Prajanchai PK Saenchai thought he would have a chance at two-sport gold at ONE Friday Fights 58. However, Jonathan Di Bella’s fight-week illness postponed their ONE Championship showdown. On Friday, June 28, the two will meet for the now-vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Friday Fights 68. And the Thai is ecstatic he still gets the chance in Bangkok.
“I didn’t know a lot about this incident. I just knew that Jonathan didn’t pass his hydration test. I felt sorry for him. But we must follow the rules. I didn’t feel upset. I was just disappointed that I missed the chance for gold. After that day, I didn’t think I’d have the chance to fight him again. When I found out he was my next opponent, I was happy to finally get a fight with him. I’ve been ready for a long time. I’m just waiting for fight day to come,” Prajanchai said to ONE.
Di Bella was stripped of the gold for failing to meet the weight & hydration for the match. The Italian-Canadian striker enters Bangkok intent on getting the gold back over his shoulder. For that reason, Prajanchai feels the former divisional king is under more pressure to win this match in Thailand.
“I think Jonathan will feel more pressure than me because he used to say that he stands at the top. I replied that it will hurt more if you fall. I think he realized what I meant from last time. He didn’t lose to me, he lost to himself, and he just fell from the top. But there is no underdog here. It doesn’t matter which country you come to fight in. In fact, I should be an underdog because he is a veteran in kickboxing. He fought kickboxing all his life while I am still wet behind the ears in this rule set,” the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion said.
Prajanchai has been enjoying great success. The Thai athlete is on a four-bout winning streak, including wins over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and Joseph Lasiri. He also has a kickboxing win against Akram Hamidi as he acclimated to the kickboxing rule set.
The sport is still Di Bella’s area of expertise. While that may give others pause, Prajanchai feels he has identified some weaknesses that he will exploit inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. But he won’t reveal them until the bell sounds.
“Jonathan’s style is fast and agile. His strength is his combination punching. I know his weaknesses, but I won’t reveal them to you. I think I’m going to throw a variety of punches. And I have some other weapons for him, but please wait and see in the ring,” Prajanchai remarked.
The only expectation Prajanchai has set for his fans is a win. How he gets his hand raised could come any number of ways, and he is prepared for whatever the match may bring. Ultimately, he is gunning for a historic achievement that will continue to bolster his legacy as one of striking’s all-time greats.
“For me, winning ONE World Title in two sports, kickboxing and Muay Thai, means a lot to my life. It can keep me going for a long time. I can’t predict anything, but you guys can expect to see two belts on my shoulders,” Prajanchai said.
ONE Friday Fights 68 airs live on Friday, June 28, from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. The action begins at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT. ONE Friday Fights 68 is available via global pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.
