3 Reasons Iran Diaz Could Shock Srisaket Sor Rungvisai In Bangkok

Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz will arrive as the underdog at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, but he has an upset on his mind.

The Mexican warrior carries a four-bout unbeaten streak into enemy territory in Bangkok, Thailand, to face a man who is considered to be one of the best boxers on the planet. There, Diaz will challenge Thai national hero and two-time WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai for the coveted belt.

However, Diaz has the tools to claim the gold in this main event bout. His track record proves he can be a handful for anyone in the ring, and he is making every effort to ensure he puts on the best performance of his lifetime on 6 October.

Here are just a few reasons why “MagnifiKO” can shock the world at the Impact Arena.

#1 His Giant-Killing Pedigree

This is not Diaz’s first rodeo against elite opposition. After all, his resume includes victories over two former boxing World Champions.

The WBC Latino Super Flyweight Champion first defeated former WBA Flyweight World Champion Hernán “Tyson” Márquez in December, winning the bout on all three ringside judges’ scorecards against his compatriot.

In his next contest last September, Diaz took on Panama’s Luis “El Nica” Concepción, and once again swept the scorecards, this time against the former WBA Super Flyweight World Champion.

On each of those occasions, “MagnifiKO” lacked the experience of his opponents – much like in his upcoming test – but he made that count for nothing when his hand was raised.

#2 His World-Class Backing

Alongside his trainers, Diaz has secured the services of some world-renowned names from the boxing world to get him ready for the biggest bout of his career.

One of the men he has leaned on during his preparation so far is legendary four-division Boxing World Champion Juan Manuel Márquez, who has partnered with team Diaz as an adviser.

The man who had four famous battles with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao will be able to draw on more than 20 years as a professional to guide his countryman towards glory.

The 28-year-old will also lean on the advice of Juan Francisco Estrada – the last man to challenge Srisaket for his belt.

Estrada pushed the Thai star all the way in their bout in February, narrowly losing out via majority decision. The man from Diaz’s home state of Sonora has been part of the challenger’s camp as his training partner.

#3 He Has Literally Taken His Training To New Heights

Along with bringing in extra help, Diaz has ensured he will be well prepared by pushing himself to the limit in his training camp.

He has traveled away from the home comforts of his native Obregón in Sonora into the mountains for high-altitude training.

Though the lack of oxygen in the thin air makes for hard work, he will feel the benefits to his stamina and cardio when he returns to sea level in Bangkok.

By that time, he should be in excellent condition to push hard for into the championship rounds for 36 minutes of action on 6 October – if the match goes that long.