Andrew Miller Says He Will Dominate Han Zi Hao In China

It is just a month since Andrew “Maddog Fairtex” Miller last competed, but he had no hesitation about getting straight back into the ring to raise his stock in the ONE Super Series bantamweight division.

The Scottish striker jumped at the chance to face Han Zi Hao at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST in Shanghai, China next Saturday, 15 June and make a big statement against a former World Title contender.

Han gave Nong-O Gaiyanghadao all he could handle in the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship match in February, which means his name will look good on “Maddog Fairtex’s” résumé.

“When they offered me this match, I took it with both hands,” explains the 28-year-old.

“You take these opportunities when they’re given to you. I could never live with myself if I said no to this fight.

“He’s a former challenger for the World Title, so if I can beat him, especially if I can knock him out, then it puts me in good standing in the division.”

Miller picked up his first win in the world’s largest martial arts organization on 3 May when he dominated Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud at ONE: FOR HONOR in Jakarta, Indonesia.

It is a quick turnaround for the man from Pattaya, Thailand, but he does not see that as a problem. He is keen to capitalize on his momentum, and he also feels that his preparation for “Jordan Boy” has set him up for success against Han, too.

“Getting my first win in my last performance was a massive weight off my shoulders, and when you perform well, you get offered the bigger chances so you can reap the rewards,” he explains.

“I think Han has the exact same kind of style as Mohammed, but I see him as a better version. Like the last fight, my clinch and kicks will be much better than his.

“He is a big puncher, and he will come in with hard punches, but I will dominate him with my clinching and my pressure.”

The WKA British Champion will have to go into the lion’s den to face off against the Mad Muay Thai Gym representative, but as a Scot that resides in Asia, he is no stranger to taking on local favorites in their own backyards.

It will not faze him that thousands of Chinese fans will be his opponent’s corner. If anything, he feels that Han will bear the load of expectation inside the Baoshan Arena.

“I’m not bothered at all that I am fighting him in China – there is more pressure on him to perform well,” he states.

“I love the pressure, and I love bringing it to these people and fighting in front of these massive crowds. That’s what it’s all about for me.

“I’ve fought in China a few times, so it’s not new to me. It’s a nice place, and it’ll be nice to see Shanghai. Traveling the world for free and fighting for money – what’s a better life?”

Miller is grateful for the huge opportunity he has been given, and the chance to test himself against the world’s best.

He insists he does not get too hung up on winning or losing in the short-term because he plays the long game of his career, but that that does not mean he is heading to Shanghai so Han can impress his home crowd.

“Maddog Fairtex” wants to win, and he wants to do it in style so he can climb up the bantamweight ranks on the global stage until he can get the biggest bouts.

“The ideal situation is obviously getting the knockout and getting the bonus,” he offers.

“But as long as I get the win then I go right up there and become very well known in ONE. Then I can start working my way to a World Title shot.”