UPDATE: Amy Pirnie has denied having signed any fight contract.
Earlier today, a press conference for the second wave of announcements for the K-1 World GP 2023 on July 17 was held in Tokyo, Japan.
KANA's third defense of her K-1 Flyweight title is set. She takes on Scottish fighter, Amy Pirnie. 
KANA had an outstanding 2022, scoring three big knockouts, defending her title twice and earning herself our ‘Female Fighter of the Year’ award.
The Japanese fighter had nothing but praise for her opponent, "We both know each other, because we were supposed to fight in the past. I think she is the best technician I've ever faced. She is a very technical fighter, but I wonder how she will adapt her style to K-1, because she mostly competes in Muay Thai. Since I thought she was worthy, I requested to fight her, to increase the value of the belt and myself."
When asked if she's still eyeing a fight against Anissa Meksen, she replied, “Amy is a world-class fighter. I'd like to knock her out and make the fight with Anissa happen by the end of this year, but first I need to concentrate on the challenge ahead of me, to increase my worth, and then move onto the next fight.”
THE CHALLENGER
Amy Pirnie, 30, is boasting an impressive 23-3-1 record, riding an undefeated 19-fight win streak. After a highly successful amateur career, where she was able to capture three IFMA titles, she made her professional debut in 2008. The Scottish Muay Thai fighter has won titles wherever she went, having competed in Enfusion, YOKKAO and Lion Fight. She is the reigning Lion Fight Super Flyweight champion, and ISKA Strawweight champion.
The challenger is confident ahead of her clash with the champion, "I'm happy to fight for the title in K-1. I think KANA is a top fighter, but I've fought and won at the top level. I'll bring my fifth belt back to Scotland."
However, the fight will also mark Pirnie's long-awaited return to the ring, as she was out, nursing an injury for almost two years. She last won a close decision against ONE title challenger Lara Fernandez, at Lion Fight 68 in August of 2021. It remains to be seen if the ring rust will affect her.
K-1 Producer, Takumi Nakamura, added, “We considered Pirnie as KANA's opponent before, but since she is so popular, it was hard setting up the fight. We are happy that we're finally were able to make it happen. This title fight will increase the value of the K-1 Flyweight belt for sure."
