Giorgio Petrosyan Vows To Leave No Doubt He Is The World's Best In KL

There is no bigger bout in the kickboxing world than Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan‘s rematch with Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy at ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY on Friday, 12 July.

The result of the first contest was debated by martial arts fans around the world, but the Italian is not concerned about what the judges saw back in May, or how he performed then.

Now, he is just focused on facing his Thai rival again in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, showing his brilliance in the ring, and showing beyond doubt that he is worthy of a ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix semifinal spot.

“I don’t want to stir up any fuss. If they changed that result, it means that they got the result wrong. I don’t like passing judgment on my fights,” he offers.

“I’ll step into the ring, and I have to keep my cool and fight as well as I know how. So, if I do a good enough job, everything will automatically fall into place.

“My mind is focused exclusively on Petchmorakot. I want to have a good fight, and I want to prove who the real champion is.”

Petchmorakot was announced as the victor via split decision at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON, but the ONE Competition Committee overturned the result and ordered an immediate rematch because of issues with the officiating. 

Petrosyan just wants to get a fair shot at victory inside the Axiata Arena, and he does not feel any animosity with his upcoming rival – he just wants to beat him.

Now that the contest will be run back, “The Doctor” can take the lessons he learned from the first battle and apply them into the highly-anticipated return bout.

As one of the most cerebral martial artists on the planet, three rounds in the ring with Petchmorakot will have taught him more than any time watching video footage, and will mean he is even better prepared to adapt to and overcome the challenges he presents. 

Petrosyan does not want to give away any of his tactics, but he admits he has made changes to make sure his hand is raised in Malaysia – in his strategy and his corner.

“I learned that my brother must be in my corner at all times, so from here on out – my brother [will always be there]. Moreover, I learned plenty of stuff that I will show off in the ring,” Petrosyan reveals.

“We are all very familiar with Petchmorakot, we know that he is a great athlete – he would not be competing in this tournament otherwise. He is a southpaw, and obviously, a difficult opponent to face.

“He has both strengths and weaknesses, and this is something we are well aware of. I don’t want to go into too much detail with you about his strengths. I am preparing well, so we will come face to face in the ring.”

Petrosyan is also grateful for the opportunity to still be a part of the World Grand Prix – and not just because of the US$1 million that is up for grabs for the winner.

The tournament is the biggest and most prestigious tournament in martial arts – and victory will ensure the winner is regarded, beyond doubt, as the greatest pound-for-pound kickboxer on the planet.

Though he does not want to overlook the challenge in front of him, the 33-year-old from Milan has the bigger picture in the back of his mind as a motivating factor ahead of his first trip to compete in Malaysia.

“Of course, it’s really important to win the ONE Championship tournament because I would automatically become the undisputed number one in the world right now,” says the two-time K-1 World MAX Champion.

“They are all very strong athletes. I’m familiar with all of them, and I have even squared off against many of them.

“Still, it’s a long tournament, there are many matches to fight. As I said before, I am now focused on my Thai opponent, Petchmorakot, and then we’ll see what comes next. I predict a tough match for sure.

“I am preparing as best as I can, as I’ve always done. There will definitely be a winner in the end, unlike the last time around, and we’ll see who that is going to be.”