Hiroki Akimoto Files Protest Following ONE Samurai4 Kickboxing Loss
Japanese fighter Hiroki Akimoto has formally protested his TKO loss to Jonathan Haggerty, citing illegal clinching and knee strikes that resulted in a broken nose.
Japanese kickboxer Hiroki Akimoto has officially filed a protest following his TKO defeat against Jonathan Haggerty at the ONE Samurai4 event. Akimoto, who competed for the Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, alleges that Haggerty repeatedly violated kickboxing rules by clinching and delivering knee strikes, techniques he argues are exclusive to Muay Thai.
According to Akimoto, the impact of these strikes during the match resulted in a broken nose and lacerations, for which he is currently receiving medical treatment. The fighter’s team has submitted video evidence to the organization, asserting that the referee had previously warned against clinching and holding legs during the pre-fight briefing and the match itself. Akimoto maintains that the repeated use of these maneuvers constitutes a clear breach of the ONE kickboxing rule set.
For residents and sports enthusiasts in Thailand, this incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny regarding the enforcement of rules in high-profile combat sports. While the match result currently stands as a TKO victory for Haggerty, the formal protest process is underway. It remains to be confirmed whether the governing body will review the footage and take any disciplinary action or overturn the result of the bout. Fans and observers are awaiting an official statement from the organization regarding the validity of the protest.
