Bogdan Shumarov Has Waited Two Years For Regian Eersel And Rukiya Anpo Stands In The Way
Two years ago, Bogdan Shumarov was expected to face reigning ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel. An injury took that chance away before the fight could come together, and the Bulgarian has been building his case ever since.
The next step comes against Japanese superstar Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo in a lightweight kickboxing clash at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo. A win, the 29-year-old believes, could finally open the door to the two-sport ONE World Champion.
Rungrawee “Legatron” Sitsongpeenong is the only man to beat him in ONE, and even that took a split decision. Shumarov has won his other three outings, and he has been studying Anpo far longer than one fight camp.
“I was watching his fights back in the days when he was like 67 [kilograms] or something. I think in that time, he was way more dangerous than now,” Shumarov said.
“I think now he’s a little bit heavier and he cannot do all these jumping-style kicks and knees. But still, I don’t underestimate him.”
The former K-1 Champion built his name on speed, creativity, and a dynamic kicking arsenal before debuting in ONE against three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian. Tokyo will also mark his first lightweight kickboxing appearance in the promotion.
Shumarov intends to greet that move up with constant forward pressure. He points to Anpo’s past clashes with Masaaki Noiri and Grigorian as proof that sustained momentum makes life uncomfortable for the Japanese star.
For all the tactical detail, his thoughts keep drifting back to the setback that stalled his title dream. He now sees this matchup as the moment everything lines up again.
“I feel very excited to potentially get the title shot, because we [were supposed] to meet with Eersel two years ago, but some bad thing happened with me. I had an injury. So maybe on that day, I was not ready for this. Something stopped me. I don’t know,” he said.
“But I think if I beat Anpo now, the time is right.”
READ MORE: “Very Dangerous Guy”- Darren Till Vows Not To Take Yoel Romero Lightly Ahead Of BKFC 94 Clash
Recent posts
