Tough K-1 debut for John Love
Welshman John Love will made his official K-1 debut on the 11th August in the K-1 WGP 2009 qualifying round for the last 16 fighters at the Yoyogi Arena in Tokyo, Japan. He was scheduled to be in the reserve match against Japan’s Yuki a former All Japan Shin Karate Champion
But then Alex Roberts pulled out of the eight man tournament with an injury and Love was offered the vacant spot against Daniel Ghita of Romania. Love steeped up to the challenge even thought Ghita was the favorite to win the tournament.
At 20 years old Love is one of the youngest fighters to enter an official K-1 WGP tournament and he will admit the pressure did get to him with the interviews, photo shoots and press conference, the build up to the big night.
Love attacked with low kicks form the bell, Ghita came back with powerful low kicks they were scary, Love attempted a jumping knee and almost found his mark but paid for it, another heavy kick followed back a left hook and Love was down and out. Ghita went on to win the tournament stopping his next two opponents with low kicks both inside the first round.
Love said I was nervous but I tried my best, I’ve never been kicked that hard in my life, I wasn’t surprised he won the tournament, I really enjoyed the experience of fighting in Japan, and I will be back’. I want to thank my trainer Eugene Valerio, Russ Williams and Paul Beaty who were also a great help, my sponsor IZLI Sport and Paul Hennessy for making it happen.
14 August 2009
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