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Enriko “The Hurricane” Kehl needs to show he belongs alongside the putting elite when he competes within the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix for a second time.
The German star will face Davit Kiria in a quarterfinal matchup at ONE: FIRST STRIKE on Friday, 15 October, and a successful efficiency would propel him into the ultimate 4.
After struggling a troublesome loss to Dzhabar Askerov within the 2019 version of the Grand Prix quarterfinals, Kehl believes he can actually shine this time round.
“It’s a giant honor to struggle once more within the event and an honor that ONE believes in me, so I took the prospect,” he says. “I hope I can present the world that I’m among the best fighters.”
Kehl has motive to really feel optimistic. He took classes away from his three-round struggle with Askerov and has since posted back-to-back wins on the worldwide stage.
First, he completed Armen Petrosyan at ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS in November 2019. And he added one other huge scalp to his resume in a rematch with fellow Grand Prix competitor Chingiz “Chinga” Allazov at “ONE on TNT I” this previous April.
With all that constructive momentum and a recent spark from his new coaching squad at Trans4mer Mainz, the German looks like he’s able to battle the most effective strikers on the planet.
“Chingiz is likely one of the best fighters on this planet, everyone is aware of it. That was an excellent efficiency of mine. This was as a result of I modified my workforce originally of the yr,” Kehl says.
“We labored very onerous and, in my view, I made a giant step ahead in my efficiency, so I’m wanting ahead to the event as a result of my confidence is now very excessive, and I can’t wait to step into the ring with the massive names of the world once more.”
Nonetheless, advancing via the bracket is not going to be straightforward. Exterior of the 2 males combating for the inaugural ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title — Giorgio “The Physician” Petrosyan and Superbon — the entire prime athletes within the division are vying for the silver Grand Prix belt.
This isn’t a deterrent for Kehl, nonetheless. He’s relishing the troublesome problem and wanting to get began on 15 October.
“It’s essentially the most stacked event in essentially the most stacked weight class. The fights are all very onerous and each fighter is a favourite,” he says.
“Each fighter is a giant identify, they’re all World Champions, and regardless of who will get to the semifinals or the finals, every struggle might be a terrific struggle.”
Opening-round assignments don’t come a lot more durable than Kiria, a former Glory and Kunlun Combat Kickboxing World Champion who possesses concussive energy and a singular ability set.
“The Hurricane” is aware of what his upcoming rival brings to the desk, however that powerful take a look at solely provides to his pleasure.
“Kiria can also be among the best fighters on this planet. He’s very harmful. He has a variety of expertise. He has excellent kicks as a result of he comes from karate,” Kehl says.
“However as I’ve already stated, I’ve modified my workforce, we’ve labored very onerous for him, and we will’t wait to step into the ring once more and present everyone who I’m.”
Kehl has completed his opponents in two of his three ONE Tremendous Collection wins, and one other one will surely make an announcement.
He’s aiming for a highlight-reel second, however greater than something, the German star needs to progress and hold his dream of successful the most important event in kickboxing alive.
“Each fighter needs to complete his struggle by way of KO, however we are going to see what occurs, if the sport plan works or not,” he says.
“Our goal is to win this struggle by knockout, for positive. However knockout or not, an important factor is to win this struggle and get to the semifinals to point out the world that we’re there. Then we will additionally proceed to struggle for the title.”
Learn extra: Meet The 2021 ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World GP Contenders
