“Don’t want to think much about my opponent” - Panpayak says focus is on his own game plan against Silviu Vitez
Panpayak Jitmuangnon is "only focused on himself" for his upcoming fight against Silviu Vitez.
The last time that ONE Championship fans saw him fight was a split decision Muay Thai loss against Superlek. Since then, fans have patiently waited for the multi-time Muay Thai world champion to return to action.
October 18 will be a special night for the Thai, however, as he's scheduled to end his nearly two-year layoff. 'The Angel Warrior' has been matched up against Vitez, who holds a promotional Muay Thai record of 1-4, for ONE Friday Fights 83.
During an interview with the South China Morning Post, he had this to say about focusing on his game plan instead of Vitez:
"I don’t want to think much about my opponent. I am only focused on myself to come back strong and ready. I’m going to find a way to try to win the fight. It’s not about my opponent, it’s about myself."
Panpayak vs. Silviu Vitez takes place inside the legendary combat sports venue of Lumpinee Stadium. North American viewers can watch the October 18 event in Bangkok, Thailand, on the promotion's YouTube channel.
Watch his entire interview with the South China Morning Post below:
Panpayak eyeing another fight against Superlek
Panpayak and Superlek first fought under the ONE Championship banner in July 2020. Superlek emerged victorious by unanimous decision, but it wouldn't be the last time that the world-class strikers faced each other.
In December 2022, 'The Angel Warrior' and Superlek met again at ONE 164. This time, 'The Kicking Machine' won again by a narrow margin (split decision).
During his layoff, Superlek made a strong argument for being the most dangerous fighter in ONE with a legendary four-fight run - Rodtang (unanimous decision), Takeru Segawa (kickboxing unanimous decision), Kongthoranee (unanimous decision), and Jonathan Haggerty (first-round knockout).
Superlek has looked nearly unbeatable over the last few years, but Panpayak isn't overly convinced. The former four-time Lumpinee Stadium world champion believes he will be the one to stop 'The Kicking Machine,' which he plans to do in the near future. Firstly, he must take out Silviu Vitez at ONE Friday Fights 83.