The #3-ranked flyweight kickboxer rose to the occasion and counterpunched his way to a majority decision over “Panda Kick” in Muay Thai action on Saturday, 7th June, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Following a decision defeat to Dedduanglek Wankhongohm MBK at ONE Fight Night 21 in April last year and a first-round knockout loss to Elias Mahmoudi, Naito sensed his back was against the wall. So, he was glad his improved boxing and veteran skill set prevailed against the previously unbeaten powerhouse.
“I was in two consecutive losses, and I also know that Estupinan has never lost in ONE Championship before,” he said.
“It was like my future was being tested with this fight, and I’m so glad, so happy that I could win the fight today.”
“Silent Sniper’s” return to winning ways may have come in 4oz gloves, but that’s not where his prowess resides. His bread and butter is kickboxing, and he’s now eyeing a return to the bigger gloves – with a big name opponent in mind.
Naito wants to square off with legendary compatriot and former K-1 World Champion Takeru Segawa.
And with the promotion announcing a return to Japan this November with ONE 173, he believes it would be the perfect setting for a showdown with “The Natural Born Krusher.”
“You know, today I fought in Muay Thai, but I usually also fight in kickboxing. And in ONE Championship, in the ranking right now, number two is Takeru, and I’m the next. So I’d love to fight Takeru as my next opponent,” he opined.
“It’s going to be within this year, and if there’s a big fight [card] in Japan, I’d love to fight there with Takeru. And I’m very confident this fight will entertain the whole of Japan.”
