Haggerty stops Akimoto to retain kickboxing crown, eyes Muay Thai return

Jonathan Haggerty retained his ONE Championship bantamweight kickboxing championship by stopping Hiroki Akimoto in round three at ONE Samurai 4 in Tokyo. The British fighter received a US$100,000 performance bonus for his third successful title defence.

A knee from Haggerty broke Akimoto’s nose and knocked him down early in the round at Ariake Arena. The Japanese challenger rose before the count ended, but further knees and punches prompted his corner to intervene at 42 seconds. It was Akimoto’s first professional defeat by stoppage.

Haggerty said he had initially intended to keep moving and strike from range rather than exchange at close quarters. After the second round, he asked coach Christian Knowles about using knees. Akimoto had troubled him earlier, including with a left hook near the end of the opening round.

Before the contest, Haggerty said his preferred next move was a return to Muay Thai to pursue the bantamweight title. He has not fought under those rules since Superlek Kiatmoo9 knocked him out in 49 seconds in September 2024. Thailand’s Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri now holds that championship after defeating Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon.

Yod-IQ previously said he would welcome a bout with Haggerty, but suggested the Briton should first record a win on his Muay Thai return. In kickboxing, Thai-Algerian Nabil Anane emerged as another possible challenger after earning a unanimous decision over Yuki Yoza on the Tokyo card.