Hiroki Akimoto Targeting World Title Tilt In Return To ONE Championship

Following an inactive 2023, former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto is hungry to start the upcoming year with a bid to reclaim the gold.

The Japanese jouster was last seen in action in November 2022 at ONE 163, where he lost the World Title to Petchtanong Petchfergus by a narrow split decision. The belt was later vacated by his Thai rival, however, and Akimoto watched closely when it was contested at ONE Fight Night 16 earlier this month.

On 4th November, reigning bantamweight Muay Thai king Jonathan Haggerty claimed the coveted strap with a second-round knockout of MMA titleholder Fabricio Andrade. Despite an enthralling battle, Akimoto was left unimpressed by both men’s output.

“I expected a fast fight because it was a bantamweight fight, but I didn’t see a lot of speed from both fighters,” he told South China Morning Post. 

“I think I have more speed [than them].”

Highly regarded as one of the best kickboxers on the planet, Hiroki Akimoto amassed an impressive 7-1 record in ONE Championship, which included winning the World Title against Capitan Petchyindee in March 2022, before parting ways with the crown.

Now keen to get back to work, the 31-year-old believes his credentials warrant an immediate shot at Haggerty’s newly acquired gold. 

He has been waiting for the perfect time to return, and with ONE Championship rumored to be visiting his homeland in early 2024, the Japanese star would love to challenge “The General” in front of his compatriots.

“My skills deserve a title shot. Haggerty versus Akimoto will be the most exciting fight for the fans. That’s why fans are talking about it. That’s the reason I should get the title shot,” Akimoto stated.

“If Haggerty goes to a different division, maybe it’s not me, but if Haggerty is fighting bantamweight kickboxing, the opponent has to be me. If there’s a Japan event, of course, I definitely want to fight there.”