Kickboxing promotion K-1 and fighter Toma Kuroda have reached a mutual agreement to terminate their contract, effective May 9, 2025. This news follows closely behind the recent departures of other high-profile fighters, including Taito Gunji and Masashi Kumura, indicating a continued trend of athletes leaving the Japanese organization.
This series of exits represents another challenge for K-1, a promotion long recognized for its strict and exclusive contractual agreements, as the number of fighters seeking opportunities elsewhere shows no sign of decreasing.
Kuroda, aged 24, was the reigning Bantamweight champion in the -53 kg division but has now vacated his title. He has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the promotion through social media on multiple occasions. He stated his intention to explore other organizations due to the perceived lack of strong opponents within the K-1 bantamweight roster, seeking tougher competition.
It was previously announced that Kuroda is scheduled to participate in SPACE ONE x BOM, a collaborative event between China’s professional kickboxing promotion SPACE ONE and Japan’s Muay Thai promotion The Battle of Muay Thai (BOM). This event is planned for Sunday, May 11th.
Currently ranked No. 5 in his division by Beyond Kickboxing, Kuroda is still regarded as a top talent in the sport. While his long-term promotional home remains unconfirmed, a potential move to organizations like RISE or ONE Championship appears to be likely possibilities for the fighter.
Ellis Thorne