K-1 KOUSHIEN Final 16 Complete

K-1's Under 18 70kg came to a finish today, with Shintaro Matsukura scoring an Extra Round (which for U-18 means 2nd Round) Decision victory over Koki Saito. Saito won a 1R Decision over Ryu Ueda after a knockout victory over Akahiro Nakamura. Matsukura won a 1R Decision over Seiya Matsuhana and his decision over Taichi Sato. The 64kg tournament is still ongoing.

The 22-bout card was finished off by golden-boy HIROYA scoring a 3R. Decision victory (3-0) over Kohei Nishikawa. K-1's golden-boy unable to finish a hand-selected opponent does not fare well for him and probably means a few more opponents not quite at the pro level for a bit more. Nishikawa before the fight said he did not understand why HIROYA was the new face of K-1 and that he would dismantle the young ace, but was unable to deliver on such promises.

K-1's focus now is on tomorrow's big World Grand Prix show.