‘My Life Has Changed’ – Seksan Reflects On Incredible Run Ahead Of Return At ONE Friday Fights 58
Seksan “The Man Who Yields To No One” Or Kwanmuang was on the verge of retiring from Muay Thai, but his last roll of the dice with ONE Championship scuttled that plan.
The Thai legend posted a perfect 8-0 slate in the world’s largest martial arts organization throughout 2023, and he’s getting ready to kick off his 2024 campaign in a 142-pound catchweight clash against Japanese newcomer Yutaro Asahi at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II on April 5.
Although Seksan was already a cult hero in Muay Thai circles, his reputation exploded globally with the number of new fans who were exposed to his unique style.
Plus, he managed to secure his family’s future when he bagged a six-figure ONE Championship contract for his valiant efforts.
Ahead of his next encounter at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, the 35-year-old spoke to onefc.com about his remarkable turnaround:
“Last year was the best year since I started this career. It was the most successful year for me. My life has changed a lot. The quality of life with my family has greatly improved.
“The trick is taking care of yourself, training hard, and having a supportive family, which includes my sons, wife, and parents.”
There was barely any room to breathe during Seksan’s eight battles in 2023, with several Fight of the Year contenders among them.
From his debut brawl with Tyson Harrison in January to his three-round war with River Daz in December, “The Man Who Yields To No One” put everything on the line to thrill the home crowds again and again.
But despite being happy with his flawless ONE record, Seksan is not worried about preserving it. Instead, he’s simply eager to keep delivering fireworks:
“For now, I don’t think I have any room to improve. Because having a chance to fight in ONE is considered my greatest achievement. Going from the guy who was thinking about retirement to the star, my life was turned upside down. I just feel satisfied with the way it is.
“I will only feel pressure when I find that my performances are not entertaining enough. My goal is to do my best in the ring and provide the most entertainment for Thai fans and fans around the world.”
Seksan Aiming For Early Knockout Of Yutaro Asahi
Seksan Or Kwanmuang thinks his next battle against Yutaro Asahi has all the makings of another intense affair.
The four-time Muay Thai World Champion rates his upcoming rival highly and knows the Japanese sensation will be motivated to prove himself in his ONE debut.
“The Man Who Yields To No One” said of Asahi:
“I watched his fight videos, and I think he has great combinations and slick movement. I can’t underestimate him because I know every fighter that ONE sends to me are all elite level. This fight will be another tough job for me.
“He has powerful combinations, especially his body shots. And another thing I noticed are his knees. I think he plans to wage war on me. He wants to go toe-to-toe with me. He won’t give in easily.”
Despite his praise, the 275-fight veteran expects to be a step ahead of Asahi, who has largely competed under kickboxing rules on the elite Japanese circuit.
There will be a wider range of strikes available in this Muay Thai showdown, and Seksan plans to use his vaunted punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch game to get the job done early on April 5.
He added:
“He still lacks some Muay Thai skills. He’s not good in close combat. I believe I will have a huge advantage in this area because I can use every Muay Thai weapon – I can use elbows and thrust knees on him.
“If I can knock him out, I will do it immediately. You can’t underestimate Japanese boxers. They’re heavy hitters with dangerous combinations. I know that I’m slower than him. But I will try to use my elbows a lot. I’ll try to knock him out quickly.”
