‘He’s A Mini-Me’ – Jonathan Haggerty Expects Big Things From Teenage Brother Freddie Haggerty
As a two-sport ONE World Champion, Jonathan “The General” Haggerty is already a certified superstar, but there’s a new family member on the scene.
The 26-year-old Englishman has been preparing for his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title defense against Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video alongside his younger brother, Freddie Haggerty.
However, Freddie isn’t just a training partner for this main event battle on Friday, February 16.
The up-and-coming striker has also begun competing in the world’s largest martial arts organization – and his first appearance was truly spectacular.
Freddie announced his presence in the strawweight Muay Thai division with a spectacular knockout of Dankalong Sor Dechapan at ONE Friday Fights 49 in January, and Jonathan thinks that’s just the start of a long and illustrious career.
“The General” told onefc.com:
“Growing up, Freddie has always watched me on the big stage. He’s been there. He’s been to the fights. He’s been to the events. He’s been in the changing room with me. He’s been in training sessions with me. So he knows what it takes. It’s exciting to see, and I can’t wait for his future.
“He’s probably one of the best in the roster, in all honesty, technique-wise and with his power. He’s a Mini-Me. He needs a little bit more experience, but then who knows? He will definitely hold the ONE World Title, for sure.”
Having a big brother to lead the way is a major advantage for any young fighter, but when it’s one of the biggest names in the striking world, it also comes with a lot of pressure.
Jonathan recognizes this, but he advises Freddie to focus on his own career, commit to his training, and then let the hard work do the talking inside the ring:
“[When it comes to the name] I’ve told him, ‘Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. It’s just you getting in there. Think about yourself.’ Yeah, he’s got some hype to live up to, but I’m sure he will. He’s gonna impress people. He’s gonna be great.
“I just tell him to put in 100 percent into every training session and be dedicated, but he is – he’s so dedicated now. He knows what he wants. He’s seen what I’ve got, and he wants that and more.
“And just to knock everybody out. Get some spectacular knockouts, some downward elbows, go in there and show them you’re supposed to be here.”
‘It Inspires Me Every Day’ – Freddie Haggerty Grateful To Witness His Brother’s Success Up Close
Freddie Haggerty has never known a life without combat.
Growing up in his dad’s gym and with his elder sibling, Jonathan Haggerty, competing for as long as he can remember, the ONE Championship newcomer has always been surrounded by Muay Thai.
At the same time, he’s thankful for his situation, which has given him a taste of what’s possible in martial arts and the hunger to chase those World Championship dreams.
The 19-year-old said:
“It’s been great having Jonathan as a brother, I’ll be honest. He’s been a great big brother. He’s been fighting since I was born, so to grow up seeing him put in the work and work through the ranks to get to where he is today has always inspired me.
“It inspires me every day. Especially at this level, now, being out here [in Thailand], working alongside him. When your brother is the two-sport World Champion and he’s pushing you in training, there’s nothing like it.
“It’s a privilege to train with him and my dad. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. I feel like it being a family thing makes it so much easier and so much better.”
Freddie feels lucky to have such a strong and loving family who can support his martial arts journey because they’re on it, too.
And while his brother’s status does raise expectations, the younger Haggerty is not fazed by the extra eyeballs that will be watching him due to his bloodline.
If anything, it makes him go the extra mile to reach his goals and prove that he’s a world-class athlete in his own right.
Freddie added:
“There’s always going to be pressure being Jonathan’s little brother. There are such big expectations, but I don’t mind a bit of pressure. It makes me work harder because I’ve got a lot more to prove than other people, which makes me a lot more dangerous.
“But I’m my own person. We’re both Haggertys, but Jonathan is who he is, and I am who I am. We’re two completely different people. We’ve got our own lives. Our own journeys. So I’m here to enjoy my journey.
“I’m here in ONE to prove a point that I deserve to be here, so the fans should expect big things.”
