Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto is targeting a statement finish when she faces Stamp Fairtex at ONE 173 in Tokyo – and she believes stopping a former title-holder with a reputation for elbows and showmanship is the perfect way to restore the meaning behind her nickname.
The former K-1 flyweight kickboxing champion meets Stamp in a three-round atomweight kickboxing bout on November 16 at Ariake Arena. The Thai star, a fan favourite in Asia, has held ONE world titles across three sports and is renowned for her savage elbows and iconic ring walks, but this will be her first kickboxing contest in several years.
It is also Morimoto’s first fight since losing to Phetjeeja Or Meekhun, and she is intent on reminding audiences why she was once one of Japan’s most dangerous finishers.
“This fight is only three rounds and my last match ended in defeat, so I have to leave a strong impression,” Morimoto told the Post. “I want to go very aggressive. I want to bring back the real meaning of Krusher Queen.”
Morimoto earned the moniker early in her career after a run of knockouts in the Japanese circuit. She followed the path of Takeru Segawa, the “Natural Born Krusher”, who also made his name with finishes in the Krush promotion.
Kana ‘Krusher Queen’ Morimoto wants to pull off a statement win over Stamp Fairtex at ONE 173 in Tokyo. Photo: ONE Championship
AloJapan.com