The Japanese and international media have assembled, the fighters are here,
the Tokyo Dome is sold out, and the fans are anxiously counting down the
hours to the first bell -- all systems are 'Go' for the K-1 World Grand Prix
2002 Final.
At the New Takanawa Hotel press conference on December 6, this year's
finalists -- Ray Sefo, Peter Aerts, Bob Sapp, Ernesto Hoost, Stefan Leko, Mark
Hunt, Jerome LeBanner and Musashi -- all pledged to give their utmost in
pursuit of the martial arts' world's most prestigious title.
After a review of the recent rule revisions limiting clinching, big bad
Bob Sapp offered up one of his trademark displays of pre-fight pugnacity,
elbowing first-fight opponent Ernesto Hoost off the pedestal the two were
meant to share for their photo opportunity. Hoost was unfazed, but when Sapp
then took things one step further and marched toward the three-time World GP
Champion, threatening, "I'll knock you out right now," Jan "The Giant" Norte
climbed onto the stage to restrain his fellow behemoth. "Sapp's like a big
kid," said the South African scrapper-turned-peacemaker about the incident,
which will most certainly be splashed across the front pages of the Japanese
sports papers on fight day.
Everyone looked fit, focused and ready, not surprising considering there
is a first prize of US $500,000 on the line for this, the tenth anniversary
K-1 World GP Final.
The action kicks off at 17:00 Japan time on Saturday, December 7. Read
on to get the goods on this incredible martial arts event.
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