Yuki Yoza Dedicates Rebound Win To Everyone Who Stood By Him
Some victories matter more for who they are dedicated to than for what they add to a record. Yuki Yoza’s win at The Inner Circle 22 was one of those.
The Japanese striking prodigy powered past Ben Woolliss to score a hard-fought unanimous decision in bantamweight kickboxing action on Friday, July 17, from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The win marked his return to the win column following a defeat to reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April.
Getting back into the win column meant far more than improving his record. It was a result he felt he owed to everyone who stood behind him during that difficult stretch.
“So many people supported me and helped me build toward this day. I wanted to win for them, and I’m really happy that we can celebrate this victory together,” Yoza said.
“I wasn’t able to get the knockout, but I finished with a win, so I’m glad that all of that work was not wasted.”
Despite walking away with his hand raised, Yoza was not entirely pleased with his output against a man he had once dismissed as a “social media fighter.” He credited the tough Brit for the grit shown throughout the battle.
“I’m relieved that I was able to finish with a win. But in terms of the performance, I still have a long way to go. It felt like I was able to execute about half of what I prepared,” Yoza said.
“Also, my opponent came in fully focused on beating me. Even when I hurt him, he kept coming until the very end because he was determined to win. It reminded me how difficult it is to face someone like that and make sure you get the win.”
That same steady focus had extra help from one of the sport’s most respected voices. Takeru Segawa, who recently retired by capturing the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE SAMURAI 1, stood in Yoza’s corner on fight night.
Beyond simply being a stablemate, Segawa has long been Yoza’s personal idol, making his ringside presence meaningful heading into a fight this significant.
“He told me, ‘Believe in your own strength, enjoy it, and go out there and let loose.’ Those words helped me clear my mind, and I was able to approach everything from the walkout to the fight with confidence,” Yoza said.
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