"I don't think he's improved" - Jacob Smith believes Rodtang has hit a plateau ahead of ONE 169 redo
Jacob Smith believes that Rodtang Jitmuangnon's days as a ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion are numbered.
The British standout recently revealed that 'The Iron Man' will not be able to withstand adversity as he once did two years ago when they first fought at the quarterfinals of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Championship.
But even more bizarre, he adds that Rodtang has plateaued.
Speaking to Violent Money TV this week, Smith further explained by saying:
"He's had 300 something fights. He's been punched in the head a million times. He lets people punch him in the head. I'm not saying he's past it or anything like that. But what I am saying is that no, I don't think he's improved over the last two years."
Rodtang is indeed one of the greatest superstars currently fighting in ONE Championship.
But his last two bouts within the promotion may have persuaded Jacob Smith to suspect that Rodtang may have lost the drive or fire he once had a couple of years ago.
That's why Nov. 8 looks very intriguing for both men. Who knows what can happen inside a highly-competitive stage like ONE.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug airs live from inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, via Prime Video for North American subscribers.
"Every single aspect covered" - Jacob Smith says he's covered all his bases for a five-round war with Rodtang at ONE 169
Jacob Smith is in the best shape he's ever been ahead of his first world title fight at ONE 169.
The Birkenhead native is proud at the progress he's made in his training camp to prepare for Rodtang. He's joined up with renowned boxing coach John Gillies to sharpen every aspect of his striking, including timing, precision, and footwork.
This week, Smith announced the end of his camp with the following caption on Instagram that read:
"End of the last round in the trenches with the big dog @johngillies. It's not always looking good with perfect technique, sometimes it's just about hard fucking work and champions find that bit more when the tanks empty. Every single aspect covered."