K-1 World Max 2009 Finals Preview
Who Will Win the K-1 World Max 2009 Tournament?
Oct 9, 2009 Brian Jungwiwattanaporn
The annual K-1 World Max tournament brings together some of the best kick boxers fighting at the 70 Kilogram/154 pound weight range. This year four fighters hailing from Holland, Thailand, Italy, and Japan have advanced to the final round in which they must win two fights in one night. Both Andy Souwer and Buakaw Por Pramuk look to repeat as champions while Giorgio Petrosyan and Yuya Yamamoto look to upset them.
K-1 Max – The World’s Best Kick boxers
Fighters from all over the world compete to be crowned the K-1 World Max champion. The title carries the same prestige as the heavyweight K-1 tournament taking place later this year. Beginning in April, a field of sixteen fighters met, with only eight advancing to the second round of the tournament held in July. For the tournament finals, the final four fighters will have to win two bouts in order to become champion.
This year’s draw for the tournament finals sees two former champions meeting in the first round of fights. Andy Souwer and Buakaw Por Pramuk have met twice before and both could be considered tournament favorites. The other side of the draw sees the relatively green Yuya Yamamoto facing powerhouse Giorgio Petrosyan. Each fighter has prior tournament experience, and as in past tournaments, upsets and surprises are likely to occur.
Andy Souwer vs. Buakaw Por Pramuk
Buakaw Pro Pramuk (189 Wins – 20 Losses – 12 Draws) from Thailand was the K-1 World Max champion in 2004 and 2006. He is known for throwing crippling kicks in succession and while the Muay Thai clinch is de-emphasized in K-1, Buakaw has developed a power punching style to compensate. His ring control is masterful as his power allows him to stalk opponents. He brings considerable mental fortitude and despite being knocked out in last years tournament, he has a strong chin as well.
Andy Souwer (133 Wins – 7 Losses – 1 Draw) from Holland won the K-1 World Max tournament in 2005 and 2007. He has quick low kicks which damage and destabilize opponents along with crisp hands. Souwer also brings strong conditioning and experience which provide him with a solid defense. With 84 of his 133 wins coming from knockout he has the ability to quickly stop opponents.
Souwer vs. Buakaw Fight Prediction
Souwer and Buakaw have met twice before, each splitting a victory. Buakaw had dropped a decision to Souwer but attained his revenge through knockout during their second meeting. Although tournaments usually see conservative fighting in the first round, expect Souwer to set the pace with quick leg kicks. His quick footwork will enable him to avoid most trouble as Buakaw measures him through counter kicking while trying to set up his hands for a knockout blow. If Souwer can score early on and avoid trading with Buakaw, he can eke out a decision victory. However, Buakaw is liable to seriously damage Souwer affecting his chances in the final round.
Yuya Yamamoto vs. Giorgio Petrosyan
Yuya Yamamoto (26 Wins – 16 Losses – 1 Draw) from Japan is the K-1 World Max Japan tournament runner-up and defeated a solid fighter, Gago Drago, to make it this far. Giorgio Petrosyan (58 Wins – 1 Loss – 2 Draws) from Italy is an amazingly strong and quick fighter who has a decision win over Andy Souwer and has previously lost a decision to Buakaw as well. His experience, skills, and power should quickly dispatch Yamamoto.
K-1World Max 2009 Tournament Predictions
Although fan favorite Buakaw has the skills, the will, and the power to take the tournament, his last few outings have been lackluster. Although his previous outings in K-1 this year saw him fight to the level of lesser opponents, he did defeat strong competition in John Wayne Parr earlier in 2009. Despite this, look for Souwer to upset Buakaw by decision during the first round of the finals. Souwer will leave his fight with Buakaw damaged while Petrosyan will emerge from his bout unscathed. Look for Petrosyan to set the pace against a game Souwer, and take the decision to become the K-1 World Max 2009 Champion.
The K-1 World Max Finals take place on October 26, 2009 at the Yokohama Arena in Japan.
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