“It’s a Rocky vs Drago type of story” - Jonathan Di Bella likens his fight against Prajanchai to Rocky IV plot
Jonathan Di Bella believes his impending clash with Thai superstar Prajanchai is a story straight out of Rocky IV.
On Friday, June 28, the Canadian-Italian standout will step back inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok in hopes of reclaiming the ONE strawweight kickboxing world title he never lost.
Originally, Di Bella was set to defend his 26 pounds of gold against Prajanchai at ONE Friday Fights 58. However, he failed to pass hydration, forcing him to bow out of the bout and surrender his kickboxing crown in the process. Less than three months later, Di Bella will go into enemy territory in hopes of reclaiming the belt when he meets the promotion's reigning ONE strawweight Muay Thai world titleholder.
Speaking with ONE Championship ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Circle, Jonathan Di Bella likened his fight with Prajanchai to the cinematic scrap between Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago.
“Fighting in his hometown in front of his family, his people, I feel like it’s a Rocky vs. Drago type of story," Di Bella said. "I’m going in there with a Rocky mentality and getting my belt back.”
Jonathan Di Bella faces his toughest test to date against Muay Thai champion Prajanchai
Boasting an impressive 342 career wins, Prajanchai will be by far the most experienced fighter Di Bella has ever faced in his combat sports career.
Not only that, but the Thai has more than proved himself inside the Circle, earning wins over Kompet Fairtex, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, and Akram Hamidi. In December, Prajanchai scored perhaps his most impressive win yet, landing an 88-second knockout against Joseph Lasiri to reclaim the ONE strawweight Muay Thai title.
Already establishing himself as one of the greatest competitors in the art of eight limbs, Prajanchai has his sights set on two-sport glory. Will Prajanchai take Di Bella's 'O' and his gold inside the Mecca of Muay Thai, or will the undefeated Canadian-Italian once again strap ONE gold around his waist?
ONE Championship will present ONE Friday Fights 68 live from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 28. Click here to watch the event live via pay-per-view.