Irimia is about to “foster” the K1 phenomenon, which is close to bankruptcy, in order to resuscitate or renew it with a brand new formula right here, in Romania. On February 4th Edi Irimia will reveal the name of the sponsor together with whom he will bring back to life the golden era of kickboxing super-fights.

MR. IRIMIA, AT THE BEGINNING OF 2011, HOW DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE ORGANIZER OF THE MOST INTERESTING FIGHTING GALAS IN ROMANIA?

I think we are now witnessing a historic moment for the evolution of professional galas of the sort. First of all, the most important kickboxing promotion in the world (K1) starting last year began to show signs of financial blockage, which determined a chain reaction among promoters who considered these events through the implication of sportsmen. Sportsmen haven’t received their money for some time and then those who were able to keep supporting the phenomenon remained in small number. I had been talking for some time with firms specialized in selling television rights at international level, including with the most important federation in the world, WAKO PRO, with coverage both in the pro and amateur sections, through global recognition within sport ministries in various countries. The moment I received the bad news from K1, I was ready to activate the propulsion system for a new product. In case K1 will survive, it will become the most important launch pad for top sportsmen, whether they end up being active in the current formula, or they replace the former product with a new one in which former heroes of the circuit will be active, joined by new heroes.

HAVE YOU ALREADY ESTABLISHED A SCHEDULE OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS FOR THE ONGOING YEAR?

This year’s schedule will address the international market through a program which will include sportsmen from all corners of the world who will ensure a greater visibility to the phenomenon. Wewant to access new markets, where the impact of K1 was not yet measured. For 2011, the schedule will include 4 WGP galas of qualification for Las Vegas, where the Final Elimination is to take place, followed by the grand final in Dubai. My desire is to successively organize in Romania the 4 WGP galas, having all the ingredients of success at hand – starting with a top television production, offered by PRO TV, all the way to our warm and receptive public. And then, let’s not forget the involvement of active sponsors, having as feed-back the success of last year’s gala in Bucharest. All the events will include fights with major names from world tops, fighters who hold world titles in various categories Wako Pro, based on K1 rules.

WHICH WERE THE MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR THAT HAS PASSED?

The gala in Bucharest remains the greatest achievement from my career as organizer; a challenge that always meant taking big chances but that generated,trust and unexpected results. I have to mention also the evolution of Romanian sportsmen in the big circuit, starting from Raul Catinas who was invited at Final Elimination Seul, to the participation of Daniel Ghita in the grand final.

HOW THE K1 GALA IN TOKYO LOOKED LIKE SEEN FROM AMONG THE CROWD.

I see the gala in Tokyo as the swan song of K1. Honestly, I was shocked by the difference between what I know happened a few years ago and what happens now. Perhaps that due to faulty management, the staff in charge with running the producing company failed and sadly ruined many achievements of the product. Starting from the hall which was no longer the Tokyo Dome with 40,000 seats, like before, but one with only 10,000, to including in the schedule of some poor super-fights, because major fighters were not available, because of lack of funds. The good side for me is the fact that I have become very confident and I am now afraid of nothing, not even Japan. Nothing can stop me from organizing galas because everything comes down to the money. By attracting a powerful partner, which we will make public on Feb. 4th, during a press conference, I think we will pull off some important things.

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FIGURE IN LK THIS YEAR?

This year the competition is on between: Daniel Ghita, Raul Catinas, Morosanu, Iftimoaie, Sebastian Ciobanu and the Stoica brothers who are becoming noticed.

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