Jonathan Haggerty ended 2023 as a two-sport World Champion in ONE Championship. However, that is not how things ended in 2024. Still, “The General” was able to get off to a hot start in an exciting battle against Felipe Lobo in February, a match that still elates the Brit at year’s end.
“It was a tough fight. It wasn’t what we’d planned for, but it was a war. The fans loved it, and that’s what matters. It’s a win-win. I learned a lot from the Lobo fight. Getting back off the ropes after getting knocked down in round one, I knew I’d come back and get the victory. My uncle had passed away a few weeks prior, but I felt his presence. Like Rocky hearing Mickey, I heard my uncle telling me to get up and fight on and get to work,” Jonathan Haggerty expressed to ONE.
Jonathan Haggerty Takes a Step Back vs. Superlek
Things took a downturn against Superlek Kiatmoo9. The Thai superstar promptly defeated Jonathan Haggerty to claim the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title with a 49-second knockout. Haggerty admitted it was a disappointing result after a full camp of preparing for “The Kicking Machine.”
“I felt amazing in the lead-up, I went out to Denver a month before and spent a lot of time, effort, money on this fight camp to get everything perfect. Everything was, too. The most gutting aspect is the fact that after 13 weeks, I didn’t get to show any of the work I put in. If we had gone a few rounds, it would’ve been a tough night for Superlek. But we move on and we learn from the experience,” the Brit detailed.
Can Jonathan Haggerty Reclaim Championship Status in Two Sports in 2025?
Upon reflecting on the year that was, Haggerty has gained perspective on the ups and downs that he suffered in 2024. While it could serve as a sad way to exit the year, the 33-year-old is back in the gym hard at work. He is feeling more motivated than ever to make 2025 another standout year.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the best year I’ve had. Twenty-twenty-three was great in comparison. It’s the way it goes; you can’t always have it your own way. I’m just going to make sure 2025 is going to be the best year possible,” Haggerty said.
The first test for Jonathan Haggerty will come at ONE 171: Qatar on Thursday, February 20. “The General” will defend the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title against China’s Wei Rui. If he can successfully defend the gold, Haggerty will turn his attention back to the “art of eight limbs” so that he can be a two-sport World Champion once more.
https:/twitter.com/ONEChampionship/status/1866092592796229811/
“My goal in 2025 is to become double-champ again. I’ve done it before and I want to do it again next year. I don’t think there’s ever been a two-time, two-sport ONE World Champion, and I want to set another record with that. I’m here to take all the belts. It’s why I signed with ONE,” the bantamweight pontificated.
Jonathan Haggerty wants 2025 to be a huge year in and out of the ring. The goals he has set out extend beyond the global stage and to both his business and family life. In fact, Haggerty is hoping to begin life as a dad in the new year, above all else.
“I’m looking to start a family myself if I’m honest. If it happens, I’ll be buzzing. I’m continuing to go forward in this game too. I’m opening up my own gym, Haggerty Academy. I think I’ll be doing that after this fight and start working on the next generation both in the gym and in my house,” Haggerty stated.
