The names concerned might not be acknowledged by most western audiences, however struggle followers would possibly need to begin getting acquainted with Ryuki Matsuda.
The 18-year-old kickboxer lower his tooth on the novice circuit in Japan, preventing dozens of occasions and profitable most of these bouts. He turned skilled in 2021, shortly racking up an 11-0 skilled file earlier than opting to transition into the principles of Muay Thai. His first Muay Thai match got here towards fellow Japanese kickboxer Issei Ishii and resulted in a draw.
Regardless of the draw, Matsuda took a serious step up the ladder in his second match, difficult Rajadamnern Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) champion Khunsueklek (81-7-3) in his second Muay Thai match. The Rajadamnern Stadium Title is likely one of the most prestigious straps in Muay Thai. Khunsueklek is simply 18 years of age himself, however the Thai champion entered his second title protection driving a 41-fight win streak and was ranked extremely on pound-for-pound lists.
Matsuda’s motion and energy punching proved an excessive amount of for the extra skilled champion, nonetheless, leading to a second-round knockout win for the Japanese expertise. It’s a surprising upset win and sure just the start of a really adorned fight sports activities profession from the younger kickboxer.
