“He’s very fast” - Marat Grigorian admits Rukiya Anpo’s speed may be of concern ahead of ONE 173

(Pictured) Armenian kickboxing icon Marat Grigorian. [Image: ONE Championship]
(Pictured) Armenian kickboxing icon Marat Grigorian. [Image: ONE Championship]

Marat Grigorian's savage knockout power has been well-documented throughout his kickboxing career, but the Armenian veteran is adding a bit of speed to his arsenal as well to prepare for his upcoming battle inside the ONE Circle.

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On Sunday, November 16, the three-time kickboxing world champion welcomes Japanese standout Rukiya Anpo to ONE Championship. Their three-round featherweight kickboxing showdown will be part of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside the Ariake Arena.

In a pre-fight interview with ONE, the Hemmers Gym athlete dissected the former K-1 champion's all-around attributes, highlighting one of the areas that he's putting extra work into to ensure he emerges victorious.

"We need to work a little bit faster because he’s very fast, but his boxing skills are really good. And we will work on that, of course. I’m also working with my legs," the Antwerp-based fighter told the organization.
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Though he sees Anpo's speed as a source of concern, Marat Grigorian's footwork and movement that he packs in his already world-class arsenal could be more than enough to secure him the W he needs over the debuting star.

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Marat Grigorian vows to finish Rukiya Anpo

Rukiya Anpo has fired his shots at Marat Grigorian since the event's official press conference last month, and the smack talk from his opposite number has only got him more fired up to get a decisive ending in their kickboxing joust at ONE 173.

"With my output, I will go through his chin. I just want to beat him up really badly. I just want to feel his chin on my knuckles," he added in the same exchange with ONE.
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Will his trademark knockout power earn him the highlight-reel finish he seeks in Japan, or could Anpo live up to his talk and stun the Hemmers Gym representative in Tokyo?

Fight fans who want to catch all the action live and in person can secure their seats here. How-to-watch details for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri are available at watch.onefc.com.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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