K-1 organisers yesterday demanded an explanation from Buakaw Banchamek before deciding what action to take against the muay Thai superstar for his refusal to fight an extra round in a bout on Saturday night.
Alin Halmagean, left, legal director of K-1 Global Holdings, and Ned Kurarc, director of the company, at a press conference yesterday. They demanded Buakaw Banchamek, inset, explain his refusal to fight an extra round on Saturday. PORNPROM SATRABHAYA
Buakaw’s fight with Germany’s Enriko Kehl in the 70kg division of the K-1 World Max Final in Pattaya ended in a draw after three rounds and, according to the rules, an additional round was needed to determine the winner.
But Buakaw, 31, disappeared before the result was announced, Ned Kurarc from K-1 Global Holdings, organiser of K-1 events worldwide, told yesterday’s press conference.
“After the third and final round, Buakaw and his team left the arena without a word. This unprofessional behaviour gave the referee no choice but to award the fight to Kehl.
“We are still shocked by the incident and awaiting his reason.”
Two-time K-1 world champion Buakaw and his handlers claimed he refused to fight another round because the organisers changed the rules hours before the contest for gambling reasons.
But Mr Kurarc argued that the extra-round rule was introduced to the sport 10 years ago.
“They know that well. The same rules have been used since 2004,” he said.
Asked if he would sue Buakaw or terminate his contract, Mr Kurarc said he would let Buakaw explain his actions before reaching a decision.
Buakaw’s contract with K-1 expires at the end of next year.
Before the fight, there was a rumour huge sums of money had been placed on the fight in online betting but Mr Kurarc said the organisers had nothing to do with gambling.
There was no financial conflict because Buakaw received his fee, reportedly 2 million baht, on Sept 22, Mr Kurarc said.
Buakaw has played a key role in making muay Thai famous worldwide.
However, he has been at the centre of several controversies over the years.
Two years ago, he disappeared from Por Pramuk boxing camp which had supported him since he was a child.
When he returned, he demanded that the camp free him from his contract. He claimed he was badly treated by the camp but he later admitted he wanted a bigger share of his fight fees.
He was also in conflict with Thai Fight organisers and he no longer fights in the tournament.
This latest saga might have lost him a number of fans.
“This is not the same as the previous issues,” commented boxing journalist Sroi Mungmee.
“He should have shown more respect to the fans who paid quite a lot to watch him fight.”
Buakaw and his handlers claimed on their Facebook page that K-1 is an unlawful sport.
The fighter will hold a press conference to give his side of the story today.