At this segment, we asked the fighters, people involved which fight they fought or saw became their turning point for their career.

—HIROYA
HIROYA is truly one of the fighters who has been leading the New K-1. He was heavily influenced by former K-1 WORLD MAX champion Masato. Hiroya’s memorable fight is the fight where Masato defeated Albert Kraus by KO to win the K-1 WORLD MAX 2003 TOURNAMENT.

“I have been inspired by Masato and he is the reason why I was able to come this far. It’s not too much to say that I remember all of his fights. But that fight between Alber Kraus was the fight I remember the most. I respect Masato’s mental strength and his strict way of living as a true champion.”

—Akiyo “Wicky” Nishiura.
“The fight where Kid Yamamoto KO’d some opponent when I was 19. I thought his punching power is out of this world. He is an amazing fighter so I was determined to work hard to be like him.”