FIKA is to have their headquarters based in Hong Kong and they will fouce on the BIG Chinese audiences by staging some of their biggest shows in China. There will still be a 'World Stage' event in Japan, but it doesn't appear to be the Finals.
They are looking to hold events around the world to bring a 'World Cup' feeling and will try to be the FIFA of Kickboxing.
FIKA has also brought on famous Chinese folk singer Song Zuying to sing the official FIKA theme song, which was apparently the big headline grabber in China in regards to this announcement.
Seven Star Entertainment Fund, a branch of Sun Redrock Investment Group will serve as a partner in FIKA, owning around 60%, with the rest of the management team comprising the remaining 40%.
Who is actually a part of the new team outside of Mr Ishii? It's not clear, but with the rumors of Bas Boon looking to invest in K-1 and with Bas Boon on stage for the announcement along with Semmy Schilt, it would be hard not to make connections.
FIKA is also looking to make for a much stronger push into the United States and China for K-1 and be less Japan-centric.
At the press confernce there was no firm details on a schedule or possible television deals. The only schedule is a rough one on the FIKA website's press release, which states April for the world qualifiers, May/June for the 32 stage, Sept/Oct for the 16 stage and Oct to December for the Final 8. There is to be three K-1 weight classes; 63kg, 70kg and 100kg.
Lets hope this is a new era for K-1
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