Katsuki Kitano wants to make a statement when he represents his country on the global stage of ONE Championship again next weekend. 

The Japanese striker will have a huge spotlight on him when he takes on British striker Liam “Hitman” Harrison in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 7, but he feels he can handle it. 

Katsuki Kitano won’t let Liam Harrison’s experience get in the way

“Hitman” is a legend of the sport, with over 100 fights to his name, and his bout with Kitano will serve as his comeback fight after he suffered a devastating knee injury in 2022 that has left him sidelined for nearly two years.

However, Kitano is not new to the game. He’s a veteran of 35 bouts and was successful in his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 38 last October, so he knows how to prepare for an opponent.

As well as that, he understands that Harrison is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, so youthful durability will be on his side when he steps in against the British brawler. 

“I think my kicking game is an advantage since I’ve been doing Muay Thai for so long. I’m younger, so I have the stamina advantage if I train properly. I’m making sure his longer career doesn’t let him make up for that,” Kitano said.

Kitano is set on getting that KO win, to be set different from Japanese fighters

Before going down against Nong-O at ONE on Prime Video 1, “Hitman” was riding a two-fight win streak in ONE Championship, which included a win against Muangthai PK Saenchai in a fight that was named the 2022 ONE Muay Thai Fight Of The Year.

Unfazed by his opponent’s reputation, Kitano is only focused on producing a spectacular finish, as he wants to show the world that Japanese martial arts is a force to be reckoned with. 

“I have to get the KO. That will really put my name out there. I’m going for the knockout,” he said.

“I want to show the world the strength of Japanese fighters. And also that I’m different from other Japanese fighters – don’t underestimate me. I want people to see that this Japanese fighter is different.”