Mark your calendars for August 2nd. Tokyo, Japan will once again be the epicenter of high-level kickboxing as the RISE promotion is set to host a significant event featuring two crucial world title confrontations that carry substantial weight for the respective divisions and the fighters involved.
Anticipated Clash: Collins vs. Haraguchi for the 65kg Crown
One of the evening`s headline bouts pits Australia`s Chadd “Shark” Collins against Japan`s own Kento Haraguchi for the coveted RISE World 65 kg title. This is a matchup that fight enthusiasts have anticipated, given both fighters` consistent performance at the top tier of the division.
Both Collins and Haraguchi arrive at this title opportunity having navigated impressive career paths marked by few setbacks. While Collins has primarily faltered only against elite competition, notably suffering two knockout losses to Miguel Trindade, Haraguchi`s record shows similar resilience, with his few defeats coming against formidable opponents like Petchpanomrung (three times by decision) and also a knockout loss to Miguel Trindade. Their shared history of overcoming nearly everyone *except* a select few top names underscores the parity and high stakes of their upcoming meeting.
Winning this title fight is paramount for both athletes. Beyond securing championship status, victory provides crucial momentum and potential favorable seeding as RISE looks towards a substantial 24-man Featherweight Grand Prix. This August 2nd showdown isn`t just for a belt; it`s a statement about who belongs at the absolute pinnacle of the 65kg category before the divisional tournament further complicates the landscape.
Unexpected Sequel: Shiro Defends 55kg Title Against Kumura
Adding a layer of intrigue to the event is the rematch for the RISE World 55kg title, featuring reigning champion Shiro against challenger Masashi Kumura. This pairing might surprise some, particularly given the recent history of limited cross-promotional activity between RISE and K-1, where Kumura previously competed.
The two first met at the large-scale “THE MATCH 2022” event. On that occasion, Kumura emerged victorious via unanimous decision, securing a crucial knockdown in what was otherwise a closely contested battle. With inter-promotional bouts becoming a rarity, a rematch seemed improbable. However, Kumura`s recent departure from K-1 and decision to remain active in the Japanese scene under the RISE banner has opened the door for this compelling sequel.
Kumura, despite holding a win over Shiro and possessing a strong reputation, has faced a somewhat inconsistent path since their initial meeting. Shiro, conversely, has maintained a more stable trajectory in the division, suffering only one loss during this period, and that in a different weight class. For Kumura, this is an opportunity to reaffirm his position as one of the division`s elite and prove that his previous win wasn`t an anomaly. For Shiro, it`s a chance to avenge a past defeat, defend his championship, and solidify his reign by correcting the mistakes of their first encounter.
Conclusion
With two high-stakes world title fights confirmed, the RISE event on August 2nd in Tokyo is poised to be a defining night for the 65kg and 55kg divisions. The outcomes will not only crown champions but also significantly impact the future trajectories and pecking orders within these competitive weight classes.
