K-1 World Grand Prix 2003
Encyclopedia
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final was a kickboxing
event promoted by the K-1
organization. The event was held at the Tokyo Dome
in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday,December 6, 2003 in front of 67,320 spectators. It was the eleventh K-1 World Grand Prix final involving ten of the world's best fighters (two being reservists). The eight finalists had almost all qualified via preliminary events, while two additional fighters were invited as reserve fighters (for more detail on this see bulleted list below), with all bouts being fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs). As well as tournament bouts there was also an 'Opening Fight' between Yusuke Fujimoto
and Matthias Riccio and a 'Super Fight' between Martin Holm
and Jan Nortje
, both fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were fourteen fighters at the event, representing ten countries.
The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko
, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts
, Mike Bernardo
and Francisco Filho
leading up to the World Grand Prix. However, due to contractual disputes that arose prior to the tournament final, Leko was pulled out of the competition and replaced by former boxer Francois Botha
. It would be a man who had previously lost to Leko that won the Grand Prix.
The tournament winner was Remy Bonjasky
who defeated Musashi
in the final by third round unanimous decision. Both fighters would be making their first ever K-1 World Grand Prix final appearance, with Remy Bonjasky winning on his first visit to the finals.
Qualifiers - Finalists
Qualifiers - Reservists
|
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final was a kickboxing
event promoted by the K-1
organization. The event was held at the Tokyo Dome
in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday,December 6, 2003 in front of 67,320 spectators. It was the eleventh K-1 World Grand Prix final involving ten of the world's best fighters (two being reservists). The eight finalists had almost all qualified via preliminary events, while two additional fighters were invited as reserve fighters (for more detail on this see bulleted list below), with all bouts being fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs). As well as tournament bouts there was also an 'Opening Fight' between Yusuke Fujimoto
and Matthias Riccio and a 'Super Fight' between Martin Holm
and Jan Nortje
, both fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were fourteen fighters at the event, representing ten countries.
The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko
, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts
, Mike Bernardo
and Francisco Filho
leading up to the World Grand Prix. However, due to contractual disputes that arose prior to the tournament final, Leko was pulled out of the competition and replaced by former boxer Francois Botha
. It would be a man who had previously lost to Leko that won the Grand Prix.
The tournament winner was Remy Bonjasky
who defeated Musashi
in the final by third round unanimous decision. Both fighters would be making their first ever K-1 World Grand Prix final appearance, with Remy Bonjasky winning on his first visit to the finals.
Qualifiers - Finalists
Qualifiers - Reservists
|
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final was a kickboxing
event promoted by the K-1
organization. The event was held at the Tokyo Dome
in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday,December 6, 2003 in front of 67,320 spectators. It was the eleventh K-1 World Grand Prix final involving ten of the world's best fighters (two being reservists). The eight finalists had almost all qualified via preliminary events, while two additional fighters were invited as reserve fighters (for more detail on this see bulleted list below), with all bouts being fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs). As well as tournament bouts there was also an 'Opening Fight' between Yusuke Fujimoto
and Matthias Riccio and a 'Super Fight' between Martin Holm
and Jan Nortje
, both fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were fourteen fighters at the event, representing ten countries.
The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko
, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts
, Mike Bernardo
and Francisco Filho
leading up to the World Grand Prix. However, due to contractual disputes that arose prior to the tournament final, Leko was pulled out of the competition and replaced by former boxer Francois Botha
. It would be a man who had previously lost to Leko that won the Grand Prix.
The tournament winner was Remy Bonjasky
who defeated Musashi
in the final by third round unanimous decision. Both fighters would be making their first ever K-1 World Grand Prix final appearance, with Remy Bonjasky winning on his first visit to the finals.
Qualifiers - Finalists
Qualifiers - Reservists
|
{|class="wikitable" width="100%"
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| Opening Fight (+95 kg): K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Yusuke Fujimoto
def. Matthias Riccio
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Reserve Fight: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Carter Williams
def. Bjorn Bregy
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Quarter Finals: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center| Cyril Abidi
def. Francois Botha
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Remy Bonjasky
def. Peter Graham
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center| Musashi
def. Ray Sefo
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center| Peter Aerts
def. Alexey Ignashov
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Semi Finals: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center| Remy Bonjasky
def. Cyril Abidi
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center| Musashi
def. Peter Aerts
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| Super Fight (+95 kg): K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Martin Holm
def. Jan Nortje
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Final: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.2R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center| Remy Bonjasky
def. Musashi
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|}
|}
Kickboxing
Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....
