Lerdsila Says Kicks Will Be Key To Overcome Momotaro In Manila

Of all the athletes with a reputation for bringing entertainment to the ring at ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR this Friday, 12 April, perhaps none can match Lerdsila Phuket Top Team for flair.

The Thai hero has entertained martial arts fans at home and around the world for more than 20 years with his unique style, and gave a global audience a taste of his skills when he entered ONE Championship last year.

Now, the WKN, WPMF, and WMC Lightweight World Champion is set to make his third appearance in The Home Of Martial Arts and put on a show in a ONE Super Series flyweight Muay Thai bout against Japan’s Kohei “Momotaro” Kodera.

The 38-year-old is coming off a definitive victory in a rematch with Cambodia’s Sok Thy, who he narrowly defeated in his ONE debut.

The second time around – back in November at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM – the Muay Thai veteran looked outstanding. Despite being more than 16 years his opponent’s senior, Lerdsila appeared to be quicker and stronger as he put all his weapons on display to secure the win by unanimous decision.

“I trained really hard for my last fight with ONE, but I also took better care of myself too,” he explains.

“I’m older now, so taking care of my health by getting proper rest and nutrition is really important.

“I was happy with how I performed, and for getting such a dominant victory over a highly formidable and youthful opponent.”

After a near-perfect performance, the Chaiyaphum native says he will not change much in training for his match with “Momotaro” in Manila, Philippines. He says his sparring sessions with a collection of top-class training partners have kept him sharp and ready to deliver on the global stage for martial arts once again.

Lerdsila has earned the nicknames “Mr. Lightning” and “The Eel On Roller Skates” for his evasive and playful style in the ring.

That has won him a lot of supporters and allowed him to compete for far longer than many Muay Thai athletes because his timing and fluidity helps him to avoid taking damage.

That will be key when he steps out in the Mall Of Asia Arena against Kodera, who outstruck Australia’s Kenny “The Pitbull” Tse to claim an impressive unanimous decision in his ONE debut last month.

That bout was contested under kickboxing rules, but Kodera is also a WBC Muay Thai International Champion, and Lerdsila believes the 28-year-old has a lot of weapons in his arsenal that could cause him some trouble.

“I know I have the upper hand when it comes to experience, but his height will give him a big advantage,” the legendary athlete says.

“He’s a difficult opponent to fight. I will have to draw upon all of my time in the ring to defeat him.

“He’ll be hard to clinch up with, so my kicks and push kicks will be my go-to techniques.”

Though his reach may not match his rival’s, his signature kicks, teeps, sweeps, and jabs to the midsection – allied with his incredible movement – give him the tools to negate any physical shortcomings.

Expect to see the three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion use his agility and timing to try and level the playing field to set up a knockout or exciting decision win.

Above all, however, Lerdsila just wants to put on a show.

“I can’t guarantee a win, but I can promise to give it my all and to be 100 percent prepared,” he adds.

“Winning or losing doesn’t matter, it all part of the game. I will still give it my all and hope for victory.”