Posted on: Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Hawai'i fighter thriving in multidiscipline sport
By Baxter Cepeda
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawai'i K-1 fighter Kimo Leopoldo is not recognized much even in his home state.
But his opponent for the "Battle at the Bellagio" in Las Vegas on Aug. 15 — former football player Bob "The Beast" Sapp — is a star in Asia and other parts of the world to the level of few athletes.
"If (soccer-star David Beckham) and I met, (Japan) would probably explode," Sapp, 28, said. "They always compare us."
Leopoldo, 34, a Brazil-born jiu-jitsu specialist, has made a name for himself in mixed martial arts and ultimate fighting circles. His body has become a display board with tattoos featuring Hawai'i.
"I'm actually a Kimo fan myself," said Sapp, who said he makes about $3 million a year, mostly in endorsements and interviews. "He fights with a lot of heart."
K-1, which has one weight class and is a mix of martial arts including karate, kickboxing, kung fu and tae kwon do, has 22 eight-man tournaments each year and culminates with the K-1 Grand Prix Finals at the Tokyo Dome in December.
Sapp, 6 feet 3 and 375 pounds, and Leopoldo, 6 feet 2 and 275, already qualified for the next round of K-1.
"One thing you can guarantee is that it is going to be a fun show," Sapp said. "Someone is going to get knocked out in the first round and my prediction is that it won't be me. My power will get the best of Kimo."
Leopoldo said that although Sapp has great body mechanics and heavy hands, he is predictable.
"Because he is so new it hasn't been exposed yet," Leopoldo said. "He's dangerous in the ring, though."
Sapp's fame has grown in the United States. He has been on the cover of the Wall Street Journal, and was scheduled to be on the "Tonight Show" last night.
Sapp is a former All-Pac 10 guard at Washington who was cut by the Chicago Bears in 1997. He had a couple of stints with other NFL teams before he took up wrestling and eventually K-1. Knee injuries played a big part in Sapp's short NFL career, he said.
Sapp became K-1's poster boy after dominating opponents despite having little knowledge of the martial arts disciplines that make up the sport. This is his first fight since suffering an eye-socket injury.
Sapp has added karate skills to his arsenal from a two-week camp.
"I'm anxious to test what I've learned," Sapp said.
Whatever happens, Leopoldo said he is looking forward to spending Christmas in Hawai'i. "Go to Waimea — body surf. That's my escape," he said.
The event — at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino — will be available on Pay-Per-View live. To order, go to www.indemand.com or call 625-8100. Cost is $29.95 and is available to digital cable subscribers only.
