"Rodtang would win" - Superlek explains why Denis Puric will have his work cut out against 'The Iron Man'
Denis Puric's knockout power might not be as apparent in the kickboxing gloves. Or so ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 believes.
Known for his ultra-aggression and match-ending strikes, there's no surprise what 'The Bosnian Menace' will have his eyes on when his flyweight kickboxing contest gets underway against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 167 on June 7.
However, per Superlek, the use of the ten-ounce gloves combined with 'The Iron Man's' usual iron-clad chin are two factors that could prevent the striking veteran from adding another highlight-reel triumph inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post, 'The Kicking Machine' pointed out:
"I think Rodtang would win because, well it's kickboxing, and, you know, in the smaller gloves, if you get the right timing, you can get the KO. But it's different in kickboxing like it's difficult to do that."
He added:
"I don't think the bad timing would affect Rodtang, though. I still think he would win."
Watch the full interview here:
Even during his scrap with the Jitmuangnon Gym representative, contested in the four-ounce Muay Thai gloves, Superlek struggled to fully make use of his vicious knockout power in the smaller mitts.
Still, the Kiatmoo9 Gym athlete managed to find a way to score a knockdown in the second round, one that secured him a pivotal win over the flyweight Muay Thai kingpin at ONE Friday Fights 34 last September.
Superlek backs another ONE world champion for success at ONE 167
Besides expecting a Rodtang win come June 7, 'The Kicking Machine' will have his eyes locked on the headliner showdown between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut.
While he knows that the challenger will come prepared to grab the gold, the Kiatmoo9 Gym representative explained why he envisions Tawanchai defending his prestigious ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 167:
"I don't think there is anyone in featherweight who could potentially beat Tawanchai. It would be difficult to match his Muay Thai skills in featherweight."
Active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can catch the entire ONE 167 card live in U.S. primetime for free.