A former Muay Thai king has dropped two in a row. He has no plans to make it three in Tokyo.
Nabil Anane meets Yuki Yoza in bantamweight kickboxing at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17. The bout takes place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 22-year-old former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion makes his first kickboxing appearance in nearly a year. Yoza, a former World Title challenger, brings overwhelming physical strength, aggressive pressure, and a dangerous kicking game.
Anane has responded to his recent setbacks by sharpening the details rather than rebuilding his style. He wants to stay true to the approach that took him to the top while making sure the same mistakes never surface again.
He also knows another defeat would extend the toughest stretch of his ONE career. Towering at 6-foot-4 with a major reach advantage, he expects the Japanese star to spend the night chasing him.
“He would have to run to catch me, and I’ll just win. I want the win because I don’t want to lose for a third time,” Anane said.
Nabil Anane eyes a route to kickboxing gold
Yoza has already challenged for ONE World Title gold, which makes him an ideal measuring stick. Beating him could push Anane into the kickboxing rankings and closer to his own title opportunity.
The Algerian-Thai star has never turned down a fight in ONE, and he has no intention of starting now. Whatever the promotion offers next, his target is clear.
“Now it’s been nearly a year that I haven’t fought in kickboxing. I just want to win, be in the rankings, and then fight for the title shot if I have a chance. I will take it,” Anane said.
“Since the beginning, whatever came to me, I’ve never refused anything. I’ve always taken whatever they proposed. Whatever they propose to me next, I’m ready, I’m down. But I want the title shot, of course.”
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
