TOKYO, February 4, 2007 -- Since its inception in 2002, K-1 World Max has become a fan favorite in Japan and around the world, not least of which because the 70 kg/154lb weight class consistently delivers spirited, fast paced bouts. Last June, Thailand's Buakaw Por Pramuk defeated Andy Souwer to claim the World Max Championship for the second time.

Both Defending Champion Buakaw and inaugural World Max Champion Albert Kraus of Holland will appear in Superfights at this season's first World Max event, the Japan 2007 Tournament, set for February 5 at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo's seaside district of Odaiba.

Hiroki Shishido and Keiji Ozaki

Tatsuji and Hayato

Participating fighters met the media today at the TBS television network's headquarters in downtown Tokyo. The mood was relaxed, the combatants trading the occasional jibe but otherwise restrained with their comments -- one after the other simply pledging to "do their best."

Yoshihiro Sato and Yasuhito Shirasu

The eight-man tournament will follow K-1's classic format -- first-tier fights advancing a quartet of winners to the semis, the victors there clashing in the final.

Continuing a K-1 tradition, a single non-Japanese will also be competing in the event -- Andy Ologun of Nigeria starting things off with a bout against Takayuki Kohiruimaki. The other fight in the first bracket will feature Tatsuji and Hayato. In the second bracket, it will be Hiroki Shishido vs Keiji Ozaki, and Yoshihiro Sato vs Yasuhito Shirasu.

Takayuki Kohiruimaki and Andy Ologun

Buakaw's Superfight opponent will be Mongolian Tsogto "Shinobu" Amara; while Kraus will mix things up with Murat Direkci of Turkey in the Main Event.

Buakaw Por.Pramuk and Tsogto "Shinobu" Amara

All fights will be conducted under regular K-1 World Max Rules, three rounds of three minutes each, with one possible tiebreaker round. The winner of the tournament will collect 5 million yen in prize money, with a bonus of 300,000 yen for each knock out.

Albert Kraus and Murat Direkci

Building on the expanding interest in World Max, K-1 Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa announced that '07 will see some 20 events featuring World Max contests, in Japan and in licensed K-1 Fighting Network productions scheduled for Croatia, Sweden, Korea and elsewhere.

All Fighters

The K-1 World Max 2007 Japan Tournament kicks off at 5 p.m. Japan time. For official results and comprehensive post-event coverage of this and all K-1 events, visit the K-1 Official Website at www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp.