Hiroki Akimoto well-prepared to face southpaw Petchtanong in first world title defense

After his electric showdown to capture the ONE kickboxing throne, Hiroki Akimoto will face a major challenge in his first world title defense at ONE 163. On November 19, he will face the decorated Thai-born Petchtanong Petchfergus.

Working alongside his coach at Evolve MMA, Siyar Bahadurzada, the Japanese-born world champion believes he will be well-prepared for this headlining fight. While speaking to Beyond Kick, he said:

"I don’t have any special strategies in mind. But as I’ve been practising for orthodox opponents for a long time, this time I’ve shifted my training to be ready to approach a southpaw. You’ll see what I have prepared for in the fight."

The karate-based Hiroki Akimoto captured the world title in a fight of the year contender when he battled veteran Capitan Petchyindee. The judges unanimously gave Akimoto the ONE bantamweight kickboxing crown.

He will be looking to defend this illustrious world title against a dangerous foe at ONE 163. The November 19 main event will be a high-stakes matchup with the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world championship on the line.

Petchtanong has held titles all around the globe, including Enfusion, World Muaythai Council, and Wu Lin Feng, among others. He will be looking to add ONE gold to his name at ONE 163.

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Hiroki Akimoto discusses support from his training team

Japan's Hiroki Akimoto has dedicated all of his incredible success in the ONE Circle to his training team at Evolve MMA, particularly coach Siyar Bahadurzada. After being crowned the new ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion, Akimoto said in his post-fight interview:

"I did a very tough training with my coach everyday. Three times a week. We did a special training. In the end, it’s all the mental. Kept pushing forward. My coach told me everyday that I will be a champion. This is the day and this is the fruit of my hard work and training. I believe in myself. I believe in my coach. I believe in my teammates. Thank you so much!"

It was a thrilling bout in which Akimoto defeated the feared Capitan to capture the throne. He will look to successfully defend this prestigious world title on November 19 when he headlines ONE 163 against Petchtanong.

Hiroki Akimoto is proud of his crown in ONE and wants to be a great champion for international fans. While speaking with Beyond Kick, he said:

"I’m approaching it carefully like any other fight. And I’m going to work hard to put on a great fight as a champion. I hope everyone can look forward to it."

Watch Hiroki Akimoto vs. Capitan below: