Iran Diaz Is Ready To Shock The World Against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai

ONE Championship will continue to break new ground at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES on Saturday, 6 October.

For the first time in the promotion’s history, a boxing match will take place in the main event, and features two of the best super flyweight pugilists on the planet.

Thai national hero Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (46-4-1) is scheduled to defend his WBC Super Flyweight World Championship against Mexican challenger Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz (14-2-3) at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

It would be a daunting prospect for most athletes to challenge an elite opponent such as the 31-year-old knockout artist in his home nation, but Diaz, the WBC Latino Super Flyweight Champion, is not overawed by the occasion.

“I’m going to Rungvisai’s home, but at the end of the day, in the ring, there will be him and me with a pair of gloves. Nothing more,” the Sonora, Mexico-based challenger says.

“We’re going to test each other, and the one with more hunger and the best preparation will be the winner.”

Diaz’s view is a pragmatic one. His challenge is massive enough without considering the thousands of passionate Thai fans who will be supporting their beloved national treasure.

However, he will keep his eyes on the prize and focus on the opportunity to put himself amongst the boxing world’s elite.

From the first day “MagnifiKO” stepped into a gym, the chance to be a World Champion motivated him, and now, he can fulfill that goal in Bangkok.

“I have to go to Thailand and beat Srisaket, and bring the belt I have always dreamed of back home with me,” he says.

The 28-year-old Mexican is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.

He has bolstered his coaching team by adding one of the most celebrated names in Mexican boxing history, four-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who is serving as his adviser during his preparations.

Also, “MagnifiKO” recruited two-time World Champion Juan Francisco Estrada as a sparring partner – the man who challenged Srisaket for the WBC Super Flyweight World Championship in February. Estrada’s experience competing against the Thai could prove invaluable.

Team Diaz has taken their camp to the mountains to supercharge his preparations, and he believes the physical improvements he is making will set him in good stead.

“We are preparing very hard because we are going to face one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” he reveals.

“Training in the mountains is something special. Working at low-levels of oxygenation helps you to have more strength and much better physical condition than at sea-level.”

As his body gets stronger, so does his mind. He is also absorbing the knowledge he needs to combat Srisaket’s offense.

Coach Jorge Parra Villalba primed him well at his home gym in Ciudad Obregón, Alfredo Caballero leads the team in his mountain training camp, and Márquez is on hand to offer wisdom.

“It is a very complete team,” he shares. “We are together in the physical aspect, boxing, and always firmly giving advice.”

Diaz is doing everything in his power to capture the gold and be part of a proud heritage of Mexican World Champions.

Thailand will be behind their hero on 6 October, but “MagnifiKO” is also spurred on by his countrymen, and their support from afar will keep him motivated and encouraged in the ring.

“Representing Mexico is the greatest pride for me, and for my family and friends,” he explains.

“The world knows that when a Mexican presents himself, it’s a guarantee of a spectacle, and of a very tough fight.”

Though Diaz has a formidable challenge ahead of him, he believes he is up to the task.

A man driven by his dreams is always dangerous, and the Mexican is preparing to the best of his abilities to make his come true, and shock the world.