- George Chung
- Jun 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Prajanchai PK Saenchai will finally get his chance to chase two-sport gold at ONE Friday Fights 68 on Friday, June 28, at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
He expected the chance to come earlier in the year, but illness befell Jonathan Di Bella during the week of the event. With the Italian-Canadian healthy, Prajanchai is thankful the opportunity remains in his path.
“I didn’t know a lot about this incident. I just knew that Jonathan didn’t pass his hydration test. I felt sorry for him. But we must follow the rules. I didn’t feel upset. I was just disappointed that I missed the chance for gold,” Prajanchai told ONE.
“After that day, I didn’t think I’d have the chance to fight him again. When I found out he was my next opponent, I was happy to finally get a fight with him.”
“I’ve been ready for a long time. I’m just waiting for fight day to come.”
When it comes to the pressure of this main event collision, Prajanchai believes that Di Bella’s shoulders will hold a heavier burden than his own.
Regardless, he expects neither man to hold a significant advantage. The determining factor will simply come down to who is the better man on June 28.
“I think Jonathan will feel more pressure than me because he used to say that he stands at the top. I replied that it will hurt more if you fall. I think he realized what I meant from last time. He didn’t lose to me, he lost to himself, and he just fell from the top,” the Thai athlete remarked.
“But there is no underdog here. It doesn’t matter which country you come to fight in. In fact, I should be an underdog because he is a veteran in kickboxing. He fought kickboxing all his life while I am still wet behind the ears in this rule set.”
The Thai star is keeping his cards close to his vest. Although he refused to reveal his game plan, Prajanchai detailed what makes Di Bella a difficult opponent inside the ring.
“Jonathan’s style is fast and agile. His strength is his combination punching. I know his weaknesses, but I won’t reveal them to you,” the Muay Thai king said.
“I think I’m going to throw a variety of punches. And I have some other weapons for him, but please wait and see in the ring.”
Prajanchai does not know how the victory will come, but he is confident he will walk out of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium with the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship.
If true, he will etch his name in history and stand as the best strawweight striker on the planet.
“For me, winning ONE World Title in two sports, kickboxing and Muay Thai, means a lot to my life. It can keep me going for a long time,” Prajanchai said.
“I can’t predict anything, but you guys can expect to see two belts on my shoulders.”
ONE Friday Fights 68 airs live on global pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.