event promoted by the K-1
K-1
K-1 is a defunct world-wide kickboxing promotion based in Tokyo, Japan founded by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a formerKyokushin karate practitioner. K-1 combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Savate, San Shou, kickboxing, western-style boxing, and other martial arts...
organization. The event was held at the Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday,December 6, 2003 in front of 67,320 spectators. It was the eleventh K-1 World Grand Prix final involving ten of the world's best fighters (two being reservists). The eight finalists had almost all qualified via preliminary events, while two additional fighters were invited as reserve fighters (for more detail on this see bulleted list below), with all bouts being fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs). As well as tournament bouts there was also an 'Opening Fight' between Yusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto is a Japanese former heavyweight kickboxer who competed in K-1 and was the K-1 World GP 2007 in Hong Kong tournament champion. He is called "Bun Bun Maru" because he takes big swings when he throws punches.-Retirement:...
and Matthias Riccio and a 'Super Fight' between Martin Holm
Martin Holm
Martin Holm was a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer and former WMC Muaythai World Champion. In K-1 he fought against some of the biggest stars at the time, like Ernesto Hoost, Ray Sefo, Michael McDonald and Glaube Feitosa....
and Jan Nortje
Jan Nortje
Johannes "Jan" Nortje is a South African kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling....
, both fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were fourteen fighters at the event, representing ten countries.
The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko
Stefan Leko
Stefan "Blitz" Leko is a German-Croatian heavyweight kickboxer. He is former Muay Thai world heavyweight champion and Kickboxing world super-heavyweight champion, K-1 European Grand Prix 1998 champion, 1999 K-1 Dream champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas tournament champion...
, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts
Peter Aerts
Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
, Mike Bernardo
Mike Bernardo
Michael "Mike" Bernardo is a South African former kickboxer and boxer from Cape Town. Bernardo is known as Beru-chan in Japan, where he has taken part in K-1 World GPs since 1994...
and Francisco Filho
Francisco Filho
Francisco Filho may refer to:* Francisco Filho , martial artist born in Bahia* Francisco Filho , football coach born in São Paulo...
leading up to the World Grand Prix. However, due to contractual disputes that arose prior to the tournament final, Leko was pulled out of the competition and replaced by former boxer Francois Botha
Francois Botha
Francois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
. It would be a man who had previously lost to Leko that won the Grand Prix.
The tournament winner was Remy Bonjasky
Remy Bonjasky
Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
who defeated Musashi
Musashi (kickboxer)
is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
in the final by third round unanimous decision. Both fighters would be making their first ever K-1 World Grand Prix final appearance, with Remy Bonjasky winning on his first visit to the finals.
Qualifiers - Finalists
- Cyril AbidiCyril AbidiCyril "Marseille Bad Boy" Abidi is a French former super heavyweight kickboxer. His road to fame started in 2000 when he entered K-1 and created a huge upset with a first round knockout win over legendary Peter Aerts....
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Peter AertsPeter AertsPeter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Remy BonjaskyRemy BonjaskyRemy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Francois BothaFrancois BothaFrancois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
- Invitee, replaced Stefan Leko who had a contractual dispute - Peter GrahamPeter Graham (kickboxer)Peter "The Chief" Graham is an Australian kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. His enterance music is AC/DC's Thunderstruck andhe has trademarked his special moves like his somersault kick, The Rolling Thunder.-Kickboxing:...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Alexey IgnashovAlexey IgnashovAlexey "The Red Scorpion" Ignashov is a Belarusian Super Heavyweight kickboxer. He is a four-time Muay Thai World champion, K-1 World GP 2003 in Paris and K-1 World GP 2001 in Nagoya tournament champion...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - MusashiMusashi (kickboxer)is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
- K-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix Final winner - Ray SefoRay Sefo"Sugar" Ray Sefo is a New Zealand kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. He is five time Muay Thai World champion and eight time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada and training with Xtreme Couture.He holds notable wins in the K-1 over...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination
Qualifiers - Reservists
- Bjorn BregyBjörn BregyBjörn "The Rock" Bregy is a Swiss super heavyweight kickboxer, European Yoseikan Budo Champion and K-1 Europe 2006 in Amsterdam tournament Champion.-Career:...
- Invitee - Carter WilliamsCarter WilliamsCarter Lee Williams is an American kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist, who fights out of Modesto Power in Modesto, California. He is a former North American Muay Thai champion and K-1 World GP in Las Vegas tournament champion....
