K-1 Reveals Details on 2010 MAX and 63 kg GPs

In the wake of the MAX Japan GP, K-1 president Tanikawa has announced some interesting details regarding the upcoming year.

First, Tanikawa addressed the 2010 MAX GP.  While not finalized, K-1 is considering holding the MAX Final 16 over two different events in two different countries - one in Japan and one in Europe.  The thought is that this would give European fighters a chance to compete in front of their hometown fans for a change.  France, Sweden, and Holland are all being considered to host the European portion.  These Final 16 shows are tentatively scheduled for July, with the MAX finals taking place in October.

Switching gears, it looks like the 63 kg division will indeed be launched this year, complete with its own Grand Prix.  Eliminations would take place in May, and the finals will be held in July.  While Tanikawa did not address this, HDNet Fights already has an event scheduled for April 23 titled "K-1 World MAX 65 kg 2010 Final 16."  This is of course subject to change, but it's interesting to see it already listed.  Names mentioned as possibly taking part in the 63 kg GP include this weekend's winners DJ Taiki and Kosuke Komiyama, along with DREAM fighters Hideo Tokoro and Kid Yamamoto.