From the K-1 website....

TOKYO, November 25, 2003 -- K-1 announced today that it could not come to terms on a contract with the agent for Stefan Leko, and so unfortunately the Croatian fighter will not be appearing in the K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final at the Tokyo Dome this December 6th.

Leko's replacement will be South African boxer Francois Botha, who appeared in the Osaka Final Elimination. Botha was chosen because defending World Grand Prix Champion Ernesto Hoost is still suffering from a severe skin condition. Botha will meet French kickboxer Cyril Abidi in the first matchup of the Final.


Great, just great. I had picked Leko to win it all. :nonono: K-1 can be frustrating at times.

I thought Leko was born in Germany...This GP is not looking too good.

Alternate matches have a whole new meaning now......they mean nothing.

Originally posted by Mr. Beelzebub
I thought Leko was born in Germany...This GP is not looking too good.

He was, he just lives and trains in Croatia now. And yes this GP is looking bad. My money is on the Dutch duo. Aerts or Bojansky will win it.

Carter Williams should have been the replacement.

He was born in Germany but his parents are of Croation descent.

This sucks, I wanted him in this tourney, he's one of my favorite k-1 fighters.

Stand up forum

Botha? WTF? I agree that Carter Williams should've been the replacement, given the dubious ending to his bout against Sefo. Botha has done absolutely nothing to earn a spot in the finals. But I guess this is expected from K-1.

that's horrible news i won't be watching k-1