Rittewada Ready For ‘Life-Changing Opportunity’ Against Saemapetch
Rittewada Petchyindee Academy is one of the most exciting athletes in Muay Thai, and he is ready to showcase his style in ONE Super Series when he makes his debut on Friday, 12 November.
The surging striker has a tough first assignment against #1-ranked contender Saemapetch Fairtex in the main event of ONE: NEXTGEN II, but a good performance would leave no doubt that he belongs among the elite of the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
“I think it’s the dream of every boxer to get into a world-class organization like ONE Championship,” he says.
“I want to show my talent. I want to show my skills. ONE has all great fighters, and I want to prove myself there to the world.”
Rittewada is already a prominent name on the famous Bangkok circuit, boasting a stunning 90-25-5 record. Along the way, he’s earned some of the biggest accolades in “the art of eight limbs,” which include fighting in Lumpinee Stadium and winning WMC Muay Thai World Titles.
But while the 25-year-old has achieved a lot in Thailand, he wants to raise his stock internationally by fighting under the bright lights of the global stage.
“I wanted to be in ONE Championship because there are many great opponents, and I want to bring Muay Thai to the world,” he says.
“The opponents in my weight class are all skillful. They’re going to be tough to get through, I think, but I’ve been preparing myself and training hard to fight with them.”
As his top ranking would suggest, Saemapetch is one of the most distinguished athletes in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
He’s taken out #3-ranked “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai and #2-ranked Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym, and he even challenged Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
Given the impressive back catalog of his opponent, Rittewada knows that a win at ONE: NEXTGEN II would immediately make him a top contender in the division.
“Saemapetch is ranked number one. I am glad [to fight him] and see it as a life-changing opportunity for me,” the Petchyindee Academy man says.
“I think if I can beat him, I would be able to fight almost everyone in this weight class. My confidence is 100 percent, and I know I have a chance to win.”
The hard-hitting Saemapetch has scored finishes in his last two encounters, but he may have met his match in Rittewada, who’s won seven of his last eight contests by knockout.
Given that incredible run, the debutant believes his own tools will be enough to overcome the dangerous ONE Super Series veteran.
“Saemapetch is strong and has heavy strikes. His scariest weapon is his punch – he punches hard and fast,” Rittewada says.
“I need to figure out [his weaknesses] in the Circle, but I think I have studied his style well enough. What I can use to defeat him are my timing, speed, and footwork. And I’ll use my kicks.”
This matchup has the makings of an epic battle between two heavy hitters who are motivated by the allure of World Championship gold in The Home Of Martial Arts.
And for Rittewada, it’s all about making a strong first impression. He wants fans to remember his name – and a dominant victory over Saempetch would be hard to ignore.
“This fight is life-changing, and I’ll try my best to defeat Saemapetch. I want to finish it with a knockout and make it entertaining for the audience,” he adds.
“If I could defeat him, I think I’d get an opportunity for a World Championship fight with Nong-O. I’d be so glad.
“I have prepared all kinds of strikes for ONE Championship to show them to the world. There’s going to be a surprise.”
Read more: Saemapetch: ‘No Way’ Rittewada Will Take My #1 Ranking
