Koya Saito (Japanese: 齋藤 紘也, Saitō Kōya; born 18 May 2000) is a Japanese professional kickboxer. He competes in the welterweight division of the Krush promotion, a subsidiary of K‑1, and is the reigning Krush Welterweight Champion.
Early life and background
- Birthplace: Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Physical attributes: Height 187 cm (≈6 ft 2 in), fighting weight 67.5 kg (≈149 lb)
Professional career
- Saito entered the K‑1 Group in September 2020, making his debut with a knockout victory over Ryo Kawagoe.
- He recorded his first professional loss in June 2022 against Takuma Tsukamoto.
- In March 2024, he was selected for a cross‑promotional bout against Yūki Tanaka of RISE, securing a knockout win and extending his winning streak to four fights.
Championships and achievements
- Krush Welterweight Champion (11th titleholder): Holds a professional record of 13 fights – 11 wins (6 by knockout) and 2 losses.
Fighting style
- Stance: Orthodox
- Known for a blend of striking power and technical boxing, with a notable knockout ratio for his weight class.
Recent activity (as of March 2024)
- Continued participation in Krush events, defending his welterweight title and competing in inter‑promotional matches.
References
- K‑1 Official Fighter Profile, “齋藤 紘也” (Koya Saito), K‑1.co.jp, accessed April 2026.
- Tapology fighter database entry for Koya Saito (limited access; corroborates record and fight history).