World’s Predictions -70kg: Saki Niizoe (JPN)

Barbara Matic (CRO) is a double World Champion, while Saki Niizoe is a World bronze medalist. On paper, that would put Matic ahead as the top favorite. However, these two have fought six times and Niizoe has won the last five encounters. If they were to cross paths again, it’s the Japanese who has the edge. Our prediction for gold goes to Niizoe. Spain’s Ai Tsunoda been growing from strength to strength and could be a dark horse here.