Stamp Fairtex is ready to take in all the exciting action of ONE Fight Night 12 on Friday, July 14. The Thai star is excited for the Muay Thai bouts but has two that stand out above the rest. One of which will be the evening’s main event.
ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 will have his second Muay Thai battle in the last three weeks when he makes a quick turnaround against Tagir Khalilov. The main event battle will serve as an opportunity for both men to inch closer to a title shot. And Stamp gave insight into where both men can find their success on Friday.
“I think Superlek has the advantage in terms of his deadly kicks. He can kick smoothly and fast. For Tagir, I used to watch his previous fights, and I see that his punch is something. He doesn’t only have one or two strikes, but he can punch in a nice combination. I think if Superlek can kick faster and has better timing than him, I bet Superlek is going to win. But if he lets Tagir come to close range, Tagir probably finishes him. Anyway, I’ll cheer for Superlek, for sure,” Stamp told ONE Championship.
The exciting clash of styles between two outstanding strikers has Stamp on the edge of her seat. And she thinks fans need to be tuned in not to miss a moment of the action. Although she is firmly in Superlek’s corner, she knows Khalilov has the tools to pull off the upset in Bangkok.
“This fight will definitely be a must-watch fight. First things first: Tagir’s style is focused on offense, while Superlek’s style is to find an opening from his opponent’s attack and counter. This is a real game of wits. Whoever gets a clean shot first will get a chance to win. And of course, many fans always wait to watch Superlek fight. This match is highly anticipated. And tell you what, I’m Superlek’s FC,” Stamp stated.
The other bout on the card that has her attention is a Muay Thai matchup in her own division. Lara Fernandez and Phetjeeja will throw down in an atomweight Muay Thai affair. Having watched both women compete, the atomweight contender sees a distinct advantage for her fellow Thai athlete.
“I think Phetjeeja is more dangerous because her punch and elbow are faster and sharper than Lara’s. Lara’s weapons are sharp but still slow. Phetjeeja also possesses Olympic-level boxing skill. She also has good Muay Thai basics. All of her attacks are smooth as silk. She also has a high fight IQ, too. For Lara, I watched her fight with Dangkongfah [Banchamek] and Janet Todd. I think her attacks are slow, and there are a lot of openings in her defense,” Stamp claimed.
With the speed advantage, Stamp expects a knockdown finish for Phetjeeja. After going 2-0 on ONE Friday Fights, another win would thrust her into the title picture. But as she ascends closer to the rankings, Stamp makes it clear that she is willing to defend her position against her fellow countrywoman in the future.
“I believe that Phetjeeja can climb up to be one of the top-five ranked fighters. And if we have to fight against each other someday, I’m ready for it because I still want to become ONE’s three-sport World Champion. So, I need to maintain my position in the Muay Thai rankings. I will not let her take it away from me,” Stamp said.
ONE Fight Night 12 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members in the U.S. and Canada.
