Japanese veteran isn＊t done evolving as a fighter 每 and he＊s determined to prove that his best days are still ahead of him.
On June 6 in U.S. primetime, the experienced contender will square off with undefeated Colombian sensation in a pivotal flyweight Muay Thai clash at , live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
The matchup is an opportunity for Naito to steal his opponent＊s momentum, snap his losing streak, and prove that he still belongs among the flyweight elite.
The 29-year-old has been out of action for nearly a year following a knockout loss to , but he＊s been using his time on the sidelines wisely. Since September, Naito has been working with a professional boxing trainer three times a week in an effort to reinvent himself as a more complete striker.
※Silent Sniper§ recently spoke to about the critical improvements he＊s made during the layoff:
※I＊ve been training during this time, and I＊ve incorporated some new elements since my last loss. As a fighter, I do feel that it＊s been quite a long gap, but I believe this time away has actually helped me grow in certain ways, so I＊m really looking forward to it.§
A former Shoot Boxing Champion renowned for his speed, precise timing, and sharp kicking game, Naito believes that his dedicated work in the art of pugilism has transformed his approach to combat.
Rather than waiting for openings to pick his opponent apart with counter-strikes, he＊s now much more comfortable pushing the pace and creating offensive chances with his hands.
He said fans can expect to see those developments in the ring this week:
※I＊m naturally more skilled with kicks. In my previous fights, I think I used significantly more kicks than punches, but now, I＊ve become better at balancing kicks and punches together.
※People probably think of my punching as mainly counter-punches, but I＊ve started to develop more of an offensive punching style, and I＊m excited about that aspect of myself.
※While my basic style might not change, I want to show completely different fighting methods and technical variations. I＊m really looking forward to it myself.§
Naito＊s commitment to pushing his game to new heights at this stage of his career reflects his endless dedication to being a true martial artist.
As a veteran of 13 battles in ONE who＊s gone toe-to-toe with a number of the planet＊s best pound-for-pound strikers, stepping outside of his comfort zone requires both spirit and humility.
But his rapid improvement in boxing has reinvigorated his passion for competition, and he can＊t wait to show the fruits of his labor against Estupinan:
※I＊m in the latter part of my career now, and I can actually feel myself growing. But after 50 fights, incorporating new elements takes courage. I＊ve been the type who didn＊t want to disrupt certain aspects of my style, but by putting aside that kind of pride and embracing new elements, I feel like I＊ve discovered a new version of myself.
※So this time, I want people to think I＊m different from before, and I have high expectations for myself.§
Naito Feels Ready To Match Estupinan＊s Intensity
While improvements to his striking repertoire have Taiki Naito feeling confident, he knows a formidable challenge awaits him.
After all, Johan Estupinan will enter the contest as the division＊s fastest-rising star, having amassed a perfect 27-0 professional record that includes five dominant wins in ONE.
※Panda Kick＊s§ ultra-aggressive, relentless style is undeniably dangerous, but Naito believes his own improved boxing will be the perfect foil for the Colombian＊s all-action approach:
※I don＊t think [Estupinan is] a particularly technical fighter, but I expect him to come swinging with momentum. That＊s why he＊s a really good opponent to test myself against now.
※He＊s a hard hitter, but in a good way. I want to match my opponent and get in there. I don＊t just want to avoid his attacks; I want to get into the intensity.§
Naito understands that he＊s the underdog against Estupinan, but he＊s using that as motivation to deliver a spectacular performance in Thailand.
Instead of carefully outpointing his adversary, ※Silent Sniper§ plans to meet fire with fire and hunt for a finish that will announce his arrival as a reinvented striker:
※Since he＊ll be coming forward, I＊m 100 percent sure it will be an intense fight. I need to throw myself into those tough exchanges. If I can do that, I believe my chances of knocking him out will increase, and I think I can finish him.
※The public evaluation probably favors my opponent, but because he＊s that kind of opponent, I really want to get a KO this time. Not just win, but knock him out.§
