‘He Should Just Stay Quiet’ – Taiki Naito Looks To Silence Undefeated Phenom Hyu At ONE SAMURAI 1

Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito is ready to teach a brash young star a harsh lesson in respect. The Japanese veteran takes on undefeated phenom “Mister Pepper” Hyu Iwata in a highly anticipated three-round flyweight kickboxing showdown at ONE SAMURAI 1 , which broadcasts live from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, April 29. As one of the most experienced fighters in ONE Championship, the 30-year-old Bell Wood Fight Team representative is looking to make a statement against the dangerous new addition to the bustling division.

View this post on Instagram Coming off a spectacular first-round knockout over Nakrob Fairtex in their Muay Thai clash at ONE Fight Night 37 last November, Naito carries undeniable momentum and lethal stopping power into this explosive matchup. Across the ring stands Hyu, an electric 23-year-old riding a wave of five consecutive victories in the world’s largest martial arts organization. While the Osaka native has captured the attention of the global fan base with his sublime finishing ability, Naito remains thoroughly unimpressed by the hype surrounding his younger compatriot.

View this post on Instagram “Silent Sniper” witnessed Hyu’s initial surge on the global stage, but he never considered the karate specialist as a legitimate threat to his position in the flyweight hierarchy. With the battle just days away, Naito has analyzed the tape. He respects the raw power of “Mister Pepper,” but he firmly believes the menacing upstart benefits from a carefully curated resume rather than proven championship mettle.

Naito stated: “I think he’s a good fighter, plain and simple. But I also feel like he still hasn’t faced that level of opposition yet. “I acknowledge his ability, but looking calmly at the opponents he’s fought, my impression is that he may be rated a bit too highly.