The upcoming year of 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one for kickboxing fans, with ONE Championship gearing up to host their highly anticipated inside kickboxing event, ONE 172, in just a few short weeks. The world of kickboxing is buzzing with anticipation, and it’s no wonder, given the thrilling fights and jaw-dropping knockouts we’ve already witnessed early in the year.
While we’re just at the beginning, the kickboxing scene has been set ablaze with some truly spectacular knockouts.
### Honorable Mention: Shintaro Matsukura’s Masterclass Against Park Chung Il
Even though this isn’t a top 6 list of knockouts, it’s impossible not to mention some of the standout moments we’ve witnessed. Enter Shintaro Matsukura, a member of Team Vasileus alongside Takeru Segawa. Matsukura put on a defensive masterclass against Korean fighter Park Chung Il, showcasing his prowess with devastating calf kicks over two intense rounds.
Matsukura expertly blocked Park’s boxing offense while dealing brutal kicks to Park’s calf, leaving him unable to stand. A powerful calf kick from Matsukura sent Park sprawling, unable to beat the count, ultimately forcing the referee to end the fight. It’s another victory for Japan’s Team Vasileus and another impressive knockout to add to the list.
### 5. Hayato Hamana vs. Masato Ishikawa – A Contender for Fight of the Year
In the early months of 2025, K-1 MAX hosted a barnburner between two rising Japanese stars. Hayato Hamana and Masato Ishikawa showcased their potential and fighting spirit through relentless exchanges, blending karate kicks and boxing prowess. In the dramatic third round, Hamana countered Ishikawa’s knee attempt with a perfectly timed shot, sending Ishikawa crashing to the mat.
Despite a valiant effort to get back on his feet with mere seconds left on the clock, Ishikawa fell victim to a crushing cross from Hamana. This bout was nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by an unforgettable knockout.
### 4. Shodai Matsuoka’s Dominance Over Kosei Kawakita
From the competitive stage of KRUSH—K-1’s sister promotion nurturing local talent—came a bout between Shodai Matsuoka and Kosei Kawakita. KRUSH serves as a stepping stone to K-1, much like regional promotions feeding talent into the UFC.
In their encounter, Matsuoka displayed his striking dominance, landing precise punches, knees, and kicks, each delivering noticeable damage. The relentless assault concluded with Matsuoka executing a head kick followed by a punishing punch, turning Kawakita’s attempts to continue into a futile effort. It was a prime example of skill and execution delivering an exhilarating knockout.
### 3. Jinsei Yoshikawa’s One-Punch Finish Against Kaito Kikuchi
On the same KRUSH card, Jinsei Yoshikawa faced Kaito Kikuchi in a whirlwind bout that lasted just one round. Both young fighters went full throttle, engaging recklessly, each hoping to outlast the other. Yoshikawa, employing savvy head movement, delivered a devastating left hook, leaving Kikuchi unable to regain his footing, prompting the referee to halt the fight. Yoshikawa’s impressive boxing acumen earned him recognition on this list of memorable kickboxing knockouts.
### 2. Masaaki Noiri’s Vicious Victory Over Shakir Al-Tekreeti
In one of the few ONE Championship kickboxing appearances this year, Masaaki Noiri made his mark with a win against Shakir Al-Tekreeti. Noiri dominated throughout the fight, concluding the first round with a cruel calf kick that nearly ended the match—only for the bell to intervene.
Determined to finish, Noiri unleashed a lethal shot to Al-Tekreeti’s left leg in the second round, inflicting a horrific break visible to the crowd. This gruesome display of power marked a stunning comeback for the former K-1 Champion and a standout knockout of the year.
### 1. Daryl Verdonk’s Spinning Masterstroke Against Jomthong
Topping our list of kickboxing knockouts is Dutch fighter Daryl Verdonk, who astonished against the decorated Thai, Jomthong. A ten-time Muay Thai champion with experience in boxing, Jomthong was a formidable opponent. Yet, Verdonk faced him head-on, unfazed by his illustrious pedigree.
Despite being rattled early on, Verdonk masterfully rebounded. He unleashed a flying attack, which Jomthong dodged, only to be blindsided by a spinning back fist immediately afterward. The thunderous blow decisively ended the bout, immortalizing Verdonk in highlight reels everywhere.
### Looking Forward to 2025’s Kickboxing Thrills
Even with Muay Thai gaining widespread popularity, thanks in no small part to ONE Championship’s innovative 4 oz glove events, kickboxing remains a force to behold. With powerhouse promotions like Glory, K-1, RISE, and ONE Championship continuing to thrive, 2025 promises even more heart-pounding action and breathtaking knockouts as kickboxing cements its status as one of the most exhilarating combat sports worldwide.
