Hyu Iwata doesn’t do respect tours. The undefeated Japanese striker plans to dismantle Suablack Tor Pran49 and send a message to the entire flyweight kickboxing division.
The 23-year-old karate specialist meets the battle-tested Thai veteran in flyweight kickboxing action at ONE Fight Night 41 on Friday, March 13, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The event broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Amazon Prime Video, featuring Hyu’s continued march toward championship gold against an opponent who’s earned his stripes the hard way.
Hyu carries a pristine 12-0 professional record into this showdown. The Osaka native represents Team Mehdi Zatout and TEAM3K with a fighting style that blends traditional karate with devastating modern striking. He is 4-0 inside ONE Championship since his promotional debut last September, finishing three opponents along the way.
Suablack brings serious credentials to this fight. The 29-year-old Thai striker holds victories over renowned names like Seksan Or Kwanmuang and Sangarthit Looksaikongdin. His 62-22 striking record shows he’s faced high-level competition throughout his career, spending most of his ONE Championship tenure competing at bantamweight before dropping down to flyweight.
Hyu isn’t concerned with internet fame or legendary thighs. He respects what Suablack has accomplished. But respect doesn’t change the outcome he sees coming.
“I feel like he is a proven, high-level guy who’s been doing well in ONE,” he said. “Just look at his thighs – he’s clearly built differently, not someone who goes down easily. I think it’ll be a really exciting fight. Like a karate athlete, I’m going to hurt him and break him down.”
Hyu Iwata eyes ONE World Title shot and super-fights with biggest names
Hyu Iwata sees beyond Suablack Tor Pran49. The unblemished Japanese finisher has his sights set on ONE Championship’s biggest stars and the flyweight kickboxing throne.
His recent performances built momentum toward elite status. Each finish added credibility. Each victory brought him closer to the championship picture. A commanding win over the veteran Thai striker would solidify that position and potentially earn him a spot on one of the organization’s marquee cards this year.
The 23-year-old believes Suablack represents the perfect test. The Thai veteran has faced top-tier competition throughout his career. A decisive victory would prove Hyu belongs among the division’s best contenders. He wants that statement win in Bangkok.
“Suablack is a fighter who’s already faced top-tier athletes, so I want to beat him in a convincing way,” he said. “And use that to earn a spot on a Japan event, or even the U.S. event.”
The ambitions extend far beyond a single fight. Hyu has studied ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 extensively. He’s analyzed former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon’s every movement. Both megastars sit firmly in his crosshairs as legacy-defining opportunities.
His unique skill set creates problems neither superstar has encountered before. The karate foundation mixed with modern precision gives him tools that make matchups interesting. Hyu sees paths to victory against both men. He believes his style presents challenges they haven’t solved yet.
“As a Japanese fighter, I truly believe I’m the one who can fight Rodtang and Superlek and win in a beautiful, decisive way,” he said. “That’s what I’m aiming for – win the belt this year, and I think it’d be interesting to fight in Muay Thai [with the four-ounce gloves] as well.”