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Looking supremely confident, Lenny Blasi (Italy/Team Calzolari) entered the ring with a smile on his face, while the sole remaining Japanese fighter, Shu Inagaki (Japan/K-1 GYM OMIYA Team LEON), appeared focused and composed. Blasi, clearly excited to be part of the tournament, practically danced out of his corner and was the first to attack. The Italian fighter landed the opening blow with a sharp low kick and initially found success dodging Inagaki’s counters. The pressure was on Inagaki to hold the line for Japan’s hopes, as the last remaining Japanese fighter in the competition.

It took time for Inagaki to find his range, but the southpaw began connecting with his jabs and left straights, while Blasi countered with combinations of punches and kicks. Blasi tried to maintain pressure, but struggled to find his own distance as Inagaki gradually gained momentum, one technique at a time.

Blasi started the second round strong, landing right straights, body shots, and low kicks. His efficient clinch work and knees were effective, but he received a warning for using knees in the clinch, signaling that he was still adjusting to K-1’s rules. Although Blasi seemed to be ahead on points, Inagaki’s punches began to land more frequently, and damage started to accumulate over Blasi’s left eye. Despite the visible damage, Blasi showcased excellent lateral head movement, dodging many of Inagaki’s kicks and using a variety of off-timing strikes to keep his opponent guessing.

Though Blasi seemed to be ahead on points in the second round, Inagaki continued landing solid punches, and damage began to accumulate over Blasi’s left eye. Despite wearing the damage Blasi showcased excellent lateral head movement, dodging many of Inagaki’s kicks and used a variety of off-timing strikes to keep his opponent guessing.

In the third round, both fighters came out swinging, responding to their coaches’ calls to let loose. Blasi, eager to assert his dominance, launched a flying knee, but was caught off guard by a perfectly timed left hook from Inagaki. As Blasi pressed forward, attempting to counter with a left hook of his own, Inagaki surprised the Italian with a jumping knee to the chin, sending Blasi crashing to the canvas.

Inagaki’s late surge ended the bout in dramatic fashion, marking a stunning victory from the Japanese, and keeping the Japanese fans’ hopes alive for a Japanese Super Lightweight Champion.