‘The Time Is Right’ – Bogdan Shumarov Eyes World Title Shot With Rukiya Anpo Win At ONE SAMURAI 4
Bogdan Shumarov believes beating Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo could put him on the verge of the opportunity he has been chasing for years.
On Saturday, October 17, the Bulgarian striker will meet the Japanese superstar in a lightweight kickboxing battle at ONE SAMURAI 4 inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Shumarov has won three of his four appearances in ONE Championship, with his only defeat coming by split decision against Rungrawee “Legatron” Sitsongpeenong. Now, he sees a victory over Anpo as a potential springboard toward reigning ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel.
But getting there means solving one of Japan’s most accomplished and unpredictable strikers.
Anpo enters the matchup after making his ONE debut against three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian. Before joining the promotion, the former K-1 Champion built his reputation through his speed, creativity, and dynamic kicking arsenal.
The Bulgarian said:
“I was watching his fights back in the days when he was like 67 [kilograms] or something. I think in that time, he was way more dangerous than now.
“I think now he’s a little bit heavier and he cannot do all these jumping-style kicks and knees. But still, I don’t underestimate him.”
Shumarov also refuses to read too much into Anpo’s defeat to Grigorian.
The Japanese star was competing at featherweight that night, whereas ONE SAMURAI 4 will see him move into Shumarov’s lightweight territory. Anpo has fought at significantly heavier weights under boxing rules before, so the Bulgarian expects him to arrive physically prepared for the jump.
Still, this will be Anpo’s first lightweight kickboxing appearance in ONE, and Shumarov is happy to be the man waiting for him.
He said:
“I don’t know how he’s going to feel. Honestly, I watched one of his fights in boxing. He was like 80 kilos in one of those fights, so he was looking pretty well.
“In kickboxing, he never fought at 77, so I’m happy to give him a warm welcome.”
The extra weight is only one part of the equation.
Shumarov has also studied how Anpo reacts when opponents deny him room to operate. He points to previous clashes with Masaaki Noiri and Grigorian as examples of fights where sustained forward momentum created difficult situations for the Japanese star.
The 29-year-old said:
“I think he doesn’t like the pressure. Like we see in the previous fight, even back in the days with Noiri, now in ONE Championship with Marat.
“So I think I can handle this [well]. I think he’s not gonna take my pressure.”
Shumarov Believes Pressure Will Be The Key Against Anpo
When Bogdan Shumarov meets Rukiya Anpo in lightweight kickboxing action at ONE SAMURAI 4, their contrasting approaches will shape the contest from the opening bell.
Anpo has built much of his success around speed, movement, and the ability to create attacks from different ranges. Shumarov, meanwhile, has made his name through a more physically demanding style that consistently brings him into exchanges.
That contrast has given the Bulgarian confidence that the matchup will allow him to impose the qualities that have carried him through his ONE run.
He said:
“I think I’m a more pressure fighter, and I can take more. I can push all the time. I think he cannot handle this.”
Neither man has much room for error in Tokyo.
Anpo will be fighting in his home country while looking to make his mark in a new division. Shumarov, meanwhile, knows that another major victory could move him closer than ever to the lightweight kickboxing throne.
That possibility means the Bulgarian expects urgency from both sides once the bell rings.
He said:
“He can be dangerous because, of course, for him it’s all or nothing because his fight is also [in Japan]. He’s in his home.
“But for me, the same. It’s all or nothing because if I win, I [will probably] go for the title next, so I don’t have a chance to lose.”
A possible showdown with two-sport ONE World Champion Regian Eersel would also bring Shumarov back to unfinished business.
The Bulgarian says he was previously expected to face “The Immortal” around two years ago, only for an injury to derail the opportunity before the matchup could materialize.
Since then, Shumarov has continued building his case in the lightweight division. Now, one of the biggest names in Japanese kickboxing stands between him and another potential chance to pursue ONE gold.
He said:
“I feel very excited to potentially get the title shot, because we [were supposed] to meet with Eersel two years ago, but some bad thing happened with me. I had an injury. So maybe on that day, I was not ready for this. Something stopped me. I don’t know.
“But I think if I beat Anpo now, the time is right.”
