The moment Yuki Yoza has been building toward his entire career is now within reach. On April 29, the Japanese kickboxer challenges ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1, live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old arrives on the biggest night of his career riding a perfect 3-0 ONE record, having defeated some of the division's most formidable names since his debut.
Yoza dispatched previously undefeated Elbrus Osmanov, former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus, and reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek in succession to earn his shot at gold.
His path to this title fight began long before he ever set foot inside the ring. Remarkably, Yoza can trace the origins of this matchup back to a chance encounter at a ONE event, when he was still working the corner for fellow Japanese fighter Masaaki Noiri.
"Before I signed with ONE, I went to a ONE [event] as a cornerman for Masaaki [Noiri]. Haggerty was there at the time, so I went up to talk to him. I said something like, 'I'm getting closer, so let's do it.' And he replied, 'Yeah, let's do it.'"
That conversation has now become reality. Standing across from Yoza will be Haggerty, a 29-year-old Brit with a 23-5 pro striking record and one of the most decorated resumes in ONE history.
Yet Yoza, a former K-1 Champion with a 22-2 career record, is not intimidated.
"He's fairly easy to read through his facial expressions. When he's in trouble or when he gets hit, it shows on his face. So, I think he's easy to read in that sense."
Yoza enters the five-round fight with one goal in mind, and he is leaving no doubt about how he intends to finish it.
"How do I plan to win? Of course, by KO. And finally this fight is five rounds. People kept saying, 'Get the finish,' but I couldn't get the knockout in my last three fights. This time, I'm really confident."
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