TOKYO, December 3, 2004 -- Some 500 people packed a press conference at the Shin Takanawa Hotel in downtown Tokyo this afternoon. (Quipped UK promoter Paul Hennessey: "I've had events where fewer people showed up!") The many were here to get a look at the few -- the final eight fighters who have made it through scores of qualifying and elimination tournaments, and will do battle at the Tokyo Dome tomorrow for fight sport's most coveted title -- the K-1 World Grand Prix Championship.

In the classic K-1 attrition tournament format, a set of quarterfinals will advance four fighters to the semis, the two winners there will go for glory in the final. The tournament matchups are here: http://www.so-net.ne.jp/feg/k-1gp/top630.htm

The first fight will feature Muay Thai wunderkind Kaoklai Kaennorsing of Thailand. At just 21 years of age and 78kg (172lbs) Kaoklai is the both the youngest and the lightest fighter ever to compete in the Final. His opponent, American slugger Mighty Mo, is the heaviest fighter here at 127kg (280lbs).

Both men looked relaxed as they strode onto the stage, with Kaoklai getting a spirited round of and applause from many in the audience -- particularly the French contingent.

"I am happy to be here and promise to do my best." said the soft-spoken Kaoklai. Mo was similarly economical with his comments: "I'm also happy, thank you for having me here."

Ray Sefo of New Zealand will step in against Japanese Seidokaikan fighter Musashi in the second bout. In the best performance of his career, Musashi defeated Sefo and Peter Aerts last year's GP Final, before losing the Championship bout to Remy Bonjasky by decision. But this year, Sefo is a clear favorite for many fight writers and fans. The Kiwi's manager, Dixon McIver, agrees: "The only person who stands in Ray's way is Ray himself. And he is ready."

"It is always an honor to be here among the best fighters in the world," smiled Sefo from the stage. "I feel great, hopefully tomorrow I will be standing here addressing you as the new Champion."

Said Musashi, "Ray and I are even now in our fights, with one win and one loss each. We'll see what happens tomorrow. I am prepared, I have done everything I have to do."

Three-time World GP Champion Peter Aerts of the Netherlands will step in against South African boxer Francois "The White Buffalo" Botha in the first of the "Dutch bracket" matchups. Aerts' entrance also drew a loud cheer from the sizable Dutch contingent in the audience.

"Francois is my friend," joked the personable Aerts, "so I will knock him out friendly-like!"

"I have tremendous respect for Peter," replied Botha, "but come fight time it's business, and the Buffalo is going to get him!"

And in a highly-anticipated fight, Defending World Grand Prix Champion Remy Bonjasky will meet the sport's only four-time GP Champion, Ernesto "Mr. Perfect" Hoost. In a poll on K-1 USA Website, over half the respondents predict the man who emerges from this bout will go on to win the tournament.

The elite Dutch pair certainly looked the part -- Hoost in classic tan three piece, Bonjasky daringly setting off his black and chocolate striped suit with a lime green tie. Both fighters looked fit, focused, and confident.

"It's good to be back to defend my title," said Bonjasky, "tomorrow I will show everyone I am a true champion. It's simple, I want to be the best in the sport!"

Replied Hoost, "I am looking forward to the Grand Prix. I could not defend my title last year, so I want to get it back. I believe I can do that and become a five-time champion."

The Final's reserve bouts will pit K-1 veteran Jerome LeBanner of France against Japanese tough guy Hiromi Amada; and French kickboxer Cyril Abidi against slugger Gary Goodridge of Trinidad and Tobago. The winners of these fights will be parachuted into the tournament if an injury forces one of the final eight to withdraw.

K-1 Game Producer Nobuaki Kakuda mused on the phenomenal growth of K-1. "It is quality and leadership and a pure sport ethic that has ensured K-1 would endure beyond the 'trend' phase. In the Chinese calendar, 12 years is one cycle. This is the 12th championship and we have come round and are moving forward stronger than ever. I know tomorrow we will see a great tournament."

Bob Halloran, the MGM Mirage Sports Events Director, was also on the dais. Halloran said he was thoroughly enjoying his first trip to Japan. "It is a delight to be here! I can tell you that K-1 is becoming very popular in the United States, and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the organization. We will have two more events in 2005 -- at the Bellagio in April and at the Mirage in August. I will also help introduce K-1 to the eastern part of the United States in the coming year. I wish all the fighters here the best of luck tomorrow."

K-1 Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa summed things up: "Clearly, K-1 is very much a worldwide sport now, I see many journalists here today from many different countries. This year we organized our first event in Korea, I am told that more than 500 people have come here on a special tour from Korea to see the Final! The appeal is simple, all the fighters give their all to win!"

The K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final kicks off at 5:00 pm Japan Time on Saturday, December 4th, at the Tokyo Dome. It will be same-day broadcast in Japan on the Fuji TV network and on pay-per-view in the United States by inDemand, Direct TV and TVN. The American broadcast is from 9:00 p.m. PST Dec 4 (midnight EST). The event will also be pay-per-view broadcast in Korea and shown on a delayed basis in more than 100 other countries. Consult your local provider for details, and check the K-1 Official Website (k-1gp.net) for complete coverage soon after the final bell.