Liam Harrison Returns For Explosive Kickboxing War Against Shinji Suzuki At ONE Fight Night 38
A bantamweight kickboxing showdown between British Muay Thai legend Liam “Hitman” Harrison and Japanese striker Shinji Suzuki has been confirmed for ONE Fight Night 38 on Prime Video.
The three-round battle, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, December 5, will see both veterans swap the four-ounce gloves for larger mitts for the first time in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Harrison, a former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger, will return to action in ONE Championship for the first time in over a year. In September 2024, he engaged in an epic slugfest with “The Man Who Yields To No One” Seksan Or Kwanmuang at ONE 168: Denver, but things didn’t go his way.
The Englishman applied his trademark pressure from the opening bell in this clash among icons. But Seksan – as his nickname suggests – absorbed all of his rival’s punishment and finished “Hitman” with a picturesque three-knockdown sequence in round two.
Shortly after, Harrison laid down his gloves in the middle of the Circle, signaling an end to his 24-year professional career, which saw him become a three-time Muay Thai World Champion.
However, Harrison’s thirst for action got the better of him, leading to a bout against Isaac Araya for the WBC Muay Thai Diamond Belt in the main event of Hitman Fight League 7 this past March in Manchester, England.
The Bad Company product turned back the clock with a vintage display of aggression and power to finish the Spaniard with a leg kick in the third stanza. That win moved his record to 92-26.
Now, the 40-year-old superstar will bring his all-action style back to the global stage, and this time, he is competing under kickboxing rules.
Harrison will aim to produce another moment of brilliance, just like he did in his breathtaking come-from-behind knockout victory over “Elbow Zombie” Muangthai PK Saenchai back in April 2022.
But Suzuki plans to derail his comeback tour at ONE Fight Night 38.
Suzuki, who earned his contract by winning the 2022 Road to ONE: Japan tournament, wants to get his career back on track after alternating between victories and defeats in his three promotional appearances.
After suffering a knockout loss to Suablack Tor Pran49 in his debut back in September 2023, the Fujimakick Muay Thai Gym representative rebounded with a much-needed win over former ONE World Title challenger Han Zi Hao in March 2024.
The 39-year-old Japanese striker failed to keep the momentum going when he crossed paths with Jake “The One” Peacock at ONE 171: Qatar this past February, as he succumbed to a bevy of punches from the Canadian-British dynamo in the third round.
Both Harrison and Suzuki find themselves at a career crossroads, and neither man is known for being cautious in the ring. Each athlete is incredibly motivated, and with that in mind, their bantamweight kickboxing showdown should deliver high-octane action in Bangkok on December 5.
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news about ONE Fight Night 38 on Prime Video.
