Thai Superstars Preview Bouts At ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD Open Workout
ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD is stacked with top martial arts talent from Thailand, and all six superstars on the bill on 16 August were in action at the event’s open workout on Thursday, 25 July at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel in Bangkok.
The star of the show was the man who will defend his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in the main event against Ilias Ennahachi – “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy.
Although the 21-year-old recognizes he will have his work cut out for him against the six-time kickboxing World Champion, he is confident he has the power to score a knockout.
“I am excited to get back in the ring and prove myself again in ONE Super Series,” he said.
“Becoming ONE World Champion is one of the greatest achievements of my career, and it is such an honor to represent Thailand on the biggest global stage of competition.
“My opponent is another tough one, who is also well-versed in the kickboxing style. I have to be at my best for this fight, but I am confident that my skill and power will carry me to victory. I’m training very hard for this fight, and I want to give the fans a good show.”
One of the biggest attractions in the Impact Arena next month will be the pair of ONE Kickboxing World Grand Prix semifinals on the main mard.
“Smokin” Jo Nattawut is the only Thai left in the tournament, and he will come into his match as the underdog to Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan after the Italian defeated him in April last year.
However, the Bangkok Boxing representative is sure he can turn the tables at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD.
“I know my opponent is a legend in this sport, and I’ve already lost to him before, but I’ve made some key changes to my training and overall style,” Nattawut said.
“I’m not the same fighter I was a year ago when we first met. I’m stronger and faster now, and more well-prepared for our second meeting. This August, I’m going to shock the world once again, and I’m going to take down this giant.
“I have my eye on the prize, and I’m going to do everything I can to beat Petrosyan and reach the tournament finals.”
The top mixed martial arts attraction at the event will be ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex’s return to the global ruleset.
Though she already has two belts, the 21-year-old from Pattaya wants to achieve an unprecedented feat and become a three-sport World Champion.
She will start her work toward that goal on 16 August against India’s Asha Roka.
“I am ready to embark on this new chapter of my martial arts journey,” Stamp said.
“When I first joined ONE Championship, I was already working very hard to compete in mixed martial arts, but when the opportunity to compete in both kickboxing and Muay Thai, as well as the chance to become a World Champion came by, I couldn’t pass it up.
“Now that I’ve achieved so much in those sports, I want more. I want the mixed martial arts World Title. That’s the goal.”
Also in attendance at the event were Muay Thai stars Lerdsila Phuket Top Team, who will face Savvas “The Baby Face Killer” Michael; Bangpleenoi Petchyindee Academy, who will square off against Liam Nolan; and “Elbow Zombie” Muangthai PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym, who is set for a contest with Kenta Yamada.
Each of these athletes has experience in ONE Super Series, but they will compete under the banner of The Home Of Martial Arts in their homeland for the first time at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD.
All three expressed how excited they were to put on a show for their compatriots in their nation’s capital.
“I would like to thank ONE Championship for the opportunity to showcase my skills and abilities to millions of people around the world,” said Lerdsila.
“Joining ONE Super Series, I knew I would be facing off against the best striking talents. It’s an honor to be counted amongst these amazing athletes.
“I’ve accomplished many things in my career thus far, but I know I still have a lot left to offer. Get ready for the best Lerdsila you’ve ever seen.”
