"My dad knew" - Jonathan Haggerty recalls the moment his dad realized that he was born to be a fighter

ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty looked back fondly on when his father, Jon Haggerty Sr., realized he was destined for combat sports greatness.

During a sit-down interview on the Winners Talking Podcast, 'The General' shared:

"I think my dad knew from the time when I went down to Keddles Gym from the first few times. I ended up crying, going back to the corner, fighting, going back to the corner and crying. And I think he thought that was it."

He added:

"And I remember, a week later, I went up to him and told him I'd like to go back to the gym. And that's where I think he thought I was built for this."

Watch the entire interview below:

In his second bout under the ONE banner, Jonathan Haggerty captured 26 pounds of flyweight Muay Thai gold from then-reigning Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in May 2019.

After losing the gold in his subsequent duology with Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Haggerty knocked out the legendary Nong-O Hama in April 2023 to supplant him as the new bantamweight Muay Thai world champion.

The 27-year-old ascended to double-champ status when he won the then-vacant 145-pound kickboxing crown over bantamweight MMA king Fabricio Andrade in November of that same year.

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Jonathan Haggerty to defend kickboxing crown in Qatar

Jonathan Haggerty will be headlining ONE 171: Qatar on Feb. 20, 2025, as he defends 26 pounds of bantamweight kickboxing gold against Wei Rui. The event will take place inside the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail.

It will be Haggerty's first bout since dropping the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship to flyweight kickboxing king Superlek Kiatmoo9 via knockout at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 inside the Ball Arena.

With the sting of a 49-second defeat still fresh in his mind, fans could witness the best version of Haggerty emerge against 'Demon Blade' at ONE 171.