Thai champ Pongsiri confident against Irish firepower of Clancy
Hometown favourite Pongsiri PK Saenchaimuaythaigym is glad to be back inside the ONE Championship ring, despite being called up at such short notice.
The four-time muay Thai world champion is looking for redemption after dropping a close split decision to countryman Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy at ONE: No Surrender II.
Now Pongsiri faces former WBC muay Thai champion Sean “Clubber” Clancy of Ireland in the headline bout at ONE: A New Breed II, to be broadcast this Friday, September 11.
Speaking ahead of his much-anticipated return to the ONE Championship ring, an excited Pongsiri said he had poured his heart and soul into training to improve his skills.
“I’m very happy to be competing a lot now. I’ve dedicated myself to training and getting better. This is a good time for me,” said Pongsiri.
“I only wish to win in every fight. That is my goal. That’s why I’m working so hard to improve my skills. At this level, everyone is good. My next opponent is also very good. I can’t let my guard down.”
His opponent, Clancy, is a former WBC super lightweight world champion who trains out of Siam Warrior Ireland and Yodyut Muay Thai Thailand. The 31-year-old Irish fighter wants to make a big statement against Pongsiri in his ONE Super Series debut.
“He doesn’t appear like a person who steps into the ring with fear, and that doesn’t bother me,” said Clancy.
“I always say to people about myself: ‘A man with no fear is a man to fear.’ Do to me what you can. We’re both stepping into the ring knowing the dangers involved.”
To win against a fighter like Pongsiri, who is well-recognised and is well-known throughout the fight scene here, would mean everything. It shows I am ready to go with the big boys here.”
Despite being the home favourite, Pongsiri knows he can never let his guard down, and understands that anything can happen at the highest levels of the sport. He believes he has all the advantages and tools necessary to claim victory.
“His strength is his power and speed. He has many weapons he can use against me. But I think his weakness is he gets tired very easily, and he also has less experience,” said Pongsiri.
“I’m sure I’m going to win. That’s where my confidence level is at right now. But I will never underestimate any opponent. I need to bring my best into the ring because I know he will bring his best.”
ONE: A New Breed II is a closed-door, audience-free event previously recorded in Bangkok. Aside from the compelling main event, fans can look forward to a plethora of incredible contests, including a showdown between Thailand’s Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Tunisia’s Fahdi Khaled, as well as the debut of PBA Thailand Champion Supergirl Jaroonsak Muaythai who takes on Argentinian muay Thai champion Milagros Lopez.
The show is on AIS Play at 7.30pm Indochina Time (ICT). Also, Thairath TV32 will air the event on a same-day delay at 10:40pm ICT.
