The Thai legend will take on England’s Jonathan “The General” Haggerty in the main event of the evening and after almost year away from action, the 35-year-old is eager to step back into the fold again.
Sam-A won the belt last May in Singapore at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS after defeating Suriname’s Sergio Wielzen via fourth-round KO. It was the type of performance that solidified his status as one of the best Muay Thai athletes in the history of the sport.
However, when you are champion, you can always count on a steady stream of challengers chasing after your crown.
At 22-years of age, Haggerty is over a decade younger than the champion, but the Englishman is no stranger to the big show and captured his first World Title when he was just 17-years old.
“The General” earned his title shot with a scintillating unanimous decision victory over Joseph Lasiri at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY. It was an eye-catching performance that did not go unnoticed by his soon-to-be future opponent.
There will be extra pressure on Sam-A going into this bout, not only is he the favorite but he carries the weight of expectations that came with being a Thai athlete in ONE Super Series.
After spending almost his entire professional career at the pinnacle of his sport, one could be forgiven for thinking that there is little left for Sam-A to achieve. This is clearly not the case.
The hunger to test himself is still as strong in Sam-A now as it was when he first laced up his gloves.
Haggerty has said in recent interviews that he will be looking for the stoppage on Friday night, and there is no question that the Londoner will be throwing everything he has in his arsenal at reigning king.
Nevertheless, after over 400 professional bouts, Sam-A will be confident that he can meet fire with fire when the two athletes finally square off.
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