9.29.2024

The first quarterfinal of the -65kg World MAX Tournament featured Hayato Suzuki (26 fights, 17 wins (10 KOs), 8 losses, 1 draw) vs. Ionut Popa (22 fights, 17 wins (7 KOs), 4 losses, 1 draw), the Fight Clubbing Lightweight Champion, known as “The Romanian Reaper.”

Early in the fight, Suzuki’s middle kicks from a southpaw stance sent shocks through the venue, repeatedly finding their mark, while Popa struggled to counter, unable to establish his range. Popa threw four- or five-punch combinations, but they initially lacked focus, with few connecting.

In the second round, Suzuki used his height advantage to maintain distance with his lead hand, while Popa tried to close the gap. Suzuki’s well-timed middle kicks and step-up knees continued to keep Popa at bay. The Romanian switched tactics, moving away from body hooks, and began using heavy low kicks to target Suzuki’s lead leg, causing the Japanese fighter to wince. Adapting, Suzuki began using his jab to keep Popa at a distance, avoiding further punishment. At first, Popa seemed unable to mount an effective response to this change in tactics. In the final 20 seconds of the second round, both fighters engaged in a heated boxing exchange, with neither gaining a clear advantage. But things would soon change in the third round.

The final round saw blood begin to trickle from a cut above Suzuki’s right eye after Popa scored with a high kick off his left leg. Sensing his moment, Popa went for the finish with left hooks targeting the weakness. Suzuki showed immense grit, continuing to fire back with powerful middle kicks that sought to punish Popa’s advances. However, as the bleeding worsened, the referee was forced to pause the action and have the doctor check Suzuki’s eye. After a quick inspection, the fight resumed, and Suzuki charged forward with a desperate offensive. However, the ringside doctor ultimately declared the cut too severe for Suzuki to continue, awarding Popa a TKO victory via doctor stoppage.