The K-1 JAPAN GROUP has confirmed that the contracts of prominent fighters Taito Gunji and Masashi Kumura with the promotion officially concluded as of April 30, 2025. This marks another significant departure from the Japanese kickboxing organization.
Taito Gunji established himself in K-1 after making his debut in Krush in 2015. He steadily climbed the ranks, culminating in his victory for the K-1 featherweight (-57.5 kg) championship in 2021. His impressive run, which included a 13-fight winning streak and his title reign, concluded with a loss to Takumi Terada last year. That bout also served as his final appearance under the K-1 banner.
The 26-year-old fighter shared his thoughts on social media, expressing gratitude for his experiences within K-1. He stated, “As of April 30, my contract with K-1 has ended. I am grateful for everything I’ve learned here. I will now challenge myself on a new stage. Please look forward to the announcement of my next fight.” Gunji added that while his contract with his gym remains, his departure from K-1 represents a notable turning point in his career.
Masashi Kumura, a former Krush champion recognized for his trilogy bouts against the current K-1 super bantamweight (-55 kg) champion Akihiro Kaneko, also confirmed his exit. He shared, “As of April 30, 2025, my contract with K-1 has fully expired. K-1 holds many special memories for me, and I truly consider it an important organization.” Kumura indicated he is leaving K-1 temporarily to “pursue his strength and compete on the stage he seeks,” encouraging fans to anticipate “the second chapter of Masashi Kumura.”
The exit of these two high-profile fighters, following recent departures of other notable competitors such as Takeru, Masaaki Noiri, and Yuki Yoza, leaves fans and commentators speculating about the future direction and roster of the K-1 promotion.
Gareth Tenby