During a recent Shootboxing event, Super Welterweight champion Kaito Ono, accompanied by Shootboxing representative Kenichi Ogata, officially announced his upcoming fight. Kaito is set to face Enriko Kehl at SHOOT BOXING 2025 act.3, scheduled for June 22.
Since his decision defeat to GLORY Lightweight champion Tjyani Beztati in August 2023, Kaito has been steadfast in his pursuit of a rematch. In preparation for this goal, he has defeated several notable GLORY fighters, including Guerric Billet, Dragomir Petrov, Arman Hambaryan, and former champion Davit Kiria.
Concurrently, Enriko Kehl also secured a victory over Guerric Billet in a GLORY title eliminator but ultimately lost to Tjyani Beztati via unanimous decision. This outcome places Kehl in a similar position to Kaito regarding a potential second opportunity against Beztati. Although GLORY has currently put its lightweight division on hold, a win in the upcoming bout would significantly enhance either fighter`s prospects for earning another shot at the Moroccan champion.
Kaito also commented on his meeting with ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong, who apologized for remarks made after the cancellation of Kaito`s planned fight with Marat Grigorian. Kaito expressed regret to the fans who were anticipating the fight but feels that a future confrontation with Grigorian is necessary to fully resolve the situation. He added that after his bout with Kehl, he intends to return his focus to GLORY, aiming to defeat the top contender and challenge Beztati for the belt.
Gareth Tenby