One Win From Redemption — Bogdan Shumarov's Path Through Rukiya Anpo

Tokyo will host a genuine crossroads moment for Bogdan Shumarov. The Bulgarian striker steps into Ariake Arena on Saturday, 17 October, to face Japanese star Rukiya Anpo in a lightweight kickboxing collision at ONE SAMURAI 4, with far more than pride riding on the outcome.

Three wins in four ONE Championship appearances have Shumarov within striking distance of something bigger. His lone defeat came by split decision to Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong, but a statement win here could vault him straight toward reigning ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian Eersel.

Standing across from him is a former K-1 Champion who made his ONE debut against three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian, a striker whose speed, creativity, and kicking arsenal once made him one of the sport's most feared names. Shumarov has studied that history closely.

This will also mark uncharted territory for Anpo, who steps up from featherweight to Shumarov's lightweight domain for the first time under ONE's kickboxing rules, despite having previously campaigned at heavier weights inside the boxing ring.

"I was watching his fights back in the days when he was like 67 [kilograms] or something. I think in that time, he was way more dangerous than now,” he said. "I think now he's a little bit heavier and he cannot do all these jumping-style kicks and knees. But still, I don't underestimate him."

Shumarov has also identified a potential crack in Anpo's armor: an aversion to sustained pressure. He points to prior meetings with Masaaki Noiri and Grigorian as proof that a relentless forward pace has previously unsettled the Japanese star, and he intends to bring exactly that.

"I think he doesn't like the pressure. Like we see in the previous fight, even back in the days with Noiri, now in ONE Championship with Marat,” he said. "So I think I can handle this [well]. I think he's not gonna take my pressure."

Neither man can afford a slip in Tokyo. Anpo carries the weight of a home crowd into a new weight class, while Shumarov understands that a big enough win here could put him one step from lightweight kickboxing gold.

There is unfinished business tied to a potential Eersel fight, too. Shumarov was reportedly lined up to face "The Immortal" roughly two years ago, only for a serious injury to snatch that opportunity away before it ever materialized.

"I feel very excited to potentially get the title shot,” he said, “because we [were supposed] to meet with Eersel two years ago, but some bad thing happened with me. I had an injury. So maybe on that day, I was not ready for this. Something stopped me. I don't know. But I think if I beat Anpo now, the time is right."