- Invitee
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Tournament
* Francois Botha replaced Stefan Leko in the Quarter Finals due to contractual disputes and unconfirmed "injury"Results
{| class="toccolours" width=50% style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"|
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final was a kickboxing
Kickboxing
Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....
event promoted by the K-1
K-1
K-1 is a defunct world-wide kickboxing promotion based in Tokyo, Japan founded by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a formerKyokushin karate practitioner. K-1 combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Savate, San Shou, kickboxing, western-style boxing, and other martial arts...
organization. The event was held at the Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday,December 6, 2003 in front of 67,320 spectators. It was the eleventh K-1 World Grand Prix final involving ten of the world's best fighters (two being reservists). The eight finalists had almost all qualified via preliminary events, while two additional fighters were invited as reserve fighters (for more detail on this see bulleted list below), with all bouts being fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs). As well as tournament bouts there was also an 'Opening Fight' between Yusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto is a Japanese former heavyweight kickboxer who competed in K-1 and was the K-1 World GP 2007 in Hong Kong tournament champion. He is called "Bun Bun Maru" because he takes big swings when he throws punches.-Retirement:...
and Matthias Riccio and a 'Super Fight' between Martin Holm
Martin Holm
Martin Holm was a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer and former WMC Muaythai World Champion. In K-1 he fought against some of the biggest stars at the time, like Ernesto Hoost, Ray Sefo, Michael McDonald and Glaube Feitosa....
and Jan Nortje
Jan Nortje
Johannes "Jan" Nortje is a South African kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling....
, both fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were fourteen fighters at the event, representing ten countries.
The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko
Stefan Leko
Stefan "Blitz" Leko is a German-Croatian heavyweight kickboxer. He is former Muay Thai world heavyweight champion and Kickboxing world super-heavyweight champion, K-1 European Grand Prix 1998 champion, 1999 K-1 Dream champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas tournament champion...
, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts
Peter Aerts
Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
, Mike Bernardo
Mike Bernardo
Michael "Mike" Bernardo is a South African former kickboxer and boxer from Cape Town. Bernardo is known as Beru-chan in Japan, where he has taken part in K-1 World GPs since 1994...
and Francisco Filho
Francisco Filho
Francisco Filho may refer to:* Francisco Filho , martial artist born in Bahia* Francisco Filho , football coach born in São Paulo...
leading up to the World Grand Prix. However, due to contractual disputes that arose prior to the tournament final, Leko was pulled out of the competition and replaced by former boxer Francois Botha
Francois Botha
Francois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
. It would be a man who had previously lost to Leko that won the Grand Prix.
The tournament winner was Remy Bonjasky
Remy Bonjasky
Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
who defeated Musashi
Musashi (kickboxer)
is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
in the final by third round unanimous decision. Both fighters would be making their first ever K-1 World Grand Prix final appearance, with Remy Bonjasky winning on his first visit to the finals.
Qualifiers - Finalists
- Cyril AbidiCyril AbidiCyril "Marseille Bad Boy" Abidi is a French former super heavyweight kickboxer. His road to fame started in 2000 when he entered K-1 and created a huge upset with a first round knockout win over legendary Peter Aerts....
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Peter AertsPeter AertsPeter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Remy BonjaskyRemy BonjaskyRemy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Francois BothaFrancois BothaFrancois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
- Invitee, replaced Stefan Leko who had a contractual dispute - Peter GrahamPeter Graham (kickboxer)Peter "The Chief" Graham is an Australian kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. His enterance music is AC/DC's Thunderstruck andhe has trademarked his special moves like his somersault kick, The Rolling Thunder.-Kickboxing:...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Alexey IgnashovAlexey IgnashovAlexey "The Red Scorpion" Ignashov is a Belarusian Super Heavyweight kickboxer. He is a four-time Muay Thai World champion, K-1 World GP 2003 in Paris and K-1 World GP 2001 in Nagoya tournament champion...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - MusashiMusashi (kickboxer)is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
- K-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix Final winner - Ray SefoRay Sefo"Sugar" Ray Sefo is a New Zealand kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. He is five time Muay Thai World champion and eight time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada and training with Xtreme Couture.He holds notable wins in the K-1 over...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination
Qualifiers - Reservists
- Bjorn BregyBjörn BregyBjörn "The Rock" Bregy is a Swiss super heavyweight kickboxer, European Yoseikan Budo Champion and K-1 Europe 2006 in Amsterdam tournament Champion.-Career:...
- Invitee - Carter WilliamsCarter WilliamsCarter Lee Williams is an American kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist, who fights out of Modesto Power in Modesto, California. He is a former North American Muay Thai champion and K-1 World GP in Las Vegas tournament champion....
