FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Thai Wondergirl ready for long, gruelling battle with challenger Buntan in One bout

Thai Wondergirl ready for long, gruelling battle with challenger Buntan in One bout

Since making her One Championship debut last year, rising Thai star Wondergirl Fairtex has built a solid reputation as a powerful finisher. When she steps foot inside the circle for her next fight, however, Wondergirl is looking forward to a tough outing, and perhaps even be stretched the full distance.

 

 

Wondergirl is scheduled to return to action against Filipina-American striker Jackie Buntan. The two square off in a Muay Thai contest at One: Fists of Fury, which will be broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on February 26.

The 22-year-old from Pattaya has done her due diligence and sized up her opponent, coming up with a solid game plan with her team at Fairtex.

“She [Buntan] is Janet Todd’s teammate, so I think she has good speed and is very strong. She’s no doubt a great athlete. I think her strength lies in her defence. She’s a counter-striker, so she’s not too aggressive. But I won’t make the mistake of underestimating her. I’m preparing for the toughest fight of my career so far,” said Wondergirl.

“I’ve been able to catch a glimpse of her style. She’s got good combinations and terrific defensive ability. That’s going to be a challenge to overcome. But I think she’s going to be at a reach disadvantage because she’s smaller than me. I will make it tough for her to get on the inside.”

Buntan is a Muay Thai champion in the United States, where she trains in Los Angeles, California with chief sparring partner, reigning One atomweight Muay Thai world champion Janet “JT” Todd. The Filipina striker is one of the most highly-regarded prospects in One Super Series.

Having scored two scintillating stoppage victories in her time in the circle so far, a lot is expected from Wondergirl. Many fans are picking the Thai star to once again put together another spectacular finish, but Wondergirl says it would be unwise for her to enter the bout haphazardly.

That being said, Wondergirl knows exactly what it will take to earn the victory against Buntan.

“Honestly, my goal isn’t to knock her out. It all depends on how the fight plays out, but I am preparing for a long and gruelling fight. I’m ready to go the full distance. But of course, if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll go for the knockout. I’ll put all of my effort behind getting the victory, first and foremost,” said Wondergirl.

“The key to this fight is forcing her to fight at my pace. I will need to impose my will, and make her play my game. No one in this sport can say for sure if they will win or lose because anything can happen in the circle. The only thing I can do is try my very best.”

One: Fists of Fury is a three-part event series, beginning with a live broadcast on February 26. The main event features a One Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship showdown between reigning titleholder Ilias Ennahachi and No. 2-ranked contender “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Also on the card is kickboxing legend Giorgio Petrosyan, One Flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, and the debut of rising teenage star Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee.

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