The K-1 Super Bantamweight titleholder, Akihiro Kaneko, will not be prosecuted.
Prosecutors in Chiba have decided against bringing charges against Akihiro Kaneko. Following an investigation into claims of assault and extortion, the Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office announced its decision on March 26, stating there was inadequate evidence to proceed with an indictment.
Kaneko, who currently holds the K-1 World Grand Prix Super Bantamweight title, had been accused of physically attacking a training partner at a gym located in Chuo Ward, Chiba City. The Chiba Prefectural Police had sent the case to prosecutors twice, first in October 2023 and again in January 2024. Despite these submissions, the prosecutors concluded there wasn`t enough concrete evidence to support an indictment.
The allegations, which included claims of prolonged physical and mental abuse against his training partner, attracted considerable attention due to their serious nature. Although the legal proceedings have now ended with no charges filed, the repercussions of these accusations still negatively impact the fighter`s professional standing.
As of now, neither Kaneko nor anyone representing him has issued a public statement regarding the prosecutors` decision.
Gareth Tenby