Stamp Fairtex Plans To Put The Pressure On To Beat Alma Juniku

Stamp Fairtex seems more fired up for her main event match at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST than any of her other bouts in ONE Championship.

The two-sport World Champion will defend her ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title for the first time on Saturday, 15 June against Alma Juniku in a battle of young, hungry martial arts phenoms.

The Thai hero, 21, will face the Aussie WBC and IPCC Muay Thai World Champion, 18, in a five-round clash that is sure to steal the spotlight in Shanghai, China thanks to their relentless styles of competition.

This will be Stamp’s second assignment of 2019, following her five-round battle with Janet “JT” Todd that gave the Pattaya resident her second golden belt on the global stage for martial arts.

Even after that grueling contest, Stamp was desperate to compete just a few weeks later. Although she has had to wait a few months, her itchy feet were soothed by the prospect of traveling to a new country to compete for the first time.

“I love staying active! Once a month would be ideal, but whenever ONE calls me, I’ll be ready,” she says.

“This will be my very first time going to China, and I’m really excited to travel somewhere new. I’ve only ever been to Singapore, and once to Japan. I like traveling and experiencing new things.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities ONE has given me.”

The 21-year-old’s enthusiasm has not distracted her from her preparation at Fairtex Training Center, and fans can count on Stamp to arrive at the Baoshan Arena ready to go toe-to-toe, with the stamina to maintain her intensity for five rounds.

Judging by her opponent’s history, that will be essential. The representative of Modern Warrior Muay Thai claimed her two World Title belts with a TKO of Thailand’s Zaza Sor Aree at the end of last year, and she has continued to rack up wins ever since.

Though she is still a teenager, Juniku is a seasoned competitor with a professional record of 24-4, and the weapons to give anyone at the highest level of “the art of eight limbs” trouble.

“She’s fast and aggressive. She likes to put a lot of pressure on her opponents, and moves quickly,” Stamp says.

“I think if I put the pressure on her, she might not be able to handle it as well. I will try to use her strengths against her.

“She’s got a lot of experience too, but I feel I’m still more experienced because I’ve fought since I was a child. It is a way of life for me and my family.”

Even after 15 years of practice in her chosen sport, Stamp continues to make improvements, and that was evident in her last match when her boxing was sharper than ever.

Ahead of her defense against Juniku, she the 21-year-old has formulated a game plan with her world-class team of coaches, and it seems like she will bring a similar strategy to the ring in Shanghai.

“I plan to use my punches a lot, and kick her leg out to slow her down,” she adds.

“Competing in the small gloves is an asset for me because my punches are really strong, so it helps add power and speed. But, the same could be said for my opponent, so I have to be careful.

“I want to make this a really exciting match. I’m not scared of getting damaged, because I’m a fighter, and it is part of the game. I’m happy to compete in Muay Thai, it is my style, I just have to make sure not to be careless.”

While she is focused on making her first World Title defense, the Thai trailblazer has not lost sight of her overarching goals, also.

Every match for Stamp is a chance to influence and inspire young women across the globe, and she has also not let go of her ambition to work toward a third golden belt.

“I’m proud of what we can accomplish as women, and proud for the opportunity to perform in front of the eyes of the entire world,” she adds.

“I want to first be successful in defending my Muay Thai title, and then make my mixed martial arts debut later this year.”