Iran’s Iraj Azizpour finds himself on one of the biggest cards ONE Championship is likely to put on this year – with an opportunity to re-establish himself as a leading kickboxing contender.
The 35-year-old takes on Serbia’s Rade Opacic on the lead card of ONE 165: Superlek vs Takeru this weekend looking to bounce back from his only defeat with the organisation.
Azizpour had gone 3-0 in his first three ONE bouts, but could not get past the dominance of Roman Kryklia, the reigning light-heavyweight kickboxing and heavyweight Muay Thai world champion.
A defeat to the Ukrainian is by no means a disgrace, but Azizpour will be looking to find the form that saw him take two unanimous decision wins and one sensational knockout when he came onto the ONE scene in 2021.
He has not fought in the organisation since defeat to Kryklia in November 2022, but knows getting back in the win column can quickly uplift his heavyweight kickboxing credentials. It could also lead down a path of redemption against Kryklia. The pair have fought three times now – with the Iranian holding one win, and a hunger for another without doubt.
A world championships silver medallist in Muay Thai, Azizpour is one of the Middle East’s elite stickers, but will face a stern test this weekend in the form of Opacic.
The 26-year-old holds an impressive 6-1 record in ONE with a number of highlight-reel finishes to his name – and he also knows a win over Azizpour would certainly bolster his fight CV.
There is a lot on the line for both men in Japan this weekend, and don’t be surprised if it doesn’t go the distance.
ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru takes place Sunday January 28 1pm GST at the Ariake Arena, Tokyo. This is an event not to be missed so mark your calendars, download the ONE Super App, and go to watch.onefc.com now!
ONE Championship returns to the Middle East on March 1 with ONE 166: Qatar at the Lusail Stadium, Doha. A historic night awaits with no less than five title fights planned, and tickets are now available from Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.
