‘Only Happiness And Excitement’ – Petchtanong Thrilled For Long-Awaited Return At ONE Friday Fights 68
Petchtanong Petchfergus is ready to show the global fan base what they’ve been missing when he returns from an extended absence on Friday, June 28.
The Thai superstar will face Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov at ONE Friday Fights 68, and he can’t wait to deliver a memorable performance for the fans at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and those watching around the world in Asia primetime.
Petchtanong hasn’t competed since a failed out-of-competition drug test in June 2023, which also saw him stripped of the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title he won in November 2022 against Hiroki Akimoto.
The Superbon Training Camp representative accepted his heartbreaking suspension, but with lessons learned and more knowledge gained, he looks forward to stepping back into the ring.
The 38-year-old told onefc.com:
“The first feeling [when I learned I was suspended] was regret and devastation. I had just got the gold, right? But I would not let it overwhelm me. I tried hard to come back as soon as possible. I tried to review and learn from my mistakes until I could stand again.
“I try to look at it positively and always look at the good side. Because if you are overwhelmed with suffering, you will be stressed. So I have to keep calm, accept it, and move on.”
Petchtanong has been fighting for decades and, he’s missed it deeply while sitting on the sidelines over the past year and a half.
Now set to face another former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion in Ramazanov, it’s straight back into high-stakes matchups, but the Udon Thani native wouldn’t want it any other way.
Petchtanong said of the Russian:
“The moment I knew I was going to fight with Alaverdi, I was happy because I had always been waiting for the time that I could get back in the ring. I counted the days and months. In fact, I’ve actually been preparing for six months.
“It’s my comeback fight. In my heart, there is only happiness and excitement. I want to show my best performance for everyone who comes to support me.”
Petchtanong: ‘This Fight Is Going To Be A Classic’
As former rulers of ONE’s bantamweight kickboxing division, both Petchtanong Petchfergus and Alaverdi Ramazanov are incredibly accomplished strikers who can beat the best on their day.
Petchtanong has seen plenty of his upcoming foe ahead of their clash at ONE Friday Fights 68, and he anticipates a tough night against the fast and hard-hitting “Babyface Killer.”
However, the experienced Thai legend thinks his own veteran savvy can help him overcome Ramazanov and make a statement in his first ONE appearance since 2022:
“Alaverdi’s strengths are that he is an agile and quick athlete. He is skilled. He can throw punches and kicks really fast. And he has quick footwork in and out.
“I don’t see any weaknesses. He was the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion before me. To say that he is not talented is impossible. If he wasn’t good, he wouldn’t have been the first World Champion.
“I think I have an advantage over him in terms of potential, strength, durability, knowledge, and experience. I believe my adaptability and defense are better.”
Petchtanong isn’t one for brazen predictions or calling his shot, but he does think the fans will be true winners when he squares off with #3-ranked Ramazanov in Bangkok.
Neither man will back down – given the potential to earn a shot at reigning divisional king Jonathan “The General” Haggerty – and the Thai expects a war that will be remembered for years to come.
He added:
“This fight is going to be a classic. I don’t know how it will play out in the ring, but what everyone will see is the beauty of kickboxing.”
