Fightcards; http://www.k-1.co.jp/en/event/2010/0403_wgp/index.html Vids; http://www.youtube.com/user/k1?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/0/Nw2GEiKAwew http://www.youtube.com/user/k1?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/1/LjiPN8ebhQA http://www.youtube.com/user/k1?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/2/DppxyqayAww http://www.youtube.com/user/k1?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/3/hHDyY68dq1M http://www.youtube.com/user/k1?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/5/-_iJ4cYVIwg What do you think?
I was surprised to hear that Aerts got KOed. Apart from that, no real surprises. Except maybe JLB managing to get back to winning ways. Spong has been a bit of a flop on the world stage.
I think you're underrating JLB a bit here. He's a good fighter ... if he trains seriously and if he focusses on the job without having too many distractions. He did some serious training in Holland at Chakuriki this time and it showed, even though he only trained there for 3 weeks of so. If he can up his stamina (3 weeks is way too short for that), he can still have some good fights. Spong is a real fighter and great sportsman. His mind is really strong. He hasn't impressed so far at heavyweight, but it's getting better. I'm glad he wasn't KOed in the first as Jerome nearly punched his head off with a straight left. Spong came back strong to win the third. Aerts is getting older (40), slower, his speed reflexes deteriorate and he also underrated this talented Japanese fighter. He mainly blaims the weight, but I don't think getting bigger is gonna give him the deciding edge to beat these new guys. He's not gonna get any faster by gaining weight ... I fear Aerts is gonna compete for too long and will taste more of these career ending knockouts or beatings. Anyway great event, nice fights! The fights can be seen here; enjoy! http://k1fighter.blogspot.com/
Don't get me wrong, I know how good Le Banner can be and his standing in the sport. He is one of the best fighters K-1 has had and one of the best to not win a Grand Prix imo. But at this stage in his career, where not only is he getting old, but he has suffered from a recurring arm injury, I just don't expect as much from him and see him as being on the slide. In fact I would expect him to retire within the next year or so. I think this win should not be overstated. Spong is a good fighter, but I think he is too small for the Super Heavies in the WGP and he has as of yet failed to prove himself on the world stage.
