Itsuki Hirata regrets not making weight for first fight with Ham Seo Hee

'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata will look to put her prior weight miss behind her coming into her next fight against 'Hamzzhang' Ham Seo Hee. The atomweight contenders will throw down later this week.

Japan's Hirata and South Korea's Ham were booked for a bout late last year but unfortunately fell through due to 'Android 18' missing weight. The Japanese Judoka feels remorse that she let down her fans. In an interview with ONE Championship, she explained:

"If you ask me what happened, I think it's the same thing that everyone knows. Not being able to have the fight that everyone was looking forward to was the most regrettable thing. As for Ham Seo Hee declining to accept a catchweight fight, I didn't particularly have any thoughts about it."

Combat sports followers still wanted to see the matchup so ONE Championship booked it again. Ham Seo Hee and Itsuki Hirata are booked to meet on March 24 at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video. All ONE Fight Night events are broadcast live and for free in North America via Prime Video.

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Itsuki Hirata never stopped believing in herself

Having missed weight in her previous bout, Itsuki Hirata was criticized by fans and the media. Mentally, she needed a break and even struggled to return to the ONE circle. But with determination, she believes she will finish the fight.

In an interview with ONE Championship, 'Andoid 18' explained:

“It’s always tough [to be criticized]. I wanted to take a break for about a month, and I wanted to start the new year with a fresh mindset. I am full of anxiety [about returning and making the weight], but I believe in myself and see it through.”

She missed weight and absorbed complaints from fans, but she persisted anyway. Hirata will look to show off her newly found resilience in this upcoming bout. Japan's 'Android 18' said:

“I think despite having a lot of training in striking, I do not have much confidence in my chin or striking. I believe that having the courage to move forward and not back down when I get hit is more important. If I back down, I believe I will receive twice the power of the strike from Ham.”