‘I’m Going To Hurt Him’ – Hyu Ready To Demolish Suablack, Eyes World Title And Super-Fights
Undefeated Japanese kickboxer Hyu Iwata is supremely confident he can tear apart Thai knockout artist Suablack Tor Pran49 when they collide in a highly anticipated flyweight kickboxing showdown.
The pair will meet at ONE Fight Night 41 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, March 13.
Hyu – a natural karateka who represents Team Mehdi Zatout and TEAM3K – brings a pristine 12-0 professional record into the contest. What’s more, he owns a flawless 4-0 promotional slate with three emphatic finishes since making his ONE Championship debut in September 2024.
The Osaka native is eager to test himself against the flyweight kickboxing division’s biggest names and earn a crack at the gold. But standing in his way will be Suablack, a battle-tested Thai veteran who has become a social media darling thanks to his legendary thighs and explosive fighting style.
Suablack, who has spent the majority of his promotional tenure in the bantamweight ranks, carries an impressive 62-22 striking record into the battle. Most notably, he holds victories over renowned names like Seksan Or Kwanmuang and Sangarthit Looksaikongdin.
However, Hyu isn’t concerned with internet fame or physical attributes.
The Japanese youngster respects Suablack’s accomplishments, but he believes his technical superiority and finishing ability will prove decisive at ONE Fight Night 41.
Speaking to onefc.com, Hyu said:
“I feel like he is a proven, high-level guy who’s been doing well in ONE. Just look at his thighs – he’s clearly built differently, not someone who goes down easily. I think it’ll be a really exciting fight. Like a karate athlete, I’m going to hurt him and break him down.”
The Japanese wrecking ball draws confidence from his unblemished record and string of impressive stoppages. Each performance has built his reputation as one of the flyweight kickboxing division’s most dangerous strikers, and he plans to continue that trajectory.
For Hyu, this fight with Suablack represents more than just another victory. A commanding performance against the 29-year-old veteran would solidify his position as a top contender, and he hopes it could lead to a high-profile match on one of the organization’s biggest cards this year.
The 23-year-old said:
“Suablack is a fighter who’s already faced top-tier athletes, so I want to beat him in a convincing way and use that to earn a spot on a Japan event, or even the U.S. event.”
Hyu Chasing World Title Gold And Super-Fights
Hyu Iwata’s ambitions extend far beyond Suablack Tor Pran49.
The undefeated Japanese knockout artist has set his sights on the marquee fighters in combat sports, believing his unique skill set and finishing ability make him the perfect challenger for ONE Championship’s most celebrated megastars.
With ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek dominating headlines and former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon emerging as one of the industry’s biggest names, Hyu sees opportunities to create legacy-defining moments that would cement his place among the best.
Hyu has studied both men extensively and believes his style presents matchup problems that neither megastar has encountered before.
Both of those athletes are on his radar, as well as the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title and a potential battle in another striking art.
He said:
“As a Japanese fighter, I truly believe I’m the one who can fight Rodtang and Superlek and win in a beautiful, decisive way. That’s what I’m aiming for – win the belt this year, and I think it’d be interesting to fight in Muay Thai [with the four-ounce gloves] as well.”
