‘Don’t Underestimate Me’ – Smilla Sundell Fires Warning Shot At Jackie Buntan Ahead Of World Title Fight
Swedish teenage sensation Smilla Sundell has worked hard her entire young life to capture a World Title, and now, she is one big win away from striking gold in ONE Championship.
The 17-year-old is scheduled to challenge Filipino-American star Jackie Buntan for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the co-main event of ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic, which broadcasts live on Friday, 22 April.
A victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium would make Sundell the youngest ONE World Champion in history, and she refuses to let that achievement slip through the cracks.
“I hate losing. I will become aggressive, I will finish her, and I will become a World Champion.”
Smilla Sundell told onefc.com
Sundell may be young, but she has been nothing short of marvelous in her career. She owns a 32-5-1 record, which includes 22 knockouts and even a victory over a male opponent.
The fearless teenager was equally impressive in her promotional debut at ONE: FULL CIRCLE in February, where she ripped through Australia’s Diandra Martin to earn a third-round TKO.
Though she ate a few shots in the process, the Swede displayed the poise of a veteran. And since she took very little damage, she hopped back into training camp to prepare for her next match.
“Winning my first fight on the global stage, it was a very good experience. I was very happy, and I couldn’t wait to fight again.”
Smilla Sundell told onefc.com
That next match will crown the first-ever titleholder in the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division, but it will not be easy to win that golden belt.
Buntan has also looked impressive during her time in the Circle, having beaten three consecutive opponents including Sundell’s former training partner, Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak.
Sundell knows the Filipino-American is seven years older and has more experience competing under the bright lights of ONE Championship with the 4-ounce MMA gloves. But that doesn’t faze the confident teen, who has a warning for her upcoming adversary.
“Jackie, don’t underestimate me. I want this belt, and I will get it.”
Smilla Sundell told onefc.com
Smilla Sundell Relishes Opportunity To Train With World Champions At Fairtex
Since joining the famed Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand, Smilla Sundell has had access to World Champion teammates and sparring partners, all of whom have helped take her Muay Thai to the next level.
The Swede has trained with the likes of #1-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Saemapetch Fairtex, as well as former ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Stamp Fairtex, the latter she views as an inspiration in her career.
Sundell told ONE Championship:
“I see Stamp as a big sister and she is very inspiring. I want to be like her. She gives very good advice and helps me to become stronger. She pushes me to be better.
“Fairtex has opened the door for me to be a big star. Training with World Champions here at Fairtex is good and inspiring, and they always push me to another level.”
