Latest news with #TaikiNaito
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Not a great day for Johans, as Estupinan, Ghazali both lose at ONE Fight Night 32
It was not a great morning for ONE Championship's young wannabes in Bangkok on Saturday. Johan Estupinan had blitzed his way into the organisation as a born entertainer, complete with flamboyant dance moves, backflips, agile kicks and, most importantly, five straight wins. And then, at ONE Fight Night 32, the Colombian ran into his biggest test yet – Taiki Naito, who sent a timely reminder to his doubters having lost his past two contests. Still ranked No 3 in the promotion's flyweight kickboxing division, Naito lived up to his 'silent sniper' nickname in this Muay Thai clash, showcasing some excellent counter-striking and dropping Estupinan with a sharp left hook in round two. That shot proved to be the difference-maker, and the Japanese striker took a majority decision, extending his record to 37 wins and 14 defeats. Johan Estupinan (right) struggled to get close to Taiki Naito in Bangkok. Photo: ONE Championship Another upset followed. There aren't many 18-year-olds across any sport with as much buzz and swagger as Malaysia's Johan Ghazali.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
ONE Championship: Estupinan eyes title bout in two different fields
Johan Estupinan said everything is falling into place ahead of the biggest fight of his career at ONE Fight Night 32 in Bangkok. The 22-year-old takes on Japan's Taiki Naito in a flyweight Muay Thai bout on Saturday, with his sights firmly set on the world title. Naito is ranked No 3 in ONE's kickboxing division, but Estupinan remains unfazed. 'Everything is like they plan,' he told the Post. 'This is aligned with the universe because it's his sixth fight, on June 6, and he is 22. 'Now that he's in the top five, this is where the real business starts.' Play Estupinan – nicknamed 'Panda Kick' – is unbeaten in five fights since joining ONE Championship. His last outing was a decision win over fellow rising star Johan Ghazali.
