly avoiding a possible penalty by just missing with his elbow. With 30 seconds left, the fighters engaged in a heated exchange, with Stoyan landing a crisp right cross and jab. Though Oda held his ground, the young Japanese fighter struggled to land clean counters as the round ended.

Round 3:
Oda’s toughness was on full display in the third round as he absorbed Koprivlenski’s powerful strikes. Eager to close the distance, Oda aimed to trade punches, but Stoyan’s head movement and tight defense helped him evade. Stoyan countered with hooks and roundhouse kicks that began to take their toll on Oda, whose nose started to bleed midway through the round. At the 48-second mark, Koprivlenski knocked Oda down, earning a standing 8-count. Oda, however, showed incredible resolve, fighting on, and even flooring Koprivlenski with a counterpunch with only 1’09” left in the round, in a shocking reversal. Both fighters were on shaky legs as the round came to a close, battling to the final bell.

With both fighters having scored knockdowns, the bout was declared a 28-28 tie, forcing an extra round.

Extra Round:
With everything on the line, Stoyan Koprivlenski’s coach, Mike Pessinier, urged him to give his all in the final three minutes. The fighters touched gloves in a show of respect before the intensity resumed. Stoyan delivered powerful kicks and heavy punches, controlling the distance with precision. Oda, switching stances in a bid to find openings, fought valiantly but found it difficult to break through Stoyan’s defenses.

An unintentional headbutt halted the action momentarily at the start of the round, but the fighters quickly returned to their fierce exchanges. Stoyan’s superior timing allowed him to land effective strikes while maintaining distance from counters. Looking tired, Oda, struggled to adjust to the new pace set by the champion, and Koprivlenski asserted dominance throughout the final round with heavy middle kicks and boxing, staying just outside of counter range.

As the round came to an end, both fighters were visibly fatigued, with the slippery mat complicating their movements. Stoyan, however, kept his composure, landing powerful low kicks and teeps to maintain control. Oda, despite his tenacity, resorted to clinching as the clock wound down, and the expression on his face hinted that he knew the fight had slipped from his grasp.

Although in only his 10th fight Jinku Oda delivered an impressive performance, in the end, it was Stoyan Koprivlenski’s superior control, stamina, and precision in the extra round that secured him the win.