‘I’ve Been Ready For A Long Time’ – Prajanchai Eager To Kick Off Rescheduled World Title Clash With Di Bella
Prajanchai PK Saenchai can’t wait to get to grips with Jonathan Di Bella after their originally scheduled battle fell through at the final hurdle back in April and the latter was stripped of his gold.
The divisional stars will now clash in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 68 on June 28 with the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title on the line.
The Italian-Canadian has recently opened up about the situation that forced him to withdraw two months ago, and while Prajanchai felt for his rival, he thought their chance to fight was gone.
But the reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion was pleased when the offer came again, and he’s looking forward to finally meeting Di Bella at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Prajanchai told onefc.com:
“I didn’t know a lot about this incident. I just knew that Jonathan didn’t pass his hydration test. I felt sorry for him. But we must follow the rules. I didn’t feel upset. I was just disappointed that I missed the chance for gold.
“After that day, I didn’t think I’d have the chance to fight him again. When I found out he was my next opponent, I was happy to finally get a fight with him.
“I’ve been ready for a long time. I’m just waiting for fight day to come.”
As the division’s reigning Muay Thai king going after two-sport glory, Prajanchai feels like he can head into his opponent’s game with less expectations on himself.
Di Bella is the more experienced kickboxer after all, and he also has a point to prove after losing his World Title without even stepping through the ropes.
For the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym athlete, this means less pressure and more to gain, even though it’ll be in front of a partisan crowd in Bangkok.
He said:
“I think Jonathan will feel more pressure than me because he used to say that he stands at the top. I replied that it will hurt more if you fall. I think he realized what I meant from last time. He didn’t lose to me, he lost to himself, and he just fell from the top.
“But there is no underdog here. It doesn’t matter which country you come to fight in. In fact, I should be an underdog because he is a veteran in kickboxing. He fought kickboxing all his life while I am still wet behind the ears in this rule set.”
Prajanchai Plans To Exit Lumpinee Stadium With Belts Over Both Shoulders
Prajanchai PK Saenchai feels better equipped to defeat Jonathan Di Bella with the extra training time he has had for the 27-year-old Montreal native.
He’s not expecting it to be easy, though, as he knows Di Bella is a world-class striker. But the experienced Muay Thai superstar has been able to add to his skill set and find more gaps to exploit with two more months of preparation.
Prajanchai said:
“Jonathan’s style is fast and agile. His strength is his combination punching. I know his weaknesses, but I won’t reveal them to you.
“I think I’m going to throw a variety of punches. And I have some other weapons for him, but please wait and see in the ring.”
If he can pull off a victory on June 28, Prajanchai would join an elite group of athletes who have managed to transcend rule sets and claim ONE World Titles in different sports.
So, while he’s happy to face a dangerous foe in Di Bella, it’s the legacy that motivates him.
He’s not one to predict outcomes, but Prajanchai sees himself making the most of the massive opportunity ahead at ONE Friday Fights 68.
The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative said:
“For me, winning ONE World Title in two sports, kickboxing and Muay Thai, means a lot to my life. It can keep me going for a long time.
“I can’t predict anything, but you guys can expect to see two belts on my shoulders.”
