"Underdog" Jackie Buntan says Anissa Meksen's experience makes her the favorite in ONE 169 world title matchup
Jackie Buntan recently explained why Anissa Meksen is considered the heavy favorite in their world title matchup at ONE 169.
The Filipino-American superstar is ready to defy the odds when she collides with former ISKA World Champion Anissa Meksen for the inaugural ONE strawweight kickboxing world title on November 8.
With a brand new belt up for grabs, we know that both women will put on a purely action-packed show from beginning to end. And, of course, before all matchups, predictions for this fight are running rampant over social media.
With two weeks left, the fans have picked their favorite - Anissa Meksen for the victory. Surprisingly, Buntan received the news pretty well. She understands why the fans would choose Meksen over her.
Speaking to ABS-CBN News, she explained:
"On paper, I'm the underdog. It's my first kickboxing fight. She [Anissa Meksen] has more than double the experience. She's a multiple-time world champion."
Indeed, Anissa Meksen has won nearly every accolade in the kickboxing realm except a ONE world title. She's a strong and aggressive striker with the ability to debilitate opponents with her punching power.
But her recent loss to Phetjeeja Lukjaoporontom for the atomweight Muay Thai strap showed us that Meksen - although an elite striker - has some major adjustments to make, even now.
Retired Muay Thai legend Janet Todd returns to prepare Jackie Buntan for ONE 169
Jackie Buntan is headed towards her first kickboxing world title war with a fantastic coach at her side, retired Muay Thai and kickboxing legend 'JT' Janet Todd.
The two women were recently spotted sparring at the Boxing Works facility in California. Their fans have gone wild over their partnership on Instagram, writing messages of love and support for the two Boxing Works legends.
One fan wrote:
"Best with the best."
If there's one person who knows every facet of the sport, it's undoubtedly Janet Todd. Before retiring this year, the American superstar fulfilled her dreams of becoming an unprecedented two-sport world champion.
Working with Buntan, she hopes to help her friend and teammate accomplish everything that she has worked very hard to achieve.