“It’s the passing of the torch” - Jonathan Haggerty says he’s now the poster boy for striking in the United Kingdom 

ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty is extremely proud to be the flagbearer for British strikers worldwide. The mantle was carried by legendary English slugger Liam Harrison for the longest time.

With 'Hitman' almost in his forties and now semi-retired, Haggerty says it's his time to serve as the poster boy for the striking arts in the United Kingdom. 'The General' shared in a guest appearance on the Winners Talking Podcast:

"Yeah, for sure. It’s the passing of the torch now. It’s my time. I think I’ve paved the way now."

Moreover, Haggerty argued that he had already broken new ground by taking British striking to unprecedented heights on the global stage. He added:

"Especially in ONE Championship. I think I was the first Brit in ONE Championship. Got the belt. Got the world title. Opened up the door for a lot of UK fighters."

There's certainly a new wave of British killers in the world's largest martial arts organization following Haggerty's ascent to two-sport supremacy. Names like Nico Carrillo and Amy Pirnie come to mind, along with the former double champ's younger brother, Freddie Haggerty.

Watch Jonathan Haggerty's interview in its entirety:

Jonathan Haggerty teases upcoming fight announcement

Jonathan Haggerty is eager to bounce back in a big way after losing his bantamweight Muay Thai gold strap to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver last September.

By the looks of it, it's only a matter of time before 'The General's redemption tour begins. The bantamweight kickboxing titleholder teased on Instagram:

"We have a fight date! Time to get back to winning ways! @onechampionship."

Haggerty, of course, is still ranked first in the bantamweight Muay Thai pecking order and still has unfinished business in the division.

However, all signs point to the fighting Brit fulfilling his duties as the bantamweight kickboxing king and defending his throne for the first time.