Post by ASIATIC on Jan 2, 2004 6:20:19 GMT -5
The Bob Sapp vs Akebono main event was one of the most-anticipated fights in K-1 history. At the pre-event press conference, K-1 veteran Sam Greco introduced Sapp, who was led in restrained in straightjacket and a plastic mouth guard: "Bob likes to eat blowfish," said Greco, "so that is why he is dressed like this, he will do the eating tomorrow."
Soon afterward, former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono thanked his trainers and sparring partners, "I have learned a lot, all that is left to do is put all I've learned into practice tomorrow."
As the countdown entered its final minutes, the crowd watched on the big screen monitors as Tyson in Hawaii weighed in with his prediction: "I think Sapp will win the fight, I don't think Akebono can take the punches, and I don't expect it to last long."
After the fighters had made their entrances, Japanese singing star Yuki Koyanagi came out to sing "Kimigaiyo," the Japanese national anthem. She was followed by none other than living legend Stevie Wonder, who delivered a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" on a harmonica.
Then it was down to the nitty gritty. As it happened, Tyson was right. From the bell, Sapp rushed in, Beast-style, but Akebono was effective in pushing him back, Sumo-style. Akebono then attempted a low kick, but Sapp got in close and brought up the knee. An Akebono left uppercut looked good, but as the round wore on, Sapp, for perhaps the first time in his K-1 career, had more stamina than his opponent.
"The Beast" threw some nice low kicks, and when a fatigued Akebono relaxed his guard, got a solid left punch through that stunned the Sumo wrestler. It was a right hook that sent Akebono to the canvas for the first down. But to his credit, Akebono struggled to his feet to beat the count.
Akebono came back with another pushing attack, but Sapp answered this with a left straight punch and then a right hook to put the big guy down for good.
"Akebono accepted the challenge," thundered the victorious Sapp afterward from center ring, "he is a big man and he accepted the challenge!" Sapp then turned to the big television monitor, and addressed Tyson in Hawaii . "Next, it's your turn, Mike Tyson!"
Tyson's response was to laugh. "I'd love to fight Bob Sapp," he said, "Sapp is strong, which I respect, but he can not beat me!"
We shall SEE!
[glow=red,2,300]ONE...[/glow]
;D
Soon afterward, former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono thanked his trainers and sparring partners, "I have learned a lot, all that is left to do is put all I've learned into practice tomorrow."
As the countdown entered its final minutes, the crowd watched on the big screen monitors as Tyson in Hawaii weighed in with his prediction: "I think Sapp will win the fight, I don't think Akebono can take the punches, and I don't expect it to last long."
After the fighters had made their entrances, Japanese singing star Yuki Koyanagi came out to sing "Kimigaiyo," the Japanese national anthem. She was followed by none other than living legend Stevie Wonder, who delivered a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" on a harmonica.
Then it was down to the nitty gritty. As it happened, Tyson was right. From the bell, Sapp rushed in, Beast-style, but Akebono was effective in pushing him back, Sumo-style. Akebono then attempted a low kick, but Sapp got in close and brought up the knee. An Akebono left uppercut looked good, but as the round wore on, Sapp, for perhaps the first time in his K-1 career, had more stamina than his opponent.
"The Beast" threw some nice low kicks, and when a fatigued Akebono relaxed his guard, got a solid left punch through that stunned the Sumo wrestler. It was a right hook that sent Akebono to the canvas for the first down. But to his credit, Akebono struggled to his feet to beat the count.
Akebono came back with another pushing attack, but Sapp answered this with a left straight punch and then a right hook to put the big guy down for good.
"Akebono accepted the challenge," thundered the victorious Sapp afterward from center ring, "he is a big man and he accepted the challenge!" Sapp then turned to the big television monitor, and addressed Tyson in Hawaii . "Next, it's your turn, Mike Tyson!"
Tyson's response was to laugh. "I'd love to fight Bob Sapp," he said, "Sapp is strong, which I respect, but he can not beat me!"
We shall SEE!
[glow=red,2,300]ONE...[/glow]
;D
