Yuki Yoza is currently concentrating on his upcoming title match scheduled for later this month in Japan. Despite this focus, he has already identified his preferred opponent for the following fight.
The Japanese kickboxing sensation is set to compete for the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title against reigning champion Jonathan Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1. This event will take place on April 29 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, featuring four world title bouts. It marks the first major event of the year in Japan.
While Yoza is determined to claim the title, he is also preparing for a potential superfight against the formidable Thai-Algerian fighter Nabil Anane. Yoza aims to arrange this fight next, provided he secures victory against Haggerty.
The 28-year-old Team Vasileus standout discussed this in an interview with ONE Championship, which was shared on Instagram.
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Yuki Yoza stated:
“It already feels like that matchup is building momentum, so I’ll call him out. I think a fight between me and Nabil should be a superfight, otherwise it would be a waste. So, for that to happen, I need to win the belt first, and then we can fight for that belt. If I win the belt, I’ll immediately call out Nabil Anane. Because I think all ONE fans want to see that fight. I’m not the type to run away from fights.”
Yoza is riding a wave of momentum in his pursuit of the ONE bantamweight kickboxing title, having won all three of his matches in ONE Championship so far.
Meanwhile, Anane recently fought in March but lost the bantamweight Muay Thai world title to Thai Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon by unanimous decision.
Yuki Yoza confident against Jonathan Haggerty in title showdown
In the same ONE Championship interview, also shared on Instagram, Yuki Yoza expressed confidence in his ability to unseat Jonathan Haggerty as the bantamweight kickboxing champion at ONE SAMURAI 1.
Yoza mentioned that he has thoroughly analyzed ‘The General’s fights and now possesses a better strategy to confront the English competitor.
Yoza commented:
“He [Haggerty] is fairly easy to read through his facial expressions. When he’s in trouble or when he gets hit, it shows on his face. Since this is a world title match, it’s five rounds. This will be my first time fighting five rounds. So things like pacing and how to structure each round are different from before. Other than his experience in five-round fights, I think I’m better than him in every aspect.”
ONE SAMURAI 1 will be Haggerty’s second defense of the bantamweight kickboxing world title since his victory in November 2023.
Tickets for ONE SAMURAI 1, which serves as the inaugural event of ONE Championship’s new monthly fight series in Japan, are available for purchase at ePlus and Zaiko.
Edited by Aziel Karthak
