Two significant title bouts are set to headline RISE`s upcoming major event in Tokyo on August 2nd, promising a night of highly competitive and eagerly anticipated kickboxing action.
Long-Awaited Clash: Kento Haraguchi vs Chadd Collins (65 kg Title)
Kickboxing enthusiasts have long speculated about a showdown between Kento Haraguchi and Chadd Collins, given their impressive records and high rankings. With a 24-man Featherweight Grand Prix also on the horizon, many expected them to eventually meet in the tournament. However, RISE has raised the stakes by scheduling them to first compete for the prestigious RISE World 65 kg title.
Both fighters have followed remarkably similar trajectories leading up to this bout. Collins, known as `Shark`, boasts a lengthy win streak, with his only recent setbacks being two knockout losses to Miguel Trindade. Haraguchi also has a formidable history, with his defeats primarily coming against top-tier opposition: three decision losses to Petchpanomrung and one knockout loss to Miguel Trindade.
Securing a win in this fight is paramount for both athletes, serving as proof of their continued elite status in the division. Victory will also provide crucial momentum and potentially a more favorable seed heading into the upcoming Grand Prix, alongside claiming the coveted championship belt.
Rematch for Supremacy: Shiro vs Masashi Kumura 2 (55 kg Title)
The 55 kg division`s hierarchy will also be decided as Masashi Kumura challenges champion Shiro for the RISE World 55kg title. This bout marks their second meeting, three years after their initial clash at the large-scale collaboration event, THE MATCH 2022. In that fight, Kumura emerged victorious via unanimous decision after scoring a knockdown in what was otherwise a closely contested battle.
With cross-promotional fights between K-1 and RISE currently on hold indefinitely, a rematch between these two seemed unlikely. However, Kumura`s recent departure from K-1 has paved the way for this highly anticipated second encounter. Kumura aims to defy the trend of some former K-1 fighters by remaining in Japan to solidify his well-earned reputation as one of the division`s top competitors, despite his mixed results since their 2022 fight.
Shiro, on the other hand, has experienced a different trajectory, suffering only a single loss during this period (at a different weight class). The reigning champion will look to maintain his winning momentum and rectify the mistakes from their previous encounter to defend his belt.
Ellis Thorne