“He deserves to have the next shot” – Jonathan Haggerty says Hiroki Akimoto is a transparent contender for his kickboxing gold

Jonathan Haggerty is holding an in depth tab on the highest contender within the kickboxing division regardless of his subsequent Muay Thai project quick approaching on the worldwide stage of ONE Championship.

The ONE bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion defends his ‘Artwork of Eight Limbs’ crown towards Felipe Lobo in the primary occasion of ONE Combat Night time 19, which airs stay in American primetime on February 16.

Nevertheless, as an athlete on prime of two stacked brackets, ‘The General’ is aware of he has to keep up a steadiness between each, and that’s the place No.1-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Hiroki Akimoto comes into the image.

Talking on the Japanese athlete throughout his combat camp for Lobo in Koh Samui, Thailand, Jonathan Haggerty advised the South China Morning Put up:

“I’d say out loud like he does deserve to be the number one. He’s the number one contender. He deserves to have the next shot at the kickboxing world title, and yeah, just know that when we are coming together, I’ll be well prepared.”

Watch the complete interview right here:

The Evolve MMA expertise has all the time been some of the thrilling stars within the division, in any case.

Throughout six victories towards Capitan Petchyindee, Qiu Jianliang, Zhang Chenglong, Kenny Tse, and Josh Tonna, he really showcased his all-around arsenal as he claimed the bantamweight kickboxing world title.

However since dropping his gold, the 31-year-old has been clamoring for one more shot on the coveted strap, and a fight against Jonathan Haggerty appears to be one to make in 2024.

Jonathan Haggerty vs. Felipe Lobo at ONE Combat Night time 19

Earlier than that feisty Jonathan Haggerty-Hiroki Akimoto kickboxing battle can go down, the Englishman should clear his subsequent process underneath the ONE banner within the type of Felipe Lobo.

The Brazilian has been entangled in a disagreement alongside ‘The General’ after his knockout win over Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Combat Night time 9, and now it’s time for him to again his discuss contained in the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

So far, ‘Demolition Man’ has left the circle with three victories throughout 4 bouts, his only defeat coming to Nong-O Hama at ONE X.

In the meantime, the London striker has been on a path of resurgence after transferring up from the flyweight division after back-to-back losses versus Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Jonathan Haggerty has picked up 5 wins in a row, knocking out Fabricio Andrade and Nong-O final yr to reign supreme as a two-sport world champion.

ONE Fight Night 19 will air stay and free in U.S. primetime for North American viewers with an energetic Prime Video subscription.