“Dam Dot Com” Buakhao Por Prumuk’s challenge in his pursuit of the K-1 Contest for three times in a row was ended in the first round after he was heavily punched by Masato to suffer the eight-count in the competition on October 3. Buakhao vowed to make amends next year. 

Foto: Buakhao Por Pramuk (source: Muaythaiporprumuk.com)

The K-1 Finals, which saw eight fighters vie for the top honour on October 3 at Nippon Budokan Stadium in Japan, were curtained down, with more than 10,000 fans packing the competing venue to cheer on their favourite boxers.

Buakhao Por Pramuk, champion in 2004 and 2006, faced Japanese Masato Kobayachi, the winner in 2003 who lost his crown to Buakhao in the final in 2004.

Buakhao came out aggressively. He showed his great form to powerfully kick Masato to the rope. The Thai boxer then unleashed a series of hard punches and kicks, but could not do that much. Once, during the trade of punches, Masato lands a sharp punch, sending the Thai to canvass. The referee stopped the contest and started to count eight.

From then on, Buakhao tried his best to work more on punches, but after three rounds, Masato emerged as the winner on points decision 30-27 29-27 29-27.

After the competition, Buakhao said, “I’m very disappointed to let Thai fans down with my form. I will come back next year to revive my fortunes.”

Elsewhere in the first-round contest, Arthur Krishenko from Ukraine beat Greek Mike Simbitis on points, Netherlander Albert Clouse  knocked out Japanese Yoshihiro Sato in round 3, Andy Shower from the Netherlands knocked out Drago in round 2. 

The semi-finals saw Japanese Masato Kobayachi knock Ukrainian Arthur Krishenko out in round 2, Andy Shower from the Netherlands beat compatriot Albert Clouse on points, while Netherlander Andy Shower beat Japanese Masato Kobayashi by technical knock-out in the first round. Kobayashi suffered an injury in the semi-finals and refused to continue the fight in the final, handing the Netherlander Andy Shower the victory for the second time to take home the Y20-million cash prize.

Source: Muay Siam Daily, 4 October 2007