Koji: “Without his kicks, Buakaw is nothing more than a sweet potato snack. ”Buakaw: “I’ll kill you!”
On October 18, a press conference was held ahead of the 『10.19 JAPAN MARTIAL ARTS EXPO PROLOGUE,』 featuring a Quintet Rules one-match, a Quintet Rules bout between TEAM SAKU vs. TEAM RIZIN, Ganryujima Rules, and the main event boxing match between Koji and Buakaw. All fighters set to compete in the latter half of the event, consisting of five matches divided into four segments, made their appearances.
The main event will see Koji face Buakaw in a 3-minute, 3-round boxing match with no decision.
Koji began practicing Nippon Kempo at the age of four and achieved notable success in karate. After turning professional, he gained experience in various rings in his hometown of Osaka. Starting in 2016, he made K-1 his primary battleground, gaining recognition for his stamina-driven intense battles and becoming a well-known name in Osaka. Since 2020, he has competed in RIZIN and even taken on MMA challenges.
Buakaw, on the other hand, made his debut at the K-1 WORLD MAX tournament in 2004, where he defeated Masato in the final by decision and claimed the title. He continued his winning streak and claimed his second championship in the 2006 tournament. In 2023, after a long absence from Japan, he faced Rukiya Anpo at RIZIN.42, where the match ended in a draw, but he reminded Japanese fans of his enduring strength.
At the press conference, Koji provocatively appeared while smoking a cigar and blew smoke in Buakaw’s face during the face-off, escalating tensions. Tomorrow’s match promises to be dangerously intense.
Comments from Koji and Buakaw at the press conference:
Koji:
(While puffing on his cigar) “I have nothing to say. I’m just going to fight, earn some quick money, donate to charity in Noto Peninsula, and go have a blast. Is this the end of the press conference? Does this press conference even have a point? Without his kicks, Buakaw is just like a sweet potato snack. We’re going to go all out tomorrow, so stay tuned. (Regarding Buakaw’s provocation) ‘I’ll kill you?’ Man, this guy is seriously evil.”
Buakaw:
“I’m Buakaw. I’m very happy today. This will be my first official boxing match, so I think it’s really special. I want to show everyone a great fight, so please watch closely. Thank you. (Responding to Koji’s comment about being a ‘sweet potato snack’ without kicks) Even without kicks, I’ll kill you.”
Event Overview
Noto Peninsula Earthquake Charity Event
JAPAN MARTIAL ARTS EXPO PROLOGUE
Event Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Doors Open: 12:30 PM, Event Starts: 2:00 PM
Venue: Yokohama BUNTAI (2-7-1 Furocho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0032)
Organizer: Japan Martial Arts Consortium
Ticket Prices: Arena Reserved Seats ¥10,000 (excluding tax) / General Admission (Free Seating) ¥3,000 (excluding tax)
Tickets on Sale: From Tuesday, October 1, 2024, via ePlus and other ticketing services.
How to watch：
12:30-（JST) U-NEXT（Only in Japan・Free）
https://video.unext.jp/livedetail/LIV0000006877?rid=FS00040
14:00-（JST) TrillerTV（Worldwide exlculding Japan・PPV）
https://www.trillertv.com/watch/japan-martial-arts-expo-2024/2pfqy/
14:00-（JST) Fight Plus（Worldwide excluding Japan・PPV）
https://fightplus.eu/item.html?id=4949480
Official Website：https://jmaexpo.com/
For the latest updates, please check the official social media channels