Japanese sensation Shimon Yoshinari has emerged as one of the most technically refined young strikers in ONE Championship.

The WBC Muay Thai World Champion will return to action at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29, where he faces American-Malaysian star Johan “Jojo” Ghazali in a flyweight Muay Thai firefight inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

While Ghazali’s aggressive, highlight-driven style has made him one of the division’s most exciting young guns, Shimon presents a very different kind of challenge. His approach is built on precision, timing, and control, which has helped him remain unbeaten across five promotional appearances.

Before the action shifts to the Japanese capital, here are three of Shimon’s weapons that could play a decisive role in this clash.

#1 Shimon’s Counter Left Hook

Shimon’s left hook is his most dangerous and reliable weapon, and he showcased it immediately in his first appearance on the global stage.

Making his promotional debut against Thai finisher Rittidet Sor Sommai at ONE Friday Fights 92 in December 2024, he scored a knockdown with a perfectly timed counter left hook. Rather than relying on volume, the 21-year-old waits for openings and fires compact, accurate counters with minimal telegraph.

Though Rittidet managed to regain his footing, the damage was already done, and Shimon closed the show moments later.

That same left hook remained a key weapon in his bout against Pettonglor Sitluangpeenumfon at ONE Friday Fights 121. While not always thrown as a counter, it consistently punctuated his combinations and played a crucial role in breaking down his opponent en route to the finish.

The effectiveness of this weapon lies in both its timing and versatility. Against a pressure-heavy fighter like Ghazali, who thrives on closing distance and has recorded a 75 percent finish rate across his ONE victories, that creates constant openings for Shimon to intercept with clean, fight-altering shots.

#2 Shimon’s Damaging Calf Kicks

Another consistent element of Shimon’s game is his ability to attack the lead leg, particularly with calf kicks – a weapon that has become increasingly prominent among Japanese strikers.

Training out of Eiwa Sports Gym alongside his cousin, reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka, Shimon has developed a sharp and methodical kicking game that reflects that growing trend.

In his latest victory over Dedduanglek Torfunfarm at ONE Friday Fights 137, he used low kicks early to disrupt rhythm and limit forward movement. That approach paid off, as the Thai veteran struggled to find his usual tempo, allowing Shimon to control the fight and secure the win.

The same strategy was evident in his bout against “Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov. Repeated attacks to the lead leg forced the Russian striker to adjust his stance and reduced his ability to apply pressure.

Although the fight was later ruled a no contest due to an accidental eye poke in the second round, Shimon had already demonstrated his ability to dictate the pace and neutralize the Russian’s explosiveness.

Rather than relying on single heavy shots, he builds damage over time. His kicks are precise, consistent, and effective at slowing opponents down.

#3 Elite Distance Management

At 5-foot-10, Shimon holds a clear height and reach advantage in this matchup, but what makes it truly effective is how well he uses it.

In his victory over Yodlekpet “The Destroyer” Or Atchariya at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, he consistently controlled range, staying just outside striking distance while landing clean shots with minimal return fire.

His footwork is measured rather than flashy. Small positional adjustments allow him to maintain distance and force opponents to reset before launching meaningful offense.

That control becomes especially valuable against aggressive fighters. Yodlekpet, known for his heavy hands, struggled to land cleanly as Shimon dictated where and when exchanges took place.

Ghazali’s success often comes from closing distance quickly and overwhelming opponents. Shimon’s ability to manage range could be a key factor in slowing that approach and keeping the fight in a space that favors his technical strengths.

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