Where are all the good American K1 fighters??

[WildWest.]

This is isn't a dig at the Americans, more of bewilderment on my behalf as to why there isn't any decent K1 fighters coming out of the states recently.

Looking at the draw for the Osaka elimination round at the end of Sept, I was surprised to see that there is no American fighter represented.

I watched the Las Vegas II Grand Prix and thought the standard of American fighters was pretty average.....surely they weren't the best of what America has to offer?? Don't tell me they are getting better money elsewhere as I thought K1 was the elite for stand up fighters (correct me if I'm wrong).

What's the deal???

[Tom Yum]

Boxing is where the money is at.

If the K-1 audience continues to expand, it could potentially level the economic playing field.

Now if you're talking about the best of boxing vs. the best of K-1, look up some of the old threads.

[WildWest.]

I hear you about boxing Tom Yum, but even there, especially heavyweight division, the amount of quality fighters has decreased. Money wise there is no comparison between the two and I'm hoping the USA will catch on to K1 sooner or later because they have been a little slow off the mark so far. Its exciting to watch, lots of action and fighters with quality skills.

For the record K1 is massive in Asia, Europe and The Pacific countries. There are also good fighters appearing out of Africa and South America now as well.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see....

[Patrick G.]

I'm working on it..I'm working on it!!

[WildWest.]

ummm.....what are you working on??

[jorickdd]

only room for dutchies in k1

[WildWest.]

only room for dutchies in k1

Admittedly the Dutch do have a tremendous record in the K1, and while I find it hard to see anyone beating an on form Semmy Schilt this year, I'm hopeful Ray Sefo will finally have his day (provided he proves he wants to fight and not stuff around )

[Abe]

Can't blame the dutch for being so good. It's the second capital of Muay Thai afetr Thailand itself.

IMO boxers are overpaid and overhyped, and will be going down hill sooner or later when people sees the excitment in a more complete stand up style of fighting such a K-1.

One of my assistant trainer was talking about how ridiculus tit was for boxers to have kidney pads on the shorts. I understand now after seeing thais knee the hell out of each other on the same spot for what? 10,000 baht a fight? Boxer earn 1000 times of that?

[WildWest.]

Boxers are certainly overpaid and the whole sport is corrupted. Hopefully K1 doesn't follow that path....some say it already has.

[Little Apple]

why is that?

[chalambok]

I don't believe boxers are overpaid at all. Certainly the managers/promoters take a disproportionate cut, most fighters up until Larry Holmes formed the IBF got from 10-25% of the purse. Nowadays it is a rare fighter who gets 50% even. I saw a report about boxing in the United States and the general feeling seemed to be there are less than 20 boxers who make over $100,000 per year. If you factor in the exchange rate, there are many fighters in Thailand who make more than that equivalence. K1 may appear to be a better deal but just look around at how many fights there are every week where a fighter is lucky if his hotel is paid for and he gets comped for gas. A major reason Thai Boxing is still a minor sport in the United States is the recalcitrance of the states' boxing commissions to allow competition, especially in the development fights, with boxing's entrenched status. Fighters, like anyone anywhere, will go where they can make the best living.

[Abe]

I found it hard to believe that in contrast, there's even one Thai fighter who gets paid $3,736,999.893 baht (100,000US) a year. Especially when you consider that thai fighters also get a fairly small cut after the promoter.

Plus, boxers gets so much in terms of sponsorship and silly advertising (shamelessly printed on their backs, and shorts). Most well known boxers only need to fight about once a year to keep their wallets full and mortgage paid. Most well known thai fighters still live in their camp.

It was funny one day, when I came across a picture of Kaoklai with his proud motorbike. Be reminded that this man is a international superstar in terms of K-1. Then I remember the episode of MTV Cribs with Roy Jones Jr. That man has a indoor basketball court in his house!!! See the difference?