“Like any other fight” - Hiroki Akimoto’s mindset has not changed despite becoming world champion

Japan's Hiroki Akimoto is keeping a level mindset ahead of the first defense of his ONE bantamweight kickboxing world championship. Since capturing the crown in an incredible showdown earlier this year, the Karate-based fighter has kept a humble attitude.

Ahead of his ONE 163 headlining fight on November 19, Akimoto explained what his perspective is. While speaking in an interview with Beyond Kick, the champion said:

"Those around me have been concerned and they've encouraged me not to worry or be anxious, given that it is my first time defending the title. I haven’t changed my mindset because it’s a title defense. 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."

On November 19, Akimoto will put his prestigious ONE gold on the line against decorated Thai fighter Petchtanong Petchfergus. Although he is no longer in pursuit of a world title, he will be defending. With that, Akimoto is still hungry for the same success and is being encouraged by those in his gym.

Petchtanong is a dangerous fighter who has held multiple world titles in both Muay Thai and kickboxing. If Akimoto is not focused on the world title defense, he stands to lose his crown to Thailand's Petchtanong.

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Hiroki Akimoto on pushing and determination

Hiroki Akimoto fought the notoriously tough veteran Capitan Petchyindee to capture his ONE bantamweight kickboxing world championship earlier this year.

It was not an easy fight for Akimoto to push through. However, thanks to his coaching team at Evolve MMA, he was able to have the right attitude and drive through to ONE gold. In his post-fight interview, he explained:

"In the end, it’s all the mental. Kept pushing forward. My coach told me every day 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."

Capitan is a very challenging opponent with hundreds of wins to his name. With that in mind, Hiroki Akimoto noted that he needed to keep on the pressure during their fight:

"He was so strong. He was so tough. By the third round, I felt like, ‘Can I go on?’ But now, here I am, I got the belt!"

Hiroki Akimoto and Capitan had one of the most exciting fights in kickboxing history earlier this year at ONE X.

Upcoming on November 19, Japan's Akimoto will put the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title on the line at ONE 163 against the well-decorated Petchtanong.