In an interesting turn of events, K-1 MAX legend and Japanese superstar Masato has been made executive producer for the newly resurrected K-1 organization. Masato retired from active competition in late 2009, having been a staple of K-1 MAX (-70kg) and its brightest shining star during the decade before, especially in his native Japan. Always a very exciting and skilled fighter, he also benefited from his attractive looks and became a fan favorite for most Japanese fans (many of them girls and women). Masato won the K-1 MAX World tournament title in 2003 and 2008, and has to be considered the best Japanese fighter ever in K-1.

So how good will he be in this new role? Very hard to tell, we will just have to wait and see. Hopefully he could be a factor in bringing more attention and popularity to K-1 in Japan again at least.

The full press release regarding the matter can be seen below:

pictures via a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net

HT: LiverKick.com