"It's really a part of my life" - Hiroki Akimoto says goal to reclaim lost kickboxing crown remains his top priority
Reclaiming the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title is not just a career objective for Hiroki Akimoto. As far as the Japanese striker is concerned, this goal pretty much consumes his everyday life.
It wasn't that long ago when Akimoto reigned supreme in the world's largest martial arts organization's 145-pound kickboxing ranks.
His awe-inspiring, title-winning performance over Capitan Petchyindee back in ONE X in 2022 was the brightest moment in his career.
The Evolve MMA affiliate, however, dropped the crown via a split decision to Petchtanong Petchfergus in his title defense at ONE 163.
Adding more insult to injury, what was supposed to be Akimoto's redemption arc at ONE Fight Night 22 last May didn't go his way. The 32-year-old figured in a three-round chess match with China's Wei Rui, but once again fell short in the judges' eyes.
Instead of being dispirited by his tough luck, Hiroki Akimoto says these setbacks only made him hungrier to regain what was once his. He said in an exclusive interview with ONE Championship:
"It's really a part of my life, almost everything to me. As always, I'm doing everything - training every day, eating for victory, sleeping for victory. I want to win this next fight and keep climbing up."
Hiroki Akimoto ready to make a statement at ONE Friday Fights 81
Hiroki Akimoto certainly has a steep climb back to the mountaintop, a path that sees him colliding with another former champion with a similar mission.
The Japanese tactician will tussle with Ilias Ennahachi at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut this coming Sept. 27 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Akimoto, who will be sharing the event with some of the finest strikers on the planet, says he plans to steal the show with a jaw-dropping performance. He told ONE:
"Other fighters from Japan like Takeru and Ogasawara are also scheduled to fight, and famous Thai fighters like Superbon, Nong-O, and Sam-A will be there too. I intend to have a great fight and outshine everyone."
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com