10 Facts About Kickboxing GOAT Giorgio Petrosyan
Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan is widely regarded as the greatest striker of his generation – for good reason.
The Armenian-Italian superstar has earned an enormous list of accolades throughout his epic career, and he could crown it with the richest prize in the sport when he faces Superbon for the inaugural ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE: FIRST STRIKE.
Learn 10 interesting facts about the combat sports icon ahead of his World Championship clash on Friday, 15 October.
#1 He Was A Child Refugee
Petrosyan escaped war and turmoil in his native Armenia when he was 13 years old. He fled with his father and brother and ended up in Italy, where a local charity took them from the streets and housed them.
Later, the rest of the family joined them in Gorizia, a small town on Italy’s eastern border, where they laid down their roots, and “The Doctor” began his martial arts journey.
#2 His Career Started With Muay Thai
Though he became a legend under kickboxing rules, Petrosyan originally took up Muay Thai.
He was inspired by the likes of Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme, but it was “the art of eight limbs” that first got his competitive juices flowing.
#3 His Kickboxing Resume Is Incredible
Though the 35-year-old was successful in Muay Thai – winning national, European, and World Championships – he reached another level after switching to kickboxing rules.
Petrosyan’s successful run through the K-1 World Max Tournament in 2009 propelled him into the sport’s upper echelon. And he’s stayed there ever since, winning ISKA and Glory World Titles before claiming the inaugural ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship in 2019.
#4 Training Is A Family Affair
Petrosyan’s top training partner is his brother, Armen Petrosyan, a fellow ONE Super Series athlete and Kickboxing World Champion.
The Team Multi Fight Petrosyan representatives work out together every day, and you’ll see them in each other’s corners when they compete on the global stage.
#5 He Loves His Dog
“The Doctor” may have a human best friend in Armen, but his canine BFF is his American Staffordshire Terrier.
Petrosyan’s dog is named Lord, and from the number of pictures he posts on social media, it seems they spend a lot of time together.
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#6 He Trains With Other ONE Stars
Giorgio and Armen aren’t the only elite athletes who put in work at the Team Multi Fight Petrosyan gym.
They also share knowledge with former ONE Lightweight World Title challenger Iuri Lapicus, while former ONE Welterweight World Title challenger James Nakashima has traveled from the United States to train with the pair in Milan, Italy.
#7 Celebs Love Him Too
It’s not just fighters who want to train with “The Doctor.”
Petrosyan coaches Italian celebrities, including Giulia from [Italian music duo] Le Donatella and hip-hop star Tony Effe.
#8 He Hangs Out With Balotelli
As well as music stars, Petrosyan keeps good company alongside other elite athletes.
For instance, he’s often photographed with Italian international soccer player Mario Balotelli.
#9 He Loves Fan Art
“The Doctor” commands a massive base of supporters who are extremely loyal.
Petrosyan loves when they make him unique artwork, and he proudly displays those pieces on his Instagram account.
#10 He Will Always Be Humble
Despite his fame and success, Petrosyan will never let it go to his head.
He often talks about the importance of humility – and walks the walk in this regard. How many other World Champions will you see cleaning the mats of their gym?
Read more: How To Watch ONE: FIRST STRIKE On 15 October
