TAIPEI, July 13, 2008 — Russian kickboxer Ruslan Karaev, 25, captured the K-1 Asia GP 2008 Championship; while Remy Bonjasky KO’d Volk Atajev and Zabit Samedov upset Ray Sefo by split decision at tonight’s K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Taipei.

In the evening’s Main Event, two-time K-1 World GP Champion Remy Bonjasky of Holland stepped in against Russian power-puncher Volk Atajev.

Bonjasky confessed before the match the he was largely unfamiliar with his opponent. “I’ve only seen 30 seconds of one of his fights on You Tube, and it’s difficult to fight a guy you don’t know,” said the “Flying Gentleman.” Atajev reckoned he could exploit this: “If Remy doesn’t know me, but I know him and his techniques — the flying knees and so on — maybe that gives me an edge?” Maybe, and maybe not.

With his guard high and close, Atajev threw the low kicks to begin. The Russian landed a weak spinning back kick to Bonjasky’s midsection, but seconds later launched a similar attack with greater gusto, this time grazing Bonjasky’s head. Bonjasky launched high kicks, but the Russian blocked these and responded capably with body blows.

In the second Bonjasky tossed in some body blows of his own, then low kicks, and began to test with the knee. The fighters stood toe to toe, Atajev repeatedly going to the body, Bonjasky hoisting the knee then falling back to throw the low kicks.

Bonjasky continued constructing combinations with low kicks to start the third. Picking up the pace, he began slapping low kicks in from both sides and dashing forward with the fists, chasing his opponent across the ring. With Atajev in full retreat, Bonjasky fired up a left high kick and followed with a right flying knee Read the rest of this entry »