ONE Championship: “This is only the beginning”

Shimon Yoshinari shocked the world at ONE SAMURAI 1. The Japanese star, however, refuses to let one career-defining night turn into a finish line.

The 21-year-old slugger beat 19-year-old star Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali via unanimous decision in their flyweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE SAMURAI 1 inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Wednesday, April 29.

As a result, the Eiwa Sports Gym affiliate and cousin of reigning ONE atomweight Muay Thai world champion Nadaka earned a life-changing $100,000 main roster contract from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

The triumph was anything but straightforward. But Shimon Yoshinari’s volume, precision, and ring control proved decisive when the judges’ scorecards were read.

Most fighters in his position would still be soaking in the moment days later. Shimon, however, has already shifted his focus to what comes next, and his approach to the aftermath says everything about the kind of athlete he plans to be.

Speaking to Nick Atkin via translator, the Japanese contender kept his message refreshingly grounded.

“Okay, yeah, I’m very happy to get a contract, but this is only the beginning. It’s just the start, so he just needs to focus and get the work done, yeah,” Shimon Yoshinari said.

With a roster spot, a hometown following, and a chip on his shoulder fuelled by every doubter he silenced on April 29, the Japanese star is positioning himself perfectly for the climb in the talent-jammed flyweight Muay Thai division.

Check out his backstage interview with Atkin below:

Recapping Shimon Yoshinari’s perfect run in ONE Championship

Whatever test awaits Shimon Yoshinari next, fight fans can expect him to do what he does best whenever he straps on the four-ounce gloves.

The 21-year-old has racked up a six-fight undefeated run under the promotional banner. In his promotional bow, the youngster got the job done against Rittidet Sor Sommai via second-round TKO.

He returned three months later with a cracking three-round display against Yodlekpet ‘The Destroyer’ Or Atchariya, who stars in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 157 later this week.

In his third assignment, he acquired a highlight-reel finish of Pettonglor Sitluangpeenumfon, arguably one of the finest knockouts of his budding career.

Since then, he’s continued his healthy form, and his latest win over someone of Ghazali’s caliber proves that the sky is the limit for the young superstar.

If he can continue his perfect run, it wouldn’t be too long before he challenges for world title glory in ONE Championship.