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K-1 This past Friday night, the Las Vegas Mirage Hotel and Casino was the host of the now prestigious K-1 event that featured an assortment of mixed martial arts styles and fighters from around the world. The highlight of the event was the K-1 elimination which included some of the best heavyweight fighters in the world. It was subtitled "The New Fighting Sport" where eight men enters and only one exits to be called the K-1 champ. Although, the K-1 will not feed the mouths of all of the hungry Kickboxers in the world, it does satisfy the thirst for recognition that the sport so badly needs. I had the opportunity along with a few other close associates to witness the K-1 event first hand while many others viewed it via Pay Per View television around the world. I also had a great time seeing many in the Kickboxing community that I haven't seen in years. Meeting celebrities like former world heavyweight boxing champ John Ruiz, who defeated Evander Holyfield but recently lost his title to the dynamic Roy Jones Jr. was also enjoyable. The K-1 staff should be proud of this production. It had a lot of glitter and some gold! For the most part, it was done with class and had the flare of success written all over it. Most seats in the beautiful Mirage Convention Center seem to be filled with those anticipating exciting action. They got what they wanted especially in the final heavyweight elimination bout between the young and hungry Carter Williams of Modesto, CA USA and the experience veteran Rick "The Jet" Roufus (Current IKF Pro IR Heavyweight World Champion) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA. Rick has been long noted as one of the best in the history of the sport of Kickboxing. This match had everyone in attendance on their feet for the entire 2 minutes 50 seconds of the match. It would be a night that neither fighter would ever forget…one of ushering out the old and in with the new. Carter's devastating right cross cracked the head of Roufus leaving him horizontal and at the mercy of the referee and medical officials at ringside. Heck, I got so excited, I thought I saw Elvis…oh, wait a moment! I did see Elvis! (An Elvis impersonator was also in attendance) Williams is as humble and respectful as anyone you would want to meet but clearly there lies a "Beast" within. At the tender age of 22 and as the new K-1 champion, he will be challenged in more ways than one can imagine in and out of the ring. We can only hope that he and his trainer Gene Fields will keep their eyes wide open as they negotiate the future of the young champ. I would like to make mention of the fact that Carter was the 2001 IKF National Heavyweight Muay Thai Champion. I clearly recall a conversation with those close to the K-1 event that the IKF Nationals and perhaps other events like it were the incubators of the future of Kickboxing. Carter Williams' win not only proved this point but also showed us what you can accomplish in a short amount of time with dedication and hard work. Congratulations to Carter and his entire team! If It Glitters…Is it
Gold? Additionally, I, as many, were a little dissapointed in the Mark Hunt vs Gary Goodridge fight and the lack of Kickboxing (combinations) ability of these fighters. Forget the high quality of the event for a moment, and lets get to the facts about the abilities of these fighters. This bout looked like a boxing match. No pun for boxing because I love it, but when its suppose to be a Kickboxing match, where were the kicks? When are we going to reach the level where Kickboxing will be defined in its own essence and by the sheer execution of kicks and punches with and, or when the opportunity calls? Boxing for most of the round only to throw one or two kicks to remind everyone that its Kickboxing as in the bout mentioned is not what I feel is taking the sport of Kickboxing nor, the K-1 events to new heights. Moreover, Conditioning! Did anyone notice that a few of the fighters seemed "gassed" within the first two minutes of the first round of their bout? Are we at the point yet where we really understand how to train for this type of fighting or are we getting lost in the cross training for the diverse fighting that's accompanied with a certain rule style and missing out on the most vital areas of conditioning in our preparation? Understanding how to train and getting in the best physical condition possible is vital for the future growth of our sport. Many are willing to accept the fact that they are getting through rounds. Some, however are concerned with how we're looking getting through the rounds. In my personal opinion, some of those competing in the K-1 and other professional events need to go back to the basics and concentrate on the total body and technical conditioning part of Kickboxing. Above all, the event was well done and there were some fighters that stood out as being in good shape with good techniques. It did have a lot of glitter but fell short of gold due to some of the reasons I mentioned above. Remember fighters, this is not a Tough Man Contest! This is Professional "Kickboxing" and we must deliver it in the essence of its name with skilled combatants that awe the audience! The K-1 staff have come a long way and as they continue to grow the entertainment value of the sport, I hope too that the fighters will see the need to rise to the occasion and continue to take our sport to its deserving magnitude. Forward March! To e-mail Mr. Davis, Click
johnnyd@akpromotions.org | ||
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