Interview with Dixon McIver
書かれた Jens Habermann

In an exclusive K-1sport.de Interview Dixon McIver talks about his newly found KO World Series, what he wants to achieve with it and about Alexey Ignashov.

To the majority of our readers you’re better known as the promoter of the K-1 Oceania events. When did you stop to work on these events and why?
I had always had pride in working with K-1 and I dedicated 7 years of my life to building the brand in New Zealand. The real problem started after the Grand Prix Series which was held in Auckland in March 2006. K-1 and I had a disagreement as to who was to pay for this and that, I dont want to go into detail as I will be releasing the whole story very soon so I will update you then. After the break between Ray and I late last year thats when I became public enemy number 1 to the k-1 management. I basically had enough of the underlying politics and uncertainty for many fighters who in my opinion should have had the chance hence the reason behind the structure of KO World Series.

One big improvement compared to other organizations is the cruiserweight class. Looks like it’s the first time fighters around 86kg don’t have to gain or lose weight to fight in other weight. There must be a lot of talent waiting to show us the excitement of the cruiserweight class!
I have connsidered this division for some time now and there are some great cruiserweight fighters who have had that problem of nothing to aspire to hence there move to heavyweight. We wanted KO World Series to have a point of difference so we analysed all the rights and wrongs over the years to piece together a unique league.

The most competitive stand-up fighters hail from Europe and that is where the KO World Series will hold their third event in 2008. What can we expect here?
Europe has an abundance of talent which is why it makes it possible to create KO World Series. As they are 4-man tournaments it allows us to select the best available fighters.

Personally I like 8-man tournaments but most of the time you seem to get 5 contenders and at least 3 fillers to make up the numbers. We are looking forward to hosting the event mid 2008 but we will also hold the final in Europe in November 2008. The deal we have signed with MCN Sports has us producing 20 shows over the next 3 years so you will see more of KO World Series events in Europe in 2009 and 2010.

Any chance the European event will be in Germany?
Most definitely Germany is on the cards for us in the near future.

A fighter we haven’t seen in a big show for a very long time is Alexey Ignashov. What is your impression of Alexey and what do you think his chances are to become the first KO World Series Heavyweight Champion?
It is common knowledge that Alexey has had a roller coaster 3 years but since his move to New Zealand he isn't the same Alexey. I can reassure you that the fans will like the new Alexey. His new coach has taught him so many more things which has turned him into a multi dimensional fighter. I have no doubt that if he was in the K-1 circuit this year he would have won it, bold statement I know but he really is in good head space. As to him becomming the first KO World Series Heavyweight Champion yes that would be great but this is the fight business and anything can happen.

Ignashov knocks out Vondracheck

Ignashov knocks out Vondracheck

Do you want to tell us anything else?
I want the public to understand that KO World Series is not about taking on K-1 we are simply creating another avenue for fighters to showcase their skills. In fact I believe that we are doing K-1 a favour because they can't cater for all the fighters. This way we are breaking grounds for many new fighters and who knows maybe it would give them the chance to go to places like K-1. We are not going to get into the business of contracting our fighters if you are the best available then you deserve a shot. We want fighters to be free to keep themselves active it's up to them from there to keep their profile up. The only obligation that a fighter will have in the KO World Series is that if you win one of the qualifying tournaments you will then be bound to participate in the final. Then again I cant see any reason why they wouldn't want too.

Thank you for the interview. We hope the KO World Series has come to stay for a long time!


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