News
Ben Coate
Dec 19, 2024
‘I Believe I Can Finish Her’ – Kana Eager To Make Statement In ONE Debut Against Anissa Meksen
Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto is gearing up for her highly anticipated ONE Championship debut against fellow kickboxing icon Anissa “C18” Meksen. The 32-year-old knockout artist is thoroughly preparing for the fight, which will take place on December 20 during Asia’s primetime at ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow.
This clash is set to occur in front of a packed audience at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. While it’s Kana’s first fight in the promotion, she believes it’s Meksen who will feel the pressure, especially after two consecutive losses for the ONE World Title.
Kana told onefc.com that she’s anticipating a fierce battle against Meksen, as the pressure is on her opponent:
“I’m training assuming I’ll face Anissa at her best. Given where she is in her career, she’s in a high-pressure situation, so I think she’ll desperately fight for the win. Given that, I’m preparing to face the strongest version of Anissa.”
For this fight, Kana is focusing on refining her techniques. The four-time K-1 Champion is using her time in Thailand at Superbon Training Camp to prepare both mentally and physically, convinced that she has devised a winning strategy to counter Meksen’s style.
“I’ve finally started to see clear paths to victory against Anissa, and these patterns are coming together in training, so I feel the preparation is going well.”
Kana aims to secure a victory in front of her fans, banking on her recent success, which includes knockouts in her last four fights. She’s determined to become the first woman to finish Meksen in over nine years, showcasing her confidence:
“I’ve prepared weapons that can drop her with either punches or kicks. If they land cleanly, I believe I can finish her. While there are things we won’t know until fight day, I’m well prepared.”
Kana Drawing From Experience Of Thai Trainers
Kana is acutely aware of the significant opportunity and challenge presented by this fight. To maximize her chances of success, she has enlisted the help of new trainers and sparring partners at Bangkok’s Superbon Training Camp, while still working alongside her established Japanese coaching team.
“I’ll have my usual corner team from Japan plus the Thai trainers. We’re sharing information about sparring situations and movement patterns. The strategy part remains unchanged from before, but now with added knowledge from the Thai trainers.”
Her Thai trainers are also helping her adapt to ONE’s unique global kickboxing rules and judging criteria, which emphasizes effective damage.
“The Thai trainers are really specialized in ONE and are familiar with watching ONE fights and understanding their rule criteria, so that adds another positive element.”
Kana Morimoto’s preparation for her debut underscores not only her dedication and skill but also the strategic mindset she brings to the ring, ensuring she’s ready to make an impactful statement against Anissa Meksen.
