Jonathan Haggerty Eyes Title Defense and Muay Thai Gold
Jonathan Haggerty sees beating Hiroki Akimoto as the first step towards reclaiming a second world title.
Haggerty will defend his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship against Akimoto, a former divisional titleholder, in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
Akimoto’s path to this title shot was not straightforward. He began his ONE Championship career with a strong 6-1 record, then experienced three consecutive losses. He has since secured three wins by decision, with his most recent victory coming against Taimu Hisai at ONE SAMURAI 1. Coincidentally, Haggerty defended his own belt on the same card against Yuki Yoza.
“He has a long history with the organization, fought top contenders, and now he has his chance to challenge me for the belt,” Haggerty stated. “He’s defeated everyone he’s faced. Meanwhile, I’ve basically beaten the top opponents in this division. It’s only right he gets this opportunity.”
Haggerty has followed Akimoto’s career for years, long before their match was set. The reigning champion holds significant respect for his opponent.
Jonathan Haggerty Plans Return to Muay Thai Championship Pursuit
If Saturday’s fight goes as planned, Haggerty has already outlined his future career moves. The English fighter, aiming for his 25th career victory, intends to pursue the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship he lost to Superlek at ONE 168: Denver in September 2024.
He has identified two specific opponents for this pursuit, both currently ranked highly in the Muay Thai division he once dominated.
“Defending this belt means a great deal to me. It always has. My primary goal is to continue defending it,” he said.
“But I believe after I defend this belt, Yod-IQ or Rambolek will be my next challenge.”
Jonathan Haggerty Discusses Hiroki Akimoto ONE World Title Defense at ONE SAMURAI 4
Beating Hiroki Akimoto is just the first objective for Jonathan Haggerty. His ultimate aim is to reclaim a second world title.
“The General” will defend his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship against the former divisional champion. The bout is the main event for ONE SAMURAI 4, set to take place at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17.
Akimoto’s route to this title challenge was not direct. He began his ONE Championship career with an impressive 6-1 record, followed by three straight losses. He then secured three consecutive wins by decision, the last of which was against Taimu Hisai at ONE SAMURAI 1. Haggerty also retained his belt on that same card, defeating Yuki Yoza.
“He’s been in the organization for a long time. He’s faced the best fighters. Now, it’s his turn to challenge me for the belt,” Haggerty commented. “He’s defeated whoever they put in front of him. Meanwhile, I’ve essentially beaten the top opponents in the division, so it was only fair he’d get his opportunity.”
Haggerty has observed Akimoto’s career for years, long before they were officially scheduled to fight. Few opponents have earned such a high level of respect from the current champion.
Jonathan Haggerty Charts Course Back to Muay Thai Gold
Should Saturday's event proceed as anticipated, Haggerty has already planned his next career moves. The English fighter, seeking his 25th career victory, intends to return to competition for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship. He lost this title to Superlek at ONE 168: Denver in September 2024.
He has two specific fighters in mind for this pursuit. Both currently hold top rankings in the Muay Thai side of the division he once ruled.
“Defending the belt means a lot to me. It always has. Keeping the belt and defending it is my main goal,” he said.
“But I believe after I defend this belt, Yod-IQ or Rambolek will be my next opponents.”
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