TOKYO, May 3, 2005 -- In an overflowing press conference at the new K-1 EX Gym in the fashionable Roppongi Hills Complex, local and international media got a look at the fighters who will compete in tomorrow's K-1 World Max 2005 World Open Tournament.

The K-1 World Max, with its 70kg (154lbs) weight class, has proved enormously popular since its inception in 2003. The action is fast and furious, and thus far a European (Albert Kraus, 2003); a Japanese (Masato, 2004); and a Thai (Buakaw Por Pramuk, 2004) have won the Championship Final.

These three Champions will be showcasing their skills alongside a host of other top World Max fighters and some new hopefuls in the 2005 Open Tournament, set for May 4 at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo's bayside district of Odaiba.

K-1 Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa told the media: "I think serious martial arts fans and the general public alike will find this a super card, there are many exciting matchups, from the first fight right up to the main event. Ticket sales have been brisk and I've just been informed that the event is already totally sold out, so you will have to watch it on TBS, it is being broadcast during prime time. We can see that fans love World Max, and I believe that everyone will be satisfied tomorrow."

In the main event, it will be Japanese fighter and 2004 World Max Champion Masato against popular Korean fighter Chi Bin Lim, who will be making his K-1 debut. Masato was a man of few words at the press conference, saying simply: "I will win by KO, that's all." Replied a similarly reserved Lim: "I need say nothing, only that I'm ready for action."

Defending World Max Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand will meet Belorussian fighter Vasily Shish in the penultimate Superfight. Shish is a protégé of Alexey Ignashov's manager Igor Jushko. Said Shish: "Buakaw is strong but who will be stronger tomorrow? I will show you what I can do." Buakaw: "I'll win, just watch and see."

World Max 2003 Champion Albert Kraus of the Netherlands will face a presumably well-prepared Virgil Kalakoda. Hailing from South Africa, Kalakoda, is the son of veteran K-1 trainer Steve Kalakoda. This will be his K-1 debut, a baptism by fire. Said Kraus: "I want to be #1, so watch me tomorrow, you'll see me do my best" Kalakoda: "I respect Albert, he is a Champion and I have studied his fights, but I am in the best shape possible and you'll see me emerge as a new star in K-1."

In a much-anticipated Superfight, tough guy Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto of Japan will step in against the hard-punching Mike Zambidis of Greece. Yamamoto: "I am getting better and better in K-1, you'll see my improvement tomorrow." Zambidis: "I don't have much to say here, I will let my actions speak for me in the ring, I will teach Yamamoto about kickboxing."

In the card's first contest, Seidokaikan fighter Kasuya Yasuhiro of Japan will meet Mongolian former pro-wrestler Jadamba Narantungalag. Yasuhiro: "I don't think of my opponent, just focus on my preparation, and I will do my best." Narantungalag: "It will be interesting because I know my opponent is aggressive, but I will not lose."

Takayuki Kohiruimaki, who won the World Max Japan in both '04 and '05; will step in against the lightning-fast Darius Skliaudys of Lithuania in the next bout. Kohiruimaki: "I want to represent Japan and do my best." Skliaudys: "My life's dream is to fight in K-1 Max, I am grateful to everyone who helped me get here. I know Kohiruimaki is strong so I will have to be strong too."

The third matchup pits popular Australian John Wayne Parr against fellow Oceanic fighter Shane Chapman of New Zealand. Parr: "Shane and I are good friends out of the ring, but I'm very well prepared and I want to win and get through to the next stage." Chapman: "I like and respect John, but there can only be one winner, I want to represent New Zealand tomorrow, and win so I can do that again at the July World Max Final."

Dutch Shoot Boxer Andy Souwer and Marfio "The Warrior Tiger" Canoletti of Brazil will meet in the card's fourth contest. Souwer: "Marfio is aggressive but I am more aggressive, I will fight as hard as I can, it's going to be a great, hard fight." Canoletti: "I trained hard and I will win tomorrow, for my trainer and my daughter."

Japanese fighter Yoshihiro Sato will take on William Diender of the Netherlands. Sato: "I will take nothing but a win." Diender: "I will give 100%, show you my right straight and everything else."

An undercard bout will feature Sam "Hands of Stone" Stout of Canada. Stout  was one of the fighters who participated in the K-1 open tryouts at the Bellagio Hotel last year, and in his debut he will step in against Koutetsu Boku of Japan. Boku: I'll fight aggressively" Stout: "I will and impose my will, and represent not only myself here, but North America."

The K-1 World Max Open Tournament 2005 kicks off at 5 pm on Wednesday, May 4 at the Ariake Coliseum. See the official matchups here: http://www.so-net.ne.jp/feg/k-1gp/top647.htm. The event will be broadcast live in Japan on the TBS television network. Check the K-1 Official website for complete coverage soon after the final bell.