RISE Champion Kazuki Osaki defends against Jin Mandokoro | Arina Kobayashi faces Manazo Kobayashi
RISE Super Flyweight Champion Kazuki Osaki Defends Title Against Jin Mandokoro
In a highly anticipated clash, RISE Super Flyweight champion and the fifth-best pound-for-pound kickboxer in the world, Kazuki Osaki, will defend his title against Jin Mandokoro on June 15. Osaki, who had previously endured a narrow decision loss to Toki Tamaru, is now riding a two-fight win streak and will look to prove his dominance in the division.
Mandokoro has more than earned the right to a rematch, having secured five victories in the past 16 months, four of which came against opponents featured in the rankings at the time. The challenger’s ability to take the champion to an extension round in their previous encounter has set the stage for an intriguing showdown, as fans await to see how much Mandokoro has improved since their last meeting.
Arina Kobayashi vs. Manazo Kobayashi in Non-Title Bout
In another RISE event, reigning Mini-Flyweight champion Arina Kobayashi will not be defending her title. Instead, she will face the former RISE Flyweight champion, Manazo Kobayashi, in an open-finger glove non-title bout on May 19. Arina Kobayashi, known as one of the more notable hitters in the women’s divisions, has an impressive professional record, having knocked out, knocked down, or battered every opponent she has faced, except for fellow pound-for-pound ranked Koyuki Miyazaki.
“Despite being the naturally larger fighter, Manazo is likely to enter the bout as the underdog against the dominant Arina Kobayashi.”
On the other hand, Manazo Kobayashi has experienced a mixed run of form since her failed GLORY title challenge against Tiffany van Soest, with fans of the sport believing she may be on the downward trajectory of her career.
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