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ONE flyweight Muay Thai champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon is doing his homework on his upcoming opponent, strawweight titleholder Joseph Lasiri. With that, he's discovering the Italian-born striker's strengths and weaknesses.
'The Iron Man' is slated to defend his world title in the co-headliner at ONE on Prime Video 4. The Thai phenom spoke with ONE Championship about where he feels he has the edge over his next foe, saying:
"His strength is his Muay Thai experience. He has fought many elite Thai fighters. He used to train Muay Thai in Thailand. Another one is his agility, which I can't underestimate. As for his weakness, I think my strikes are heavier than his. If we trade, I'm sure I can knock him down."
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Despite only having two wins via finish since signing to ONE in 2019, there's no debating Rodtang's heavy hands and precision striking. A prime example of his power came in his knockout victory over former champion Jonathan Haggerty.
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Rodtang chose a Muay Thai career over soccer
The 25-year-old grew up playing soccer in Thailand, even considering pursuing a career in the sport for a period of time. However, in the end, the flyweight champ chose Muay Thai and hasn't looked back.
He told ONE:
"I was paid very little for playing soccer, compared to Muay Thai. So, I decided to compete in Muay Thai to earn more money to support my family. At that time, I would earn 300 baht per fight. When I moved to Bangkok to pursue Muay Thai as a career, I stopped playing soccer. I just came back to play it again recently."
Remarkably, Rodtang has already picked up high-profile wins over the likes of Walter Goncalves, Petchdam Gaiyanghadao, Tagir Khalilov, Danial Williams, and the aforementioned Haggerty twice.
Expect the upcoming flyweight Muay Thai world title fight to deliver as one of the bouts of the year. Both champions put the pedal to the medal and leave it all in the circle.
Be sure to check out the flyweight Muay Thai champ defend his belt against strawweight king Joseph Lasiri at ONE on Prime Video 4 on November 18, live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
