Jake Peacock rooting for fellow underdog Jacob Smith against the mighty Rodtang: “I wish him all the best”
Jake Peacock is looking forward to catching Jacob Smith take on Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon in their title match next month and is rooting for the Englishman to succeed. Smith will try to seize the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title from 'The Iron Man' in the co-headlining match at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
It is a rematch of their first encounter two years ago, where Rodtang won by decision. Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an interview, Peacock, who will also feature at ONE 169 in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash against Japanese Shinji Suzuki, shared his thoughts on Rodtang-Smith II, saying:
"Oh man, I think Jacob is the go-getter. I think he's highly skilled. I like Jacob, I don't know him personally, I know him through some mutual friends and I have spoken to him a few times. Jacob is tough. Very, very tough, too. So I wish him all the best."
Smith is looking to exact payback on Rodtang for the loss he absorbed from the Jitmuangnon Gym standout in their first encounter in May 2022 in a ONE flyweight Muay Thai world grand prix quarterfinal match. He is looking to do it in a grand way by seizing the world title from his tormentor at ONE 169.
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug live and for free at U.S. primetime.
Jake Peacock expects a tough challenge from Shinji Suzuki at ONE 169
While he is excited for Rodtang-Smith II at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8, Jake Peacock is also deep at work in his preparation, as he expects a tough challenge from Shinji Suzuki in their own featured match in the marquee event.
'The One,' who has a missing right forearm which did not fully grow while he was in the womb, will battle Suzuki in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash. Peacock is expecting nothing less than his best from the seasoned Japanese fighter.
Jake Peacock shared to Sportskeeda MMA in an interview:
"He's [Suzuki] a really good opponent, like I said previously. He won a fight over Han Zi Hao, ended up giving him an eight-count during the fight, I believe in the second round. And Han Zi Hao is a very, very good competitor, he went the distance with Nong-O for the title. Came up short."
Jake Peacock made his promotional debut back in April, winning by decision over Japanese Kohei Shinjo. For his part, Suzuki bounced back in his last match, winning over Han Zi Hao of China by decision.