(NOAH) "That's why I want to surpass my son", Fifty-four year old Takashi Sugiura's secret thoughts in hunting GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kaito Kiyomiya.

Tokyo Sports

12th November 2024

Sending off his benefactor in the best possible way. 

Takashi Sugiura (54), who will challenge Kaito Kiyomiya (28) for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at Noah's Aichi Dolphins Arena on the 17th, has expressed his strong determination. 

The championship match has a deep meaning, as it is the main event to celebrate the retirement of his senior, Akitoshi Saito, with whom he once formed the dark group, "The Dark Agents" with, and with whom he has shared joys and sorrows. Sugiura said emphatically, "I want people to see me have a good match and take the belt, and then he can retire with peace of mind, knowing that Noah is okay."

Regarding Saito's personality, he said, "He doesn't say much, but I feel a sense of security when he is there. He must have had some tough times, but he's mentally strong, and doesn't show them". He then vowed, "I have always felt that he is watching over me, and that is why I cannot have a shameful match". 

The champion, Kiyomiya, who is his opponent said, "To me, Sugiura is my father", and at the same time, he declared that he would surpass his father. However, Sugiura responded, "As long as I am in the ring, I don't think of him as a son. If anything, as a champion, he's on a higher stage than me." He then added, "Kiyomiya, right now? He's scary. He's twenty-eight yeats old and performing at that level. Maybe it's just his personality, but he doesn't care what people think of him". He then exclaimed, "I think his technique and his spirit are amazing. He's just like my son". 

Is he being serious, or flattering? 

In any case, it seems the fight has already begun. 

"I'm a young boy, who hasn't made my era yet. I have to make my mark from now on. That's why I want to surpass my son" 

The parent-child quarrel between the two, who fought fiercely in the pre matches in Shinjuku on the 11th, is unlikely to be resolved easily. 

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credit: Tokyo Sports