Reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy knows there will be much more at stake when he defends his strap against “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex.
The Thai stars will co-headline the upcoming ONE: NO SURRENDER on July 31 in Bangkok, Thailand, where Petchmorakot hopes to cement his status as the best in the division.
“This upcoming bout is the most important Muay Thai fight of my life,” Petchmorakot told ONEFC.com.
“Yodsanklai is already known worldwide. He is a great fighter and a legend. If I can beat Yodsanklai, I will be accepted and known globally.”
Yodsanklai made a name for himself by becoming a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Champion and a WBC Muay Thai World Champion, and the Petchyindee Academy athlete knows that a win here over his beloved compatriot would bode well for his career.
“I am really thrilled and excited to meet Yodsanklai, who is a legend that the whole country knows,” Petchmorakot said.
“I’m training twice as hard for this upcoming bout. This is my first title defense, [and I am] fighting in my homeland to show people what I’ve got.”
Asked about his advantage against the savvy veteran, Petchmorakot plans to use his youth to gain the lead in this contest.
At age 26, Petchmorakot is nine years younger than Yodsanklai, who has been through different wars over nearly two decades —and the World Champion plans to push him deep into the match.
“His weakness is that he is aging,” Petchmorakot said.
“He may be exhausted by round four or round five. I will use my youth against him, keep pushing him to exhaust his energy, and bring him down.”
Competitiveness aside, however, Petchmorakot has always looked up to Yodsanklai and he plans to keep that good relationship with him after the match.
“Yodsanklai, let’s bring our best for this upcoming bout,” Petchmorakot said. “Let’s continue our friendship after the bout.”
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