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Thant Zin draws inspiration from fellow countryman Aung La N Sang.
Earlier this year, Zin made his ONE Championship debut at ONE Friday Fights 52, defeating Jaising Sitnayokpansak by second-round knockout. Six months later, the 19-year-old returned on August 23 and continued building momentum with another knockout, this time in the first round against Tai Sor Jor Piem Uthai.
On Friday, September 27, Zin looks for his third promotional win at ONE Friday Fights 81. The circumstances will be slightly different for this fight, as the Myanmar native is temporarily leaving Muay Thai for a flyweight kickboxing bout against Japanese legend Takeru Segawa.
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During the ONE Friday Fights 81 virtual press conference, Zin was asked about his Myanmar roots. He had this to say about being inspired by former two-division MMA world champion Aung La N Sang, who is from the same country:
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"I want to be like Aung La N Sang one day. And I want to own two championships like Aung La N Sang. Aung La N Sang inspired me a lot."
Zin followed up by saying:
"I'm trying hard and I have practiced a lot, because when I can perform at ONE Championship, my family has been able to have a proper meal after I got the match from ONE Championship, and I want to help my brother get an eye surgery, I want to build a house for my parents. So I am trying hard, and I trained a lot, and I want to be famous like Aung La N Sang one day."
Watch Thant Zin's appearance at the virtual press conference below:
Thant Zin looks to skyrocket world title chances with win against Takeru Segawa
Thant Zin has looked impressive in his two Muay Thai fights under the ONE Championship banner. With that said, a kickboxing bout against a legend like Takeru Segawa is a massive step up in competition, especially for a 19-year-old.
If Zin emerges victorious, he will suddenly be a contender in the ONE flyweight kickboxing division. Furthermore, the Myanmar native would receive added respect in the ONE flyweight division, as he would prove he's a world-class striker.
ONE Friday Fights 81 goes down inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Friday's event can be seen via pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com.
