3 Battles That Could Steal The Show At ONE Friday Fights 46: Tawanchai Vs. Superbon
We’re just days away from the biggest ONE Friday Fights card yet at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
ONE Friday Fights 46: Tawanchai vs. Superbon is packed from top to bottom, as a trio of epic World Title matchups will headline the show, while the supporting lineup features some of the most exciting strikers on the roster.
In the main event, Tawanchai PK Saenchai defends his ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title against former ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon Singha Mawynn in a long-awaited super-fight.
Before that, the eagerly awaited rematch between Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri and Prajanchai PK Saenchai will unify the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, and “The Queen” Phetjeeja will meet Anissa “C18” Meksen for the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title.
But while there’s so much to be excited about atop the bill, fans shouldn’t take their eyes off the early action. With that in mind, here are three bouts that could ultimately steal the show this Friday, December 22.
#1 Seksan Vs. River Daz
Fans know what to expect when Seksan Or Kwanmuang’s name is on a fight card.
“The Man Who Yields to No One” has posted a 7-0 slate in ONE since the start of the year, and every matchup has been a barnburner.
The Thai veteran will walk toward any opponent and start slinging leather, meaning there is never a lull in the action. However, when he faces the slick-moving River Daz in a 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai clash this Friday, Seksan will have to pair smarts with his trademark aggression.
That’s because Daz has good footwork, excellent evasive skills, and powerful counters. The Australian’s style works well against rivals who march forward in his direction – where he can pick them off.
Of course, many have tried that tactic with Seksan before and were still unable to outlast the hard-headed slugger, so it’ll be interesting to see how Daz navigates the waters in the biggest match of his career.
#2 Kulabdam Vs. Fariyar Aminipour
Iranian rising star Fariyar Aminipour will take his toughest test to date when he meets “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai in a bantamweight Muay Thai encounter.
With a 15-0 career slate and a 4-0 mark in ONE Friday Fights so far, the Tiger Muay Thai representative has yet to taste defeat. Moreover, he’s beaten some high-level opponents, including Pongsiri PK Saenchai and Ferrari Fairtex, since joining the organization this year.
To keep his perfect record, Aminipour will have to get past the hard-hitting Kulabdam, a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and one of the biggest punchers in the sport.
“Left Meteorite” has faced and beaten the best of the best in “the art of eight limbs,” so nothing he will see this Friday should surprise him.
The real intrigue comes from how these strikers square up stylistically, with both men being potent punchers who won’t shy away from exchanging in the pocket.
Aminipour’s pressure is always a struggle to deal with, but he’ll need faith in his own chin to keep charging toward the famed Thai knockout artist.
#3 Suablack Vs. Craig Coakley
Suablack Tor Pran49 has been on a tear in ONE Friday Fights, finishing all three of his opponents en route to a perfect 3-0 record.
The 27-year-old Thai has hurt his rivals with precision before overwhelming them when he sees a route to the knockout – but he’ll face another cerebral competitor in Craig Coakley this time.
The debuting Irishman is tall for a bantamweight and likes to keep his opponents at range using his long limbs and footwork. Then, he aims to deliver damage on the counter-attack when his foes try to shut down the space.
So, although Suablack has showcased his finishing skills, this matchup won’t be a brawler against a technician. Instead, the two slick strikers will try to outsmart one another as they look to create openings for their power strikes.
Expect calculated aggression and accuracy as the pair battle it out for supremacy in their bantamweight Muay Thai tilt.