The electric atmosphere of Tokyo recently bore witness to a monumental collaboration between GLORY Kickboxing and RISE, delivering an event that was far more than just a series of fights. It was a testament to resilience, strategic mastery, and the undeniable draw of combat sports at their finest.
In the venerable Ota City General Gymnasium, the confluence of two kickboxing powerhouses—the global giant GLORY and Japan’s esteemed RISE—ignited the arena. The stakes were high: two world titles were on the line, and the opening rounds of the highly anticipated Last Featherweight Standing tournament unfolded, promising a glimpse into the sport’s future.
The Unyielding Spirit of Chad Collins: A Comeback for the Ages
Perhaps the most compelling narrative of the evening unfolded in the Super Lightweight Title bout, where Chad “The Shark” Collins finally met Kento Haraguchi. This was a meeting five years in the making, a clash originally slated for 2020 but derailed by a global pandemic. The anticipation was palpable, and the fight delivered.
Haraguchi, eager to make up for lost time, started ferociously, rattling Collins with potent body kicks and even scoring a knockdown with a high kick in the opening round. For a moment, it seemed the long-awaited bout might end prematurely. However, champions are not merely defined by their initial performance, but by their capacity for adaptation and sheer grit. From the second round onward, Collins initiated a strategic masterclass, turning the tide with relentless forward pressure. He systematically wore down his challenger, a testament to endurance and unwavering resolve. After five grueling rounds, Collins’ Herculean comeback was rightfully awarded a split-decision victory, successfully defending his RISE Super Lightweight Title. It was a win that showcased not just power, but profound mental fortitude.
Shiro`s Clinical Precision: A Bantamweight Masterclass
In the main event, Shiro demonstrated why he holds the Bantamweight World Title, delivering a performance that could only be described as a clinical dissection of his opponent, Masashi Kumura. From the first bell to the last, Shiro dictated the pace and controlled the distance with an almost surgical precision. He scored three knockdowns throughout the fight, each a clear punctuation mark on his dominance, en route to a unanimous decision victory. There was no room for doubt; Shiro made the bout appear effortless, a striking ballet of sharp timing and unerring accuracy. His victory was a powerful affirmation of his reign, leaving onlookers to ponder if anyone in the division can truly challenge his refined technique.
Rising Stars and Enduring Legacies
The Tokyo event also cast a spotlight on the next generation and established names looking to solidify their positions:
- Ryujin Nasukawa, brother to kickboxing sensation Tenshin Nasukawa, continued to forge his own path. He secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Jin Mandokoro, extending his impressive winning streak to thirteen. The Nasukawa legacy, it seems, is in capable hands.
- Taiju Shiratori made quick work of UK’s Andy Turland, delivering a first-round knockout that reminded everyone of his explosive power. Sometimes, brevity is the soul of impact.
The Road Ahead: Last Featherweight Standing Tournament
The highly anticipated Last Featherweight Standing tournament saw its opening round conclude in Tokyo, setting the stage for future clashes between some of the sport`s most promising talents. This bracket featured a fascinating East-meets-West dynamic:
- On the GLORY side, Denis Wosik and Achraf Aasila advanced decisively, showcasing dominant decision victories that underscore the depth of international talent.
- The RISE bracket, featuring Japanese talent, delivered fireworks. Yura Kono and Yutaro Asahi thrilled the audience with spectacular knockout finishes, proving that local stars are ready to make a global statement.
These victories complete the Last 16 lineup for the tournament, promising an exciting path forward as these contenders vie for ultimate supremacy in the featherweight division.
The GLORY 102 x RISE collaboration in Tokyo was a masterclass in kickboxing event promotion and execution. It delivered drama, skill, and the promise of a thrilling future for the sport, reinforcing Japan`s pivotal role as a hub for martial arts excellence. As the dust settles, the echoes of victorious shouts and the thud of powerful strikes linger, hinting at even greater spectacles to come from this dynamic partnership.
Murray Blackwood 
Gareth Pendleton