Pound-for-pound kickboxer Kazuki Osaki secured a convincing victory over current WBC Muay Thai champion Corey Nicholson in the fifth round this past weekend at the RISE FireBall event. While Osaki`s performance was impressive, Nicholson marked another opponent who wasn`t considered top-tier for Kazuki since his win against Jin Mandokoro nearly a year ago. Meanwhile, Ryu Hanaoka and Ryujin Nasukawa are waiting for their opportunity to challenge the champion. After the fight, Osaki expressed his desire to seek new challenges in the ONE Championship promotion, following the path his younger brother took last year.
Koki Osaki Dominates Former Champion Monguchi
Kazuki Osaki`s brother, Koki Osaki, delivered an equally impressive performance, defeating former RISE Champion and top 55 kg fighter Keisuke Monguchi. Koki fought one of the most remarkable fights of his career, stopping his opponent in the second round with a flurry of approximately 40 punches, reminiscent of Gokhan Saki`s style. This victory reasserted his position as the best 55 kg fighter in RISE, and arguably among the best globally.
Mei Miyamoto Claims Title in Controversial Thriller Against Arina Kobayashi
Following a tough loss to Tessa de Kom at 52 kg, Arina Kobayashi aimed to regain her form against the undefeated Mei Miyamoto (5-0). Their bout turned into a rare 6-round thriller for kickboxing. Although the champion (Kobayashi) seemed to have the edge for most of the fight, an extra round was announced after the fifth. Ultimately, the decision victory was awarded to the challenger, Mei Miyamoto, who captured the RISE -49 kg title in what is undoubtedly the best women`s kickboxing fight of the year thus far. A rematch is possible, and the winner could potentially face the -46 kg champion and pound-for-pound number two, Koyuki Miyazaki.
Gareth Tenby