ONE SAMURAI 4: Hiroki Akimoto Promises ‘Plenty of Surprises’ for Jonathan Haggerty in Title Fight

New Delhi, Oct 8: Former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto is ready to reclaim the throne on home soil. The Tokyo-based fighter challenges Jonathan Haggerty for the division's gold in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, in Tokyo, Japan.

Akimoto holds a 29-4 record with nine ONE wins. He won the bantamweight kickboxing strap in 2022 against Capitan Petchyindee, then endured a rough patch. In 2025, he bounced back, beating John Lineker and Wei Rui before edging Taimu Hisai by split decision.

The Japanese man has studied the champion closely and believes many of Haggerty's previous opponents approached him poorly. He promises fans a very different challenge this time, one built on preparation and a few surprises he has kept hidden.

"He's a switch-hitter, someone who switches stances a lot. I think a lot of the fighters he's faced before have been a bit sloppy in how they approached him. I've also got plenty of surprises prepared, so I hope everyone looks forward to seeing them," Akimoto said.

Standing across from him is the London native in Haggerty, 29, who is undefeated in the promotion's kickboxing division. The former ONE Flyweight and Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion holds a career record of 24-5 and a ONE slate of 10-3.

The challenger also identified exactly where the champion's danger lies, and he explained how he plans to neutralize it once the two stand across from each other inside the ring in Tokyo.

"I think the thing I really need to watch out for with Haggerty is his range, distance management, and his movement to take angles. If I can shut those down well, I don't think I'll have any trouble winning," he said.

Akimoto also addressed Haggerty's bold prediction from the press conference, turning the champion's confidence into a potential advantage and making clear he is prepared for whatever approach the Englishman brings on fight night.

"Of course, I've prepared for every scenario. But Haggerty said at the press conference earlier that he's going for a second-round finish, and if he comes at me looking for a finish, that actually makes it easier for me to finish him," Akimoto said.