Kickboxing star Toma Kuroda and the K-1 promotion have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, effective May 9, 2025. This development follows the recent departures of other prominent fighters from the organization.
This marks another significant loss for the Japanese promotion, which has faced an increasing number of athletes choosing to leave, despite its historically stringent and exclusive contractual terms.
Kuroda, aged 24, held the K-1 Bantamweight title (-53 kg) at the time of his departure but has now vacated the championship. He has been vocal on social media about his reasons for seeking opportunities elsewhere, stating a desire for greater challenges and expressing that he sees “no strong fighters in the K-1 bantamweight division.”
Looking ahead, Kuroda is already confirmed for the SPACE ONE x BOM event scheduled for Sunday, May 11. This event is a collaboration between China`s SPACE ONE and Japan`s Muay Thai promotion The Battle of Muay Thai (BOM).
Ranked No. 5 in the Beyond Kickboxing rankings for his division, Kuroda remains a highly regarded talent. While his long-term promotional home is yet to be announced, a move to organizations like RISE or ONE Championship appears to be strong possibilities.
Gareth Tenby