Liam Harrison Eyeing 2 Top Opponents To Earn Shot At Nong-O
Liam “Hitman” Harrison’s goals are simple: entertain ONE Super Series fans with his thrilling brand of striking and win the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
The legendary British nak muay has achieved every other goal he has set for himself in “the art of eight limbs,” and his focus will be crystal clear when ONE Championship’s 2020 calendar of events resumes following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Obviously, I’ve been trying to stay in shape, but I want a fight, a date, and a plan set out,” the Bad Company representative says.
“I just can’t wait to get back in there so I can put on the kind of ridiculous wars that I love and the fans love on the biggest stage there is.”
So far, Harrison has played his part in three sensational contests on the global stage, including his epic back-and-forth battle with Rodlek PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST and his latest KO victory over Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud at ONE: A NEW TOMORROW.
Harrison is ready to continue his push toward the top of the ONE Athlete Rankings, and there are a couple of key targets in his sights.
“A Rodlek rematch would be good, but I want to break into the Muay Thai top five. I see that Muangthai [PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym] is at #5 and Bobo Sacko is in there at #2, so either of those guys would be nice,” the Leeds native says.
“Hitman” already has some history with Sacko, and he would love the chance to run it back in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
“Sacko has a win over me from a fight in France a few years ago, so a rematch wouldn’t go amiss,” Harrison says.
“We fought with big gloves and elbow pads, and I broke my foot in round three and split my shin in round four of that fight, so it was a disaster for me.
“To be honest, though, I have nothing against him. He’s just in a good position and I want to climb up, so that’s it really.”
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While he would be thrilled to face Sacko, Harrison thinks that a bout with Muangthai – a Lumpinee and Channel 7 Stadium Muay Thai World Champion – would be even more exciting given their respective styles.
The Thai, who goes by the moniker “Elbow Zombie,” likes to aggressively close the distance to use his short-range weapons, and “Hitman” will not take a backward step either.
That combination could create the kind of match-up the Brit is looking for.
“Put me and him in there, and it will be an explosion, and a great fight for the crowd,” Harrison offers.
“Someone’s head will come off in that fight. Whether it’s mine or his, I don’t know, but I’m 99 percent sure that is what is going to happen.”
If he beats a top-ranked opponent, Harrison knows that reigning Muay Thai bantamweight king Nong-O Gaiyanghadao would be within touching distance.
Nong-O has kept a stranglehold on the division since his promotional debut in April 2018, posting a perfect 6-0 slate. But “Hitman’s” extensive résumé and fan-friendly style could fast-track him to a shot at the gold — the final accolade he wants to tick off his list.
“If I win my next fight by KO again, I don’t see any reason why I couldn’t fight Nong-O after that,” the eight-time Muay Thai World Champion says.
“I’ve won literally every other title there is to win, won my last four fights outside of ONE, and had a big KO in my last fight, so one more big KO puts me towards that fight, I think.
“I am not bothered about any other title other than the ONE Championship belt. That is the only thing I care about before I retire.”
Read more: Liam Harrison Has Done It All – Except Win ONE Gold
