“This was my goal from the first day” - Petchtanong on the verge of realizing world championship dream

At 37 years old, Petchtanong Petchfergus has had an incredible combat sports career that has made him a four-time Muay Thai champion. With more than 350 career wins on his resume, there’s still one thing left for the Thai star to accomplish. Becoming a ONE world champion.

He will get that opportunity this Saturday at ONE 163 when he faces reigning ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Hiroki Akimoto.

In an interview with the promotion just days away from his shot at ONE gold, Petchtanong said:

“When I heard this news [of challenging Akimoto], I was very happy. Everyone knows that this was my goal from the first day I joined ONE. Like all fighters, I always dreamed of being the ONE world champion.”

For the Japanese titleholder, it will be his first world title defense since capturing the title against former champion Capitan Petchyindee. Undefeated in his last five outings, Akimoto will look to kick off his world title reign on the right foot by taking out an extremely tough and experienced challenger in Petchtanong.

Also scheduled for Saturday’s card is the finals of the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix tournament. Reigning light heavyweight kickboxing world champion Roman Kryklia will meet dangerous Iranian striker Iraj Azizpour in the ONE 163 co-main event.

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Petchtanong Petchfergus plans to make the most of what could be his final shot

After more than 400 career fights and nearly 20 years of competing, Petchtatong recognizes that he is on the back end of his storied combat sports career.

Knowing this, the Thai icon plans to make the most of his opportunity to become a ONE world champion this Saturday at ONE 163:

“I might have started in ONE with a struggle at first. But I’ve been trying to climb up to the top five rankings. It took two years – which is longer than I thought, longer than my fellow fighters – but finally, it’s my time to shine.”

Petchtanong continued, saying:

“I would also like to make the most of this opportunity. This might be my last title shot before I decide to retire. I’m 37 years old now. I started this career because of passion, not money.”

Will a new bantamweight kickboxing champion rise at ONE 163 this weekend or will the power and precision of Hiroki Akimoto be too much for the aging Thai star to overcome? We'll find out soon enough.