Years Of Respect Fuel Jonathan Haggerty’s ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Defense Against Hiroki Akimoto
Jonathan Haggerty has tracked this opponent’s career for years, and few men have ever earned this level of respect from the reigning bantamweight kickboxing king.
“The General” defends his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship against former divisional titleholder Hiroki Akimoto in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 4 inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17.
That mutual admiration explains why Haggerty has followed his opponent’s grueling road back to this moment so closely. Akimoto opened his ONE Championship tenure with an impressive 6-1 stretch before dropping three straight, then completely turned things aroundwith three consecutive decision wins.
“I feel excited now that it’s finally here. For years, I’ve always wanted to fight him. I’ve considered him probably one of the best in the division,” Haggerty said. “He’s fought the best. His style as well, I like his style. I feel like our styles will gelwell together, and it’ll provide a good, explosive fight for the fans.”
The 29-year-old, chasing his 25th career victory, does not hand out that kind of praise lightly, especially with his own gold on the line.
“He’s been in the organization for a long time. He’s fought the best. And now it’s his time to challenge me for the belt,” he said. “He’s beaten whoever they’ve put in front of him. Meanwhile, I’ve basically beaten the top opponents in the division now, soit was only right for him to get his opportunity.”
Fighting in Akimoto’s home country adds an extra layer of adversity, and Haggerty already faced a hostile Japanese crowd this past April against Yuki Yoza. Asked how much of an edge that hometown atmosphere might give his opponent, he did not hesitate.
“I think it works as much as it did for Yuki Yoza. Not a lot. I mean, they can’t help him when he’s in there. It’s just him and me,” he said. “I’ve been in the back garden of every fighter. As long as I turn up, meet him in the middle, then that’s it.”
That respect has not softened his intentions once the bell rings.
“I do believe I’m going to do a demolition job. I really do think I’m going to put a stop to it, a full stop, and make a real big statement.”
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