Giorgio Petrosyan Reflects On Huge 2019 And Shares Big 2020 Plans

Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan had a phenomenal year, even by his own extremely high standards, and there is no indication that he will slow down any time soon.

The Armenian-Italian won three consecutive bouts against elite opposition to claim the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship and the biggest monetary prize in his sport’s history.

“It has been an amazing ride. 2019 has been a really important year for me,” the 34-year-old offers.

“At the beginning of the year, I set the goal to win the most important tournament in the world, and I did it.

“All the fights have been really tough and challenging, but in the end, it has been an indescribable feeling.”

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Petrosyan kicked things off in The Home Of Martial Arts in May, when he battled to a No Contest with Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy in the quarterfinals in Singapore.

In July, the two engaged in a rematch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to decide a definitive winner. The Milan resident beat the Thai via unanimous decision to book his spot in the semifinals opposite “Smokin” Jo Nattawut.

“The Doctor” had a quick turnaround, as he jumped back into the ring just one month later in his rival’s old stomping grounds of Bangkok, Thailand. Despite those factors, he created a highlight-reel moment that ignited the global fanbase.

He crumpled Nattawut with a picture-perfect left cross to earn a first-round knockout and advance to the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship Final against Samy “AK47” Sana at ONE: CENTURY PART II in Tokyo, Japan.

Sana was in impeccable form leading up to the tournament’s grand finale in October, but Petrosyan lived up to his nickname by picking the Frenchman apart with surgical precision to capture the silver belt and the US$1 million prize.

However, it was the caliber of the opposition, rather than the accolades, that pleased the Armenian-Italian kickboxing sensation.

“It has been a challenging season, full of big fights. For sure, Petchmorakot, Nattawut, and Sana have been the most exciting ones. If I have to choose a single moment [that stands out], the Jo Nattawut KO was a big one,” he reveals.

“The tournament format is really challenging. You cannot lose the grip on your training and concentration every single day. Even when you win, you have to think immediately about your next opponent. It is really intense, but really exciting and full of satisfaction.

“[Winning the World Grand Prix Title] was a really emotional moment. When they raised my hand, many images came to my mind – like all the sacrifices [I have made] since I was a kid who wanted to be the next star of kickboxing. I have proved once again my real value as a fighter.”

By winning the tournament, Petrosyan solidified his status as the best kickboxer of his generation — and possibly of all-time.

“The Doctor,” however, is not thinking about his legacy just yet. He is still fixated on refining his skills and is only looking one step ahead in his career.

“I am already focusing on my next challenges,” he says.

“I am not used to setting long-term goals. The main goal is to remain the best in my division. I have no problem fighting whoever wants to challenge me. I am ready for every opponent. 

“There is always space to grow and get better. I do not want to set limits on my talent. I will try to learn as much as I can, experiment in the gym, and adapt to my body.”

Aside from competing against the world’s best and sharpening his techniques, “The Doctor” has one other goal for the next 12 months ahead — and it involves pushing ONE Championship into new territory.

Petrosyan is a hero in his adopted homeland of Italy, and he would be honored to bring the world’s largest martial arts organization to the country and thrill the nation’s fanbase.

“Of course, Italy would be my dream. It will be a great success. In terms of live experience and the level of the athletes, ONE represents the best in class and Italian fans are going to love it,” he asserts.

“It will be an exciting year full of new challenges. I am ready, and I cannot wait for the start of the fighting season.

“I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and see you in 2020 for a new, exciting season!”

Read more: Top 5 ONE Super Series Performances Of 2019’s 4th Quarter