9.29.2024

K-1 World MAX 2024 in Yoyogi National Stadium, 2nd Gymnasium, Tokyo Japan.

In the K-1 World MAX -65kg Super Lightweight Tournament Final, Japan’s hopes rested on Shu Inagaki (K-1 GYM OMIYA Team LEON), the last homegrown fighter standing in the tournament, as he faced Thailand’s Yodkhunpon Weerasakreck (Weerasakreck Fairtex Muaythai Gym), fresh off two knockout wins. The final promised to be a tactical showdown.

Yodkhunpon opened with a low kick and followed with a middle kick, testing the waters early. Inagaki, cautious but determined, responded with feints, looking to find his rhythm. Unlike the earlier more aggressive bouts, Yodkhunpon was more measured in this fight, perhaps reflecting on the high stakes.

The Thai fighter, adjusting to the new ruleset, was cautioned numerous times throughout the fight for grabbing Inagaki’s leg while attempting a counter, as well as for numerous clinches, but despite the challenges of crossing over to the K-1 rules, the mutual respect between the two fighters was evident as they touched gloves after the warning.

Yodkhunpon sought to establish dominance with his signature middle kicks and boxing, but Inagaki’s quick reaction and light footwork kept him largely out of harm’s way for much of the fight, unlike the Thai fighter’s earlier opponents. Close to the end of the first round, as the fighters traded blows near the ropes, Yodkhunpon landed a clean jumping knee followed by a spinning heel kick that earned gasps from the crowd. As the bell rang, Yodkhunpon seemed to edge out the first round by landing more significant strikes.

In the second round, Inagaki tried to shift momentum with a middle kick and better distance management. Yodkhunpon was once again cautioned for grabbing Inagaki’s leg, but despite the numerous infractions both fighters remained respectful. Inagaki’s jabs started to find their mark, but Yodkhunpon’s quick counters continued to trouble the local, Japanese favorite.

Despite Inagaki’s steady pressure, Yodkhunpon’s early strikes following his fast breaks from the clinch gave him a tactical advantage. With 20 seconds left in the round, frustration showed as Yodkhunpon executed a takedown—illegal in K-1—but the referee allowed the bout to continue with minimal disruption.

The third and final round saw Inagaki ramp up the aggression, likely at the urging of his corner. He landed a series of strikes, including a hard middle kick and a flying knee, testing Yodkhunpon’s chin for the first time. But Yodkhunpon absorbed the blows and kept pushing forward.

As the final minute ticked away, Yodkhunpon’s clinches continued to frustrate Inagaki, but perhaps given the lateness of the fight and the stakes involved, the referee preferred to let the action flow. In the closing seconds, the two fighters clashed until the bell rang, with neither being able to finish the other, and the bout would head to decision.

As the judges’ scorecards were read, the first favored Yodkhunpon 30-29. As the second score came in—a 30-30 draw, Inagaki raised his hand, but the final score of 30-29 sealed Yodkhunpon’s victory by a 2-0 decision.

Japan’s hopes for a homegrown champion were frustrated as Yodkhunpon Weerasakreck was crowned the K-1 World MAX -65kg Super Lightweight Champion. His victory reignites the legacy of Thai fighters in K-1, reminding the world of Muay Thai’s strength even within the confines of K-1 rules. The question remains—can Yodkhunpon carry the torch of other Muay Thai greats, such as Buakaw, and establish a new era of Thai supremacy in the lightweight division?