The bantamweight kickboxing division is about to witness fireworks.
Former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza will face former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus at ONE Friday Fights 116 on 11 July at Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium.
The winner of this high-stakes matchup could earn himself a crack at reigning champion Jonathan Haggerty.
At just 27 years old, Yoza represents the new generation of Japanese striking. Training with megastar Takeru Segawa and current ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri has clearly sharpened his skills to a razor's edge.
His ONE Championship debut against Elbrus Osmanov showcased exactly why he's being fast-tracked into possible title contention.
Yoza tagged his Russian opponent with clinical, precise kicks whenever he tried to attack. His kickboxing mastery across three rounds earned him a unanimous decision victory.
Now, he will look to build his winning streak against an opponent who has more than 400 professional bouts to his name.
The 39-year-old Thai veteran has made a name for himself in combat sports. Over his storied career, Petchtanong has shared the ring with some of the most legendary names in striking.
The WBC and WMC World Champion reached ONE’s upper echelon in November 2022 when he outclassed Hiroki Akimoto for the bantamweight kickboxing crown. However, he had to vacate his title due to unseen circumstances.
Now, both men stand at crossroads moments in their careers.
Yoza seeks to prove his K-1 credentials translate to ONE Championship's elite level, while Petchtanong hunts for redemption and another shot at the gold that briefly belonged to him.
With Haggerty looking unbeatable as champion, earning the right to challenge him represents the opportunity of a lifetime.
A highly anticipated showdown between two of the best and biggest kickboxers will electrify the arena and thrill fans watching around the world.
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