K-1 Scandinavia / Rumble of the kings 2008 Rumle of the kings / K-1 Scandinavia is probably the second largest K-1 event in Europé. It's been held in about 5 consecutive years and usually serves as a qualification tournament to either the K-1 Max or WGP events.
Superfight: Yodsaenklai Fairtex vs. Levin Artem Being a WMC world title fight, the fight is introduced with both nationalities national anthem. WMC is the biggest and most acknowledged thai boxing organization in the world. Before the fight both fighters dance the traditional Kru Muay.
Round 1
There's a big height difference between the fighters, almost 20 cm. Levin begins pretty hard and lands several techniques, Yodsaenklai seem totally unaffected though. It's impressive to see how Yodsaenklai can take hits without it showing in any way in his face. Levin is most active in the round, but Yodsaenklai still seem fully in control.
Round 2
In the second round Yodsaenklai begins more active, and suddenly Yodsaenklai KO:s Levin with a right hook. It takes a long time before Levin is unaffected.
Also presented was the Beautiful Boxer, Nong Tum Fairtex Nong vs Pernilla Johansson
Weigh -in video can be viewed at:
http://www.fansofk1.com/article?aID=1377&Category=3
Results of the Quarerfinals and other fights are as follows:
Elias Daniel vs. Joakim Carlsson
Winner Joakim Carlsson
Mattias Karlsson vs. Marcus Öberg
Winner Marcus Öberg
Dzhabar Askerov vs. Jordan Tai Winner Dzhabar Askerov
Marco Pique vs. Bruce Mcfie
Winner Marco Pique
Semifinal: Joakim Karlsson vs. Marcus Öberg
Round 1
Both fighters are really focused in the beginning of the round. They throw hard and well aimed techniques at each other. The tempo is mid pace and it's hard to see a clear winner of the round.
Round 2
In the second round Joakim increase the tempo and Marcus adapts. Both fighters have a really tight game and are hard to hit. In the middle of the round the tempo falls back to mid pace, and the fighters begin to look tired. In my opinion Marcus seem to be somewhat better, but Joakim has shaken Marcus a couple of times.
In between rounds Marcus is bleeding from the nose.
Round 3
The tempo in the fight has dropped somewhat, but every technique is delivered hard and precise. This is a very nice technical fight. In the middle of the round Marcus is beginning to take the lead, I don't think Joakim can win the fight. Joakim gets a standing count, and after a few more punches the fight is over.
Both fighters seem really happy and tired after the fight. They're obviously still good friends. The decision must be hard for the judges, as it takes some time to present it. The result is announced as a draw and one more round will separate the fighters.
Round 4
The tempo is back up and Joakim begin to take command with some hard punches in the beginning of the round. Marcus seem shaken, but gets back in the game. After a minute the tempo goes down, the fighters are tired! These are good fighters, but no matter how the fight ends, the fighter going to the final will have a lot of recovery to do. In the middle of the round Marcus seem to be getting the upper hand again.
As the round ends both fighters are super tired and Joakim ends up on the floor. Marcus Öberg is announced as the winner.
Semifinal: Dzhabar Askerov vs. Marco Pique Entering the ring Marco seem relaxed and self assured, Dzhabar seem focused.
Round 1
Both fighters come out focused delivering hard techniques. Marco is longer and has a better reach. In the middle of the round Dzhabar is beginning to get a bit mad for some techniques thtat Marco delivers good. Dzhabar catches Marcos front kick and sends him flying for the floor. At the end of the round Dzhabar seem to be a bit more in control of the fight.
Round 2
Both fighters have increased the tempo, delivering a good fight. This is also an even fight between two skilled fighters exchanging hard techniques. It's a good round, but it's hard to say so much about it.
Round 3
The third round looks much like the other rounds. Towards the middle of the round both fighters increase the tempo, knowing the need to assure a win. A time out gives the fighters some room to breath while Dzhabar is being patched somewhere around the eye. The last minute must become explosive!
Now it's a frenzy, Dzhabar almost pushes Mrco out of the ring, he's stressed about his bleeding eye and wants to end the fight. It will be another fight hard to judge. It's draw and a fourth round will take place.
Dzhabar may have a problem with his cut around the eye.
Round 4
Both fighters are tired but give all that they can. Aftera a sweep that sends both fighters to the floor the fight almost continues MMA-style. Dzhabars eye is being wiped again. Towards the end of the round Dzhabar lands a hard spinning punch, possibly giving him the win.
Dzhabar is announced the winner, the cut above his eye might strongly affect him in the final though. But as Dzhabar says after the fight "I don't care, I'm not a girl!".
Superfight: Virgil Kalakoda vs. Ole Laursen The South African boxer Virgil enters the ring really relaxed, singing and dancing, taking his time. Ole from Denmark seem more focused when he enters and almost looks like he's a thai, all oiled up. It's funny to see the different types of bodies the fighters have, compared to Oles extremely ripped body Virgil amost seem to have the body of a young boy.
Round 1
Virgil look real easy on the feet, dancing and boxing. Delivering many techniques while Ole seem passive. There's not so much energy in the fight so far. I'm not sure what Ole is up to, he's usually a much better fighter than this. Ole has a bandaged knee, maybe it's an explanation to why he's passive.
Round 2
In the second round the fight is becoming somewhat more interesting when Ole begins delivering more. Virgil doesn't hardly look affected by the fight, while Ole begins looking tired. At the end of the round Ole gets a standing count for just taking punches, Ole thinks it's bull shit though.
Round 3
This is another fight. Ole is suddenly in the fight giving Virgil a hard time. Ole seems to be boxing to much though, considering he's facing an experienced boxer. In the middle of the round it's harder to see who will win this fight.
This also becomes a draw, on to round four!
Round 4
Ole comes out hard, but suddenly backs in pain. He must be having problems with his knee. It's a rather even round, with both fighters landing punches and Ole some knees and kicks. At one point Ole goes down on one knee, due to his knee problem. Later Ole jumps away on one foot, no longer able to stand on one leg. He gets a standing count that ends the round. Virgil obviously wins the fight.
Final: Marcus Öberg vs. Dzhabar Askerov Swedens hope to be in the international K-1 circus 2009 stands and falls with Marcus Öberg. Dzhabar seemed really strong in the earlier fights, but the cut above his eye migh pose a problem.
Round 1
1 minute in to the fight Dzhabar is bleeding a bit, but Dzhabar has already showed that he's not to play with. Both fighters deliver a good fight and keep calm. The fight is stopped so Dzhabars cut can be taken care of. Towards the end of the round Dzhabar seem to get tired, and Marcus probably won the round.
Round 2
In the beginning of the round the Swedish crowd yells Dzhabar, somewhat surprisingly. Marcus holds a tight guard against Dzhabars punches, and lands some god knees and kicks. Marcus probably won this round too.
Round 3
Both fightes come out hard but a minute into the fight the match is stopped, Dzhabar is bleeding to much. None of the fighters seem happy about it, but Dzhabar is crying and throws Marcus off him when Marcus tries to comfort him.
Swedish Marcus Öberg (Mamas boy for you who saw the pre fight interviews) is in the K-1 Max Final 16 and the Contender Muay Thai!