- Invitee
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Tournament
* Francois Botha replaced Stefan Leko in the Quarter Finals due to contractual disputes and unconfirmed "injury"Results
{| class="toccolours" width=50% style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"|
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final was a kickboxing
Kickboxing
Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....
event promoted by the K-1
K-1
K-1 is a defunct world-wide kickboxing promotion based in Tokyo, Japan founded by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a formerKyokushin karate practitioner. K-1 combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Savate, San Shou, kickboxing, western-style boxing, and other martial arts...
organization. The event was held at the Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday,December 6, 2003 in front of 67,320 spectators. It was the eleventh K-1 World Grand Prix final involving ten of the world's best fighters (two being reservists). The eight finalists had almost all qualified via preliminary events, while two additional fighters were invited as reserve fighters (for more detail on this see bulleted list below), with all bouts being fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs). As well as tournament bouts there was also an 'Opening Fight' between Yusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto is a Japanese former heavyweight kickboxer who competed in K-1 and was the K-1 World GP 2007 in Hong Kong tournament champion. He is called "Bun Bun Maru" because he takes big swings when he throws punches.-Retirement:...
and Matthias Riccio and a 'Super Fight' between Martin Holm
Martin Holm
Martin Holm was a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer and former WMC Muaythai World Champion. In K-1 he fought against some of the biggest stars at the time, like Ernesto Hoost, Ray Sefo, Michael McDonald and Glaube Feitosa....
and Jan Nortje
Jan Nortje
Johannes "Jan" Nortje is a South African kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling....
, both fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were fourteen fighters at the event, representing ten countries.
The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko
Stefan Leko
Stefan "Blitz" Leko is a German-Croatian heavyweight kickboxer. He is former Muay Thai world heavyweight champion and Kickboxing world super-heavyweight champion, K-1 European Grand Prix 1998 champion, 1999 K-1 Dream champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas tournament champion...
, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts
Peter Aerts
Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
, Mike Bernardo
Mike Bernardo
Michael "Mike" Bernardo is a South African former kickboxer and boxer from Cape Town. Bernardo is known as Beru-chan in Japan, where he has taken part in K-1 World GPs since 1994...
and Francisco Filho
Francisco Filho
Francisco Filho may refer to:* Francisco Filho , martial artist born in Bahia* Francisco Filho , football coach born in São Paulo...
leading up to the World Grand Prix. However, due to contractual disputes that arose prior to the tournament final, Leko was pulled out of the competition and replaced by former boxer Francois Botha
Francois Botha
Francois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
. It would be a man who had previously lost to Leko that won the Grand Prix.
The tournament winner was Remy Bonjasky
Remy Bonjasky
Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
who defeated Musashi
Musashi (kickboxer)
is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
in the final by third round unanimous decision. Both fighters would be making their first ever K-1 World Grand Prix final appearance, with Remy Bonjasky winning on his first visit to the finals.
Qualifiers - Finalists
- Cyril AbidiCyril AbidiCyril "Marseille Bad Boy" Abidi is a French former super heavyweight kickboxer. His road to fame started in 2000 when he entered K-1 and created a huge upset with a first round knockout win over legendary Peter Aerts....
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Peter AertsPeter AertsPeter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Remy BonjaskyRemy BonjaskyRemy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Francois BothaFrancois BothaFrancois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
- Invitee, replaced Stefan Leko who had a contractual dispute - Peter GrahamPeter Graham (kickboxer)Peter "The Chief" Graham is an Australian kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. His enterance music is AC/DC's Thunderstruck andhe has trademarked his special moves like his somersault kick, The Rolling Thunder.-Kickboxing:...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - Alexey IgnashovAlexey IgnashovAlexey "The Red Scorpion" Ignashov is a Belarusian Super Heavyweight kickboxer. He is a four-time Muay Thai World champion, K-1 World GP 2003 in Paris and K-1 World GP 2001 in Nagoya tournament champion...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination - MusashiMusashi (kickboxer)is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
- K-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix Final winner - Ray SefoRay Sefo"Sugar" Ray Sefo is a New Zealand kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. He is five time Muay Thai World champion and eight time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada and training with Xtreme Couture.He holds notable wins in the K-1 over...
- Won fight at K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination
Qualifiers - Reservists
- Bjorn BregyBjörn BregyBjörn "The Rock" Bregy is a Swiss super heavyweight kickboxer, European Yoseikan Budo Champion and K-1 Europe 2006 in Amsterdam tournament Champion.-Career:...
