believes his physical advantages will be the key to overcoming one of kickboxing¡¯s most decorated veterans when he collides with a Thai legend in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, live in Asia primetime.
The Japanese striker will square off against former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion and current #3-ranked contender at , which emanates from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium on July 18.
The stakes couldn¡¯t be higher for both fighters, as a victory could lead to a crack at reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion ¡®s belt.
Yoza, a former K-1 Champion, acknowledges the massive challenge ahead in this bantamweight kickboxing clash, as he¡¯ll be facing a southpaw specialist renowned for his counter-punching and incredible fight IQ.
But the Japanese star remains confident that his physical attributes and signature calf kicks will prove decisive against the 39-year-old Thai legend.
He said:
¡°Physical strength is one of my main advantages. I [sparred] with him once in Thailand, and I was quite shocked at how good he was, but my martial arts [skills] are definitely stronger than his. I am sure that I can¡¯t lose. There is no way that I can lose.¡±
The unorthodox striker¡¯s confidence stems from his unique fighting style, which blends devastating kicks with explosive power punches.
Known for his ability to fight in both stances, Yoza specializes in walking down opponents with a high guard before unleashing flying knees and the spinning back kicks that have become his trademark.
Plus, having trained with Petchtanong during his time in Thailand, Yoza gained valuable insights while keeping his own abilities hidden, setting up what he believes will be the perfect tactical advantage.
The 27-year-old explained:
¡°I didn¡¯t really show my cards, so I think I¡¯m lucky. [While sparring him], I saw a lot of his distancing and the techniques he has, and I¡¯m hoping they will be useful in the match. I don¡¯t think of myself as just kicking, so I¡¯m going all out. Even with his high fight IQ, I¡¯m going to try to beat him with moves he¡¯s never experienced before.¡±
Yoza Eyes Title Shot With Statement Victory
Yuki Yoza views this high-profile matchup as his pathway to the divisional gold, with victory potentially positioning him for a shot at current ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty.
The magnitude of the opportunity isn¡¯t lost on Yoza, who admits he originally planned to face Petchtanong Petchfergus much later in his ONE Championship run.
He said:
¡°I had an idea that I was going to fight him when I decided to join ONE, but I didn¡¯t think I was going to fight him in the second fight. I felt that it was early to fight him. But if I beat him here, I would be in position to really win the belt. I think it¡¯s a chance for me, and I feel lucky.¡±
The former Kyokushin Karate Champion understands that defeating a fighter of Petchtanong¡¯s caliber would immediately establish him as a legitimate ONE World Title contender.
After all, the Thai veteran¡¯s experience advantage is significant. With 359 career matches and multiple World Championships to his name, he¡¯s seen every style and knows how to neutralize aggressive pressure fighters.
But Yoza believes his unpredictable arsenal and finishing power present unique challenges that even Petchtanong¡¯s vast experience may not have fully prepared him for.
The Japanese star added:
¡°I want to win in a way worthy of a title challenger. It will be a match that proves I am the real deal.¡±
