Despite the existence of a good number of world boxing organizations, opportunities for professional boxers in Asia remain few and far in between.
This prompted a Filipino coach and gym owner in Bangkok, Thailand to post an open letter to Chatri Sityodtong, CEO of ONE Championship, requesting to add professional boxing to its roster of fight promotions.
ONE Championship is the premier Mixed Martial Arts organization in Asia and the fastest growing in the world martial arts scene.
“With ONE Championship hosting Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Grappling, and MMA successfully, it is about time for western boxing to represent itself in this kind of platform,” read part of the long post by Jay-R Crisologo, Founder and Head coach of Lion’s Head Boxing Academy BKK.
“Mr. Chatri, from one person to another, who is obsessed with fight sports, on behalf of everyone in the Western boxing industry, all I ask is to give our industry a chance,” he said.
Crisologo cited ONE’s expertise in putting up MMA promotions in gigantic proportions. It is undeniable that ONE has cemented its name as one of the best combat sports organizations in the world and continues to inspire many people along the way.”
Sityodtong immediately responded to Crisologo’s public post on social media and gave the idea big hope. “Wow, thank you for the kind words! let’s see what happens next!”
The last time ONE Championship added boxing to its MMA show was in October of 2018 before the COVID-19 pandemic, when then-World Boxing Council flyweight champion Sirsaket Sor Rungvasai defended his title against Iran Diaz of Mexico.
Their title bout was even held as the main event of the ONE Championship Kingdome of Heroes and proved to be successful.
“As you already know, my team and I at ONE are 100% here to work with our athletes for our mutual success together. We are not perfect, but our hearts are in the right place to lift and inspire the martial arts community around the world. Stay tuned,” added Sityodtong.
The idea of ONE having a boxing championship in its promotion drew positive reactions from netizens. Mixed martial arts is growing so fast, but boxing remains a classic favorite among aficionados.
“Who doesn’t love boxing? Great idea,” said Noelle LilMonkey.
Boxing fan JC Reyes suggested that even the present MMA or Muay Thai athletes dip their hands into boxing, while staying within the premises of the ONE Championship. That means ONE CHampionhip can have its own boxing trophy.
“Imagine the possibilities of say, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA fighters to box within the organization. No cross-promotion needed,” he said.