"We know what we're up against" - Jonathan Haggerty explains why fight camp for Superlek has been "so intense"
British star striker Jonathan Haggerty knows his world-class skills will be put to the test when he meets Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the main event of ONE 168: Denver. Because of that, the two-sport world champion has put extra effort into his already intense fight camp.
The 27-year-old defends his bantamweight Muay Thai throne against the Thai striking dynamo on September 6. Their all-champion matchup goes down inside Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
The Londoner had this to say during a chat with Sports Illustrated on why he's put himself through the wringer for this particular assignment:
"We know what we're up against, but that's why the training has been so intense."
Never one to sit back and rest on his past accomplishments, 'The General' should go guns blazing as he seeks to tie their rivalry at one apiece.
Jonathan Haggerty went down to 'The Kicking Machine's' merciless striking artillery in their first encounter in October 2018. However, much has changed for the British athlete since that night. To say he has evolved, might even be an understatement.
'The General' has claimed three world titles in the world's largest martial arts organization over the past five years, and he'd be more than pumped to rack up another successful defense of his gold in a matter of weeks.
Jonathan Haggerty lauds "great fighter" Superlek ahead of Denver rematch
Confidence is one thing that Jonathan Haggerty never lacks. The same goes with respect too.
Before he attempts to secure revenge against 'The Kicking Machine,' the Londoner heaped praise on his opposite number, admitting that he's one of the most complete strikers of this generation.
The ONE bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion told Sky Sports:
"He's just a great fighter, you know. Growing up, I used to watch him fight. He's got all the weapons, to beat anyone in the world. He's beaten everyone, so it's up to me now to make sure he doesn't beat me. That's it."
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver can be purchased on Ticketmaster. The September 6 card broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on September 6.