“I Am the True Champion” – Former Bantamweight Kickboxing King Hiroki Akimoto Wants a Shot at Jonathan Haggerty’s New Belt

Hiroki Akimoto wants to remind Jonathan Haggerty that ONE’s bantamweight kickboxing division is full of legitimate threats to his reign. 

The former World Title claimed the throne at ONE X in March 2022 after a thrilling five-round encounter with Capitan Petchyindee. 

However, he lost it in his first defense eight months later when Petchtanong Petchfergus narrowly escaped with a split-decision victory. 

The Thai fighter would later be stripped of the strap after testing positive for a banned substance, which left the World Title vacant and allowed Haggerty to claim it against Fabricio Andrade at last month’s ONE Fight Night 16.

Hiroki Akimoto is all set to get back to winning ways

Akimoto recognizes “The General” as the reigning World Champion, but he believes he is the true measure of excellence in the division. 

“It’s true that [Haggerty] is currently the bantamweight kickboxing champion in ONE Championship. However, I want to defeat him and prove that I am the true champion,” the Japanese star told BJPenn.com. 

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“I think [Haggerty] is an excellent Muay Thai striker. He specializes in unorthodox rhythms and attacks. But I can dominate the match with my speed and powerful kicks.” 

Akimoto is determined to prove that he rightfully deserves to be in the World Title picture, especially after the brilliant five-fight winning streak he put together in the division prior to his loss against Petchtanong.

Akimoto wants to train at the Evolve MMA gym

As he waits for the call to challenge for the throne he once occupied, the top-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender plans to train at the famed Evolve MMA gym in Singapore. 

“I have no confirmed plans to return yet, but I want to train at Evolve MMA again, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone again,” he said.

Home to a host of World Champions in various disciplines, Evolve helped Akimoto claim his first gold in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Thus, he believes that it will be instrumental in helping him reclaim the World Title and reestablish himself as one of the planet’s elite strikers. 

“Evolve MMA has many specialists in various disciplines, and they provide me with a lot of knowledge,” Akimoto said.

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“I can beat [Haggerty]. I will continue to aim for the top of the world as a fighter.”