‘It’s A Very Important Fight’ — Kana Aims To Spoil Stamp’s Big Return At ONE 173
Japanese kickboxing veteran Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto will have the biggest spotlight placed on her career when she takes on one of the most beloved fighters in the world this Sunday, November 16.
Live from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, the four-time K-1 Champion will face Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex in a highly anticipated three-round atomweight kickboxing contest.
For Kana, a victory over the former three-sport ONE World Champion would not only elevate her to global recognition, but also boost her stock in the stacked atomweight kickboxing division.
The 33-year-old said:
“So for this fight, I’m going to be fighting with Stamp Fairtex, and she is the number one in three sports, and she is very popular around the world. If I win against her in this fight, the world will also focus on me now, too. So, it’s going to be a big chance for me. It’s a very important fight.”
Kana understands that a big win in her home country against such a formidable opponent could reopen the door to a rivalry she has long wanted to revisit.
The Team Aftermath product is seeking a revenge match against reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Queen” Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom, who handed Kana a stinging defeat at ONE 172 this past March.
As “Krusher Queen” prepares for her biggest moment yet, she remains clear-eyed about what this fight means for her long-term ambitions. Suffice it to say, Kana has ONE gold in mind:
“The key is, if I win against Stamp, I might get a revenge match against Phetjeeja. And also, my goal is to be the next champion of ONE Championship, and this fight means a lot to connect me to that title.
“The moment I got to match up with Stamp, I know this fight is going to attract the people around the world to watch, and it will be a good chance for me. Every athlete knows there is only one athlete in ONE Championship that achieved three World Titles in three sports. I think she can do everything, and she’s the best fighter in ONE Championship”
That being said, Kana knows that Stamp’s talent is undeniable, and the Thai fighter’s résumé is unmatched. Stamp is the only athlete in the history of the world’s largest martial arts organization to capture World Titles in MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
While Stamp is looking to rebuild her momentum following a knee injury that has sidelined her for the past two years, Kana sees both danger and opportunity in her opponent’s strength, power, and finishing instinct.
The Japanese star believes their styles will collide in the most dramatic fashion:
“Stamp’s strength is gonna be her power and also, she has the heart to finish her opponent in the critical moment, the important moment [of the fight], and also, she has very powerful one-shot KO power. Also for this fight, Stamp’s fighting style matches up so well with mine, and for this fight, someone is going to be knocked out.”
Kana Confident Her Speed And Timing Can Disrupt Stamp’s Big Comeback
As ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri approaches, Kana Morimoto has assessed not only Stamp Fairtex’s strengths, but also her own. While many see the Thai megastar’s explosiveness as the defining factor, Kana sees a balance of attributes that could tilt the contest her way.
The Japanese striking sensation believes her timing, footwork, and clean shot selection could disrupt Stamp’s rhythm. In her mind, this fight is built on narrow margins, and if she lands cleanly, Kana knows she has the power to put anyone away.
She said:
“Where I am better against Stamp is going to be my speed and also, I have that one shot power to KO my opponent.”
That competitive mindset gives Kana a unique understanding of the opponent standing across from her. She expects Stamp to arrive with a sharpened spirit and a desire to reclaim momentum.
Still, Kana is prepared to meet that intensity with her own. She has made peace with the pressure, welcomed the magnitude, and embraced the reality that this fight will demand emotional and physical resolve in equal measure.
Kana said:
“I also think Stamp wants this comeback fight so bad, and I believe Stamp’s mental condition is going to be very strong coming back this time.
“I believe Stamp is going to come back with 100 of her physicality. There will be no disadvantages or handicaps. It’s gonna be a fair fight.”
With all eyes on their clash, Kana sees a clear path to redefining how fans view her. She has yet to score a knockout in ONE, but she views Stamp as the perfect opponent to bring out the most dangerous version of herself.
If she can deliver that moment in Tokyo, she believes the world will finally understand her true quality as a fighter.
She said:
“Since I came to ONE Championship, I haven’t had any KO victories. So this time, if I can knock Stamp out, it’ll be a big comeback for me.
“If I am able to KO Stamp this time, then people may think that Kana could be the next World Champion.”
