Giorgio Petrosyan Will Not Underestimate Jo Nattawut In Bangkok

Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan will rematch “Smokin” Jo Nattawut, at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD, but the stakes are far higher the second time around.

When these two World Champion athletes clash next Friday, 16 August in Bangkok, Thailand, a place in the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix final is at stake.

The Italian has a lot of respect for the opponent he will face again at the Impact Arena, but his defeat of the Thai last April is still fresh in his mind, and he is confident he will book his place at ONE: CENTURY to compete for the star-studded tournament’s grand prize of US$1 million.

“I know my opponent all too well, as I defeated him the first time around,” states “The Doctor.”

“Following our bout, he has clearly gotten better because [he has won] four more bouts. Then again, I don’t think he has gotten that much better in a year and a half.”

The Armenian-Italian technician will come into the match fresh off his win last month in a rematch against Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy. 

Petrosyan put the lessons from their first bout in May – which was ruled a no contest – to good use with a convincing performance that earned him the victory via unanimous decision.

He will take that approach into this second meeting with Nattawut, too. Even though the 33-year-old was dominant against the Bangkok Boxing representative at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR last April, he believes he can make some changes to deliver an even better performance.

“I changed my game plan [against Petchmorakot], and I was less aggressive. I played more of a waiting game, my legs did much of the work, and that’s how I won that bout,” he explains.

“Of course, when a rematch is coming up, my training regimen is just the same. Then again, I mix up my game plan, because I suppose my opponent will be mixing up his own game plan.

“My strategy will be different, and we will see in the ring what he is capable of.”

Above everything else, “The Doctor” recognizes “Smokin Jo’s” punching power is as dangerous as ever.

Nattawut has won four straight contests against elite opposition in ONE Super Series, and two of those have come via KO. His heavy hands saw him score a highlight-reel finish of Yohann Fairtex Drai, and a third-round stoppage of Sasha Moisa in the World Grand Prix quarterfinals.

Petrosyan came out of their first contest unscathed thanks to his supreme defensive ability, but also the stifling offense he put on his foe. He knows he has to be careful, but he believes Nattawut will also have to be wary of the force in his fists and legs.

“In my first bout against “Smokin Jo,” I was very aggressive right off the bat. I was on the offensive for all three rounds, I tried to land hard shots, and that was my game plan,” he explains.

“I remember his leg work being very powerful. He is an all-around opponent, who is good at throwing punches, kicking and kneeing, so I will need to be alert to all of that.

“He is a very powerful opponent, and he is quick with his legs. I am also powerful, so I am not sure which of us is the most powerful. We are going to find out in the ring.”

“The Doctor” may be the favorite heading into this match-up, but this elite competition has already seen one of the hot favorites make an early exit, so he will not look past his upcoming opponent, or be distracted by what might come next in the biggest kickboxing tournament in history.

That should be good news for the fans, because a focused Petrosyan should bring magic to the Circle in Bangkok.

“Anything can happen in the ring, so the favorites may not always be a sure bet to win – just like we saw with Yodsanklai and Sana,” he says.

“I would rather focus on the bout than on the $1 million. I’m only focused on my opponent for the time being, and the winner will be heading to the finals.

“I know that he will have prepared very well for this. I too am preparing well for this bout, and I am sure it will be a war.”