The kickboxing gym is a place for fighters to hone their skills and a place for others to practice martial arts in a safe environment. While sparring hard is not new to the sport, many Japanese kickboxers come from gyms notorious for an aggressive approach to training.
When professionals inflict damage upon people of significantly lesser skill, however, ethical and even legal boundaries can be crossed.
Akihiro Kaneko is under suspicion for alleged assault and money extortion of a training partner.
THE INCIDENT
It was recently reported that Chiba police sent documents referring Kaneko to the Chiba District Public Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of causing injury to a former amateur kickboxer during training. The referral, made on January 16, included a request for strict prosecution.
In September of last year, the victim’s family consulted the police, leading to an investigation that included obtaining video evidence from related parties.
Additionally, in October, the K-1 bantamweight champion was referred to prosecutors for a separate assault charge involving the same victim, and the prosecutor's office has been investigating both cases together. These allegations date back three years, with the alleged victim extensively having documented his injuries and text conversations with the professional fighter.
"These are all selfies I took after the current K-1 champion assaulted me under the pretext of training. For two and a half years, he treated me like a human punching bag. Not only that, he used me as his errand boy and even took my money."
The alleged victim has shown the media pictures he has taken of himself, showing a grotesquely swollen face, almost unrecognizable compared to his former appearance.
In response to media inquiries, the K-1 champion has denied any malicious intent, claiming it was simply an accident during training. Kaneko reportedly stated "[The training partner] was in a bad position. I meant it as a way to tell him, 'If you stand there, you're going to get hit.'"
On the other hand, the victim's father stated in an interview last year, "A fighter's fist is a lethal weapon. This kind of training should never be allowed. It's a complete disaster. My son's mind has been completely shattered since meeting [Kaneko], and he's come home completely changed.”
The alleged victim recalls: "Kaneko's attacks escalated rapidly. When I tried to block his attacks with my arms, he yelled at me, 'Move your arm, you're in the way! I'll kill you!' Normally, crescent kicks are dangerous and you stop just before they hit you, but he was merciless, hitting me in the head and stomach. He didn't like the towel I was wrapping around my swollen ear to protect it, so he ordered me to 'take it off,' and as a result of continuing to take punches and kicks with all his might, my ear was crushed. My consciousness became hazy and there were more than one times when I thought I might die."
In a leaked video, the champion is seen striking the alleged victim's body in a parking lot, claiming it was part of their "training routine."
Regarding the video, the alleged victim stated: "By this time, I didn't even have to wear body protectors. I was made to act as a 'guinea pig' to see how much damage his kicks and punches could do to his opponent, and I was made to film it".
MONEY EXTORTION
The second part of the report covers the alleged victim's claims that, even after the incident, he was "controlled and brainwashed through violence" and "forced to hand over his daily earnings," along with Kaneko’s rebuttal, supported by LINE messages and videos from both parties as evidence.
"No matter how hard I worked, Kaneko kept taking my money. I wanted to die."
Additionally, the alleged victim claims he was required to send Kaneko daily selfies to "report on his work."
"WE HAVE NO COMMENT AT THIS TIME"
Kaneko, 28, currently holds the K-1 Super Bantamweight title, a position he has maintained since 2022. He was also recently honored with the "Technique Award" at yesterday's K-1 awards ceremony.
A representative attorney for M-1 Sports Media, which organizes K-1, acknowledged the referral but stated, "We have no comment at this time."
These allegations have sent shockwaves through the kickboxing community, as Kaneko is renowned for his disciplined fighting style and sportsmanship. As the investigation continues, fans and officials await further details regarding the incident and any potential legal actions that may follow.
