“He’s a great athlete” - Jonathan Haggerty shares his thoughts on "inspirational" Jake Peacock
Double ONE world champion Jonathan Haggerty is impressed with what limb-different fighter Jake Peacock has achieved in his career, saying he is a true inspiration of grit and resilience.
The reigning bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion shared this in his recent session on the Sky Sports MMA Club podcast, touching on how Peacock now competing in ONE Championship is a testament to his indefatigable spirit to find his way around his physical limitations, which in itself should be celebrated.
'The General' said:
"The main thing is that it's very inspirational. We've come into the biggest organization, we're the best fighters in the world, and coming in with a big disadvantage with one arm made people say, 'How, how does he do it? But he manages to find his style, he manages to do it. He's got to where he is now, and props to him, he's a great athlete."
English-born Canadian resident Peacock, 30, who has a missing right forearm, which did not fully grow while he was still in the womb, made a successful ONE Championship debut back in April, defeating Kohei Shinjo of Japan in their bantamweight Muay Thai match.
Prior to joining ONE, he had a 12-1 professional record, with 11 of his victories coming by way of stoppage.
Interestingly, competing in the bantamweight Muay Thai lane, Peacock could go up against Jonathan Haggerty at some point in the future.
Jonathan Haggerty seeks to use advantages over Superlek at ONE 168: Denver
ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty sees certain facets going his way in his scheduled title clash against Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 later this year and seeks to capitalize on them to come up with a winning performance.
'The General' will his stake his world title against 'The Kicking Machine,' the reigning ONE flyweight kickboxing king, at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., on Sept. 6 in an all-champion clash.
Speaking on the Sky Sports MMA Club podcast, Jonathan Haggerty shared his thoughts on his marquee battle against Superlek, including the advantages he sees in his favor and how he intends to use them.
The 27-year-old Londoner said:
"I'm bigger than him, I'm in one weight category above him, and he's stepping into my weight category, and not giving too much away, I'm just gonna put that power and pressure on him. I'm not sure he's gonna enjoy it."
ONE 168: Denver will mark the second time that Haggerty will be defending the bantamweight Muay Thai belt since ascending to the top of the division in April last year.