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Sitthichai “Killer Child” Sitsongpeenong thinks that profitable the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix can be the largest accomplishment of his illustrious profession, however he nonetheless has a tricky highway forward to succeed in the crown.
After beating Tayfun “Turbine” Ozcan in a three-round quarterfinal thriller, the Thai maestro is about to face off in opposition to Davit Kiria within the event semifinals at ONE: ONLY THE BRAVE on Friday, 28 January.
The #3-ranked contender should convey his finest to beat the robust Georgian and e book his place within the closing. Nevertheless, “Killer Child” already holds a pair of victories over Kiria, and he’s assured about going 3-0 regardless of his outdated foe’s evolution contained in the Circle.
Forward of his co-main occasion battle on the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Sitthichai talks about what it’ll take to defeat Kiria, how a lot the World Grand Prix means to him, and far more.
ONE Championship: How does it really feel to have a trilogy bout with Kiria?
Sitthichai: Regardless that this battle is my third time going through Davit Kiria, I nonetheless really feel the identical pleasure as a result of he has made apparent progress. His abilities have undoubtedly improved.
He received by knockout within the final battle. I see that his punch is heavier and his physique has gotten even higher. So, I’m excited to have an opportunity to battle in opposition to him once more this time.
ONE: How will this battle be any completely different from the opposite two?
Sitthichai: For our third conflict, I feel the consequence will likely be no completely different from the primary two as a result of I’m used to his type very properly, and I feel I’ll undoubtedly beat him once more. However I cannot be careless as a result of he is healthier, particularly his punches. I must watch out of that.
ONE: What’s your recreation plan for Davit this time?
Sitthichai: My recreation plan is to steer clear of him. I received’t threat preventing him in shut distance as a result of his punch is lethal, and he is superb with close-distance fight.
I’ll use my left kick with him from a distance as a result of I do know that he doesn’t like knees from a southpaw like me. So, I’ll use my shins and knees to weaken him. I have ready these two items for him. And, if I get an opportunity to knock him out, I’ll do it for positive.
ONE: What would the win over Davit imply to you?
Sitthichai: My motivation is to be the champion. Put merely, I need to be a World Grand Prix Champion this yr. As a result of it is a massive world occasion, will probably be an incredible pleasure and honor in my profession.
As well as, I’m getting older, so I need to a title from a massive occasion once more in my profession. I feel this World Grand Prix is the largest occasion of my life.
ONE: Taking a look at the remainder of the featherweight division, what did you consider Superbon’s KO of Giorgio Petrosyan to win the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title?
Sitthichai: I used to be not shocked in any respect as a result of Superbon was well-trained and well-prepared. He had gotten every thing he wanted for that battle. I used to be positive proper from the beginning that he might undoubtedly beat Petrosyan.
If I’ve an opportunity to face Superbon sooner or later I feel it could be a troublesome process for me as a result of he has improved in every thing – bodily, mentally, and all collectively. I feel I’d have to practice 200 instances more durable to beat him as a result of he’s a lot stronger and higher in every thing. I can inform that our match can be hearth for positive. I’d battle to the fullest as a result of I need to beat him once more.
If I’ve to battle Petrosyan, I feel I have an opportunity to beat him as properly. I’ve been dreaming of preventing with him for a very long time. It will be good if I might battle with him as soon as in my life. And positive, I would wish a very good plan to defeat him.
ONE: Did you ever assume you’d be a face of kickboxing and Muay Thai when you have been simply beginning this profession?
Sitthichai: I’m glad I reached to the highest. I by no means thought I’d come this far. My dream is to compete in overseas nations. I need to present my Muay Thai abilities to foreigners. To point out them how harmful Muay Thai is.
Getting so far, I used to be glad and excited to see many foreigners admire and assist me. It stored me energized, motivated, and able to face all my opponents. And it allowed me to strive new alternative, from being a Muay Thai fighter to being a kickboxer.
Kickboxing has made me happy with being a kickboxer and making a reputation for Thai individuals. I’m so grateful that persons are all the time supporting me.
ONE: Any closing phrases for Davit earlier than the trilogy?
Sitthichai: Inform Davit from me: That is our third date, and I’ll beat you once more as a result of my subsequent purpose is the ONE World Championship. So, I’ll transfer on from you. Let’s end our enterprise right here.
And also you’d higher be careful for my left shin and knee – as a result of they are lethal.
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