Mizuki Hiruta questions confidence after Egypt decision win

Mizuki Hiruta says self-doubt stopped her delivering a knockout in her recent Egypt flyweight bout. The Japanese contender won on points but admitted frustration at failing to force a stoppage on foreign soil.

“I feel the public is gradually becoming interested in me, I'm slowly taking steps up. It was an away game, so I felt I had to win decisively but was frustrated that I couldn't get a knockout. I lack confidence in myself, preventing me from taking that extra step or unleashing explosive power”

— Mizuki Hiruta, via Ring Magazine

What Mizuki Hiruta said

Hiruta fought away from home in Egypt and secured a decision victory in the flyweight division. The win keeps her moving forward in a weight class where statement performances are needed to break through, but she left the ring unhappy with her execution despite getting the judges' nod.

What it moves

The admission points to a mental hurdle as much as a technical one. Hiruta acknowledged her profile is rising but said lacking confidence prevents her from fully committing to power punches. Her next camp will likely focus on bridging that gap between ability and self-belief if she wants to crack the flyweight elite.

Source: ringmagazine.com. Full Mizuki Hiruta fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.