- Invitee - Carter WilliamsCarter WilliamsCarter Lee Williams is an American kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist, who fights out of Modesto Power in Modesto, California. He is a former North American Muay Thai champion and K-1 World GP in Las Vegas tournament champion....
- Invitee
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Tournament
* Francois Botha replaced Stefan Leko in the Quarter Finals due to contractual disputes and unconfirmed "injury"Results
{| class="toccolours" width=50% style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"|
K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Results
{|class="wikitable" width="100%"
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| Opening Fight (+95 kg): K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Yusuke FujimotoYusuke Fujimoto
Yusuke Fujimoto is a Japanese former heavyweight kickboxer who competed in K-1 and was the K-1 World GP 2007 in Hong Kong tournament champion. He is called "Bun Bun Maru" because he takes big swings when he throws punches.-Retirement:...
def. Matthias Riccio
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Reserve Fight: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Carter WilliamsCarter Williams
Carter Lee Williams is an American kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist, who fights out of Modesto Power in Modesto, California. He is a former North American Muay Thai champion and K-1 World GP in Las Vegas tournament champion....
def. Bjorn Bregy
Björn Bregy
Björn "The Rock" Bregy is a Swiss super heavyweight kickboxer, European Yoseikan Budo Champion and K-1 Europe 2006 in Amsterdam tournament Champion.-Career:...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Quarter Finals: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Cyril AbidiCyril Abidi
Cyril "Marseille Bad Boy" Abidi is a French former super heavyweight kickboxer. His road to fame started in 2000 when he entered K-1 and created a huge upset with a first round knockout win over legendary Peter Aerts....
def. Francois Botha
Francois Botha
Francois Botha , also known as Frans Botha, is a South African boxer, nicknamed the "White Buffalo". Botha won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in 1995 when he outpointed Axel Schulz in Germany...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Remy BonjaskyRemy Bonjasky
Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
def. Peter Graham
Peter Graham (kickboxer)
Peter "The Chief" Graham is an Australian kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. His enterance music is AC/DC's Thunderstruck andhe has trademarked his special moves like his somersault kick, The Rolling Thunder.-Kickboxing:...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
MusashiMusashi (kickboxer)
is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
def. Ray Sefo
Ray Sefo
"Sugar" Ray Sefo is a New Zealand kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. He is five time Muay Thai World champion and eight time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada and training with Xtreme Couture.He holds notable wins in the K-1 over...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Peter AertsPeter Aerts
Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
def. Alexey Ignashov
Alexey Ignashov
Alexey "The Red Scorpion" Ignashov is a Belarusian Super Heavyweight kickboxer. He is a four-time Muay Thai World champion, K-1 World GP 2003 in Paris and K-1 World GP 2001 in Nagoya tournament champion...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Semi Finals: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Remy BonjaskyRemy Bonjasky
Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
def. Cyril Abidi
Cyril Abidi
Cyril "Marseille Bad Boy" Abidi is a French former super heavyweight kickboxer. His road to fame started in 2000 when he entered K-1 and created a huge upset with a first round knockout win over legendary Peter Aerts....
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
MusashiMusashi (kickboxer)
is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
def. Peter Aerts
Peter Aerts
Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| Super Fight (+95 kg): K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Martin HolmMartin Holm
Martin Holm was a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer and former WMC Muaythai World Champion. In K-1 he fought against some of the biggest stars at the time, like Ernesto Hoost, Ray Sefo, Michael McDonald and Glaube Feitosa....
def. Jan Nortje
Jan Nortje
Johannes "Jan" Nortje is a South African kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling....
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| K-1 Grand Prix Final: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.2R
|- align="center" bgcolor=
| align=center|
Remy BonjaskyRemy Bonjasky
Remy "The Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer of Surinamese descent. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, who has won the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008...
def. Musashi
Musashi (kickboxer)
is a retired professional Japanese Heavyweight karateka and kickboxer. He is 4 time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist...
|-
! style=background:white colspan=2 |.
|-
|}
|}
Trivia
- This is the first of three K-1 World Grand Prix's won by Remy "the Flying Gentleman" Bonjasky.
- This would start the beginning of a 7 fight win streak during the K-1 World Grand Prix by Bonjasky (which spans from the 2003 to 2005). As of 2006 only Ernesto Hoost has won that many fights in the K-1 World Grand Prix but Bonjasky's win streak started with his debut appearance in the K-1 World Grand Prix (2003) while Hoost's win streak occurred years after his K-1 World Grand Prix debut in 1993 (his streak was between 1999–2001).
See also
- List of K-1 events
- List of K-1 champions
- List of male kickboxers
- List of kickboxing organizations
External links
