Giorgio Petrosyan Plans To Dissect Jo Nattawut, Eyes Legendary Showdown

Few martial artists carry as much prestige as Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan (95-2-2, 1 NC). In any discussion regarding striking ability, the Italy-based Armenian’s name is a permanent fixture, and he is considered the best kickboxer of his generation.

The 32-year-old’s moniker describes the surgical precision with which he operates, and he continues to dominate the world of striking by administering prescriptions for accurate southpaw attacks, and unfaltering defensive strategy.

While some earn their fans by thrusting themselves headfirst into the fray and showing their heart in battle, Petrosyan became the world’s top competitor for using his intelligence. He is truly a cerebral martial artist.

On Friday, 20 April, fans will witness his immaculate talent first-hand, as the multiple-time kickboxing World Champion is slated to co-headline ONE: HEROES OF HONOR at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Although he has competed in every corner of the globe, Southeast Asia is relatively new territory for Petrosyan, save from a handful of bouts in Thailand earlier in his career. With plenty of new fans to entertain, “The Doctor” is keen to perform, and tap into this huge market under the ONE Championship banner.

“I am really excited to go to the Philippines to compete, and to show my skills to a new fan base,” he says. “I love to travel, and I love to meet new people. ONE Championship looks to be a great organization, so I am really happy to have this opportunity.”

Petrosyan will meet two-division Lion Fight World Champion “Smokin” Jo Nattawut (66-6-2) in a kickboxing rules bout as part of ONE Super Series.

The 28-year-old Nattawut, who represents Bangkok Boxing, is also renowned as an exceptional technician. While Petrosyan has seen every possible style in his professional 100-bout career, he recognizes the skills that his upcoming adversary brings to the cage.

“Of course I know him,” the Italian-based striker asserts. ”He is absolutely a good athlete who knows how to use both kicks and punches. I am sure this will be a very hard, and spectacular match.”

As he prepares for his promotional debut, Petrosyan does not want to get too far ahead of himself despite his world renowned status. However, he does see a promising partnership between athlete and promotion, given the supreme quality of the competitors the matchmakers are bringing to the table.

ONE’s reach and platform are sufficient enough to bring in the sport’s biggest names, as the arrival of “The Doctor” clearly shows, and that is why he is tailoring his ambitions towards the biggest match-ups in Asia.

“Firstly, I want to go step-by-step, and focus on the match in Manila, which is next. Secondly, after we get to know each other, and they are happy, there is a big name I would like,” Petrosyan reveals of his future ambitions.

“Nobody made this bout work out before, but if ONE was able to sign Buakaw to meet with me, I would accept the match. I would be really, really happy to do that match with ONE Championship.”

However, Petrosyan is focused on the immediate future, and he is as humble now as he was when preparing for his first professional contest nearly 15 years ago.

The striking sensation knows he needs to respect Nattawut when they clash in Manila. After all, “Smokin” Jo has everything to gain in this clash, with very little to lose, and that makes for a serious threat.

Despite having achieved so much in his career already, Petrosyan still has aspirations, and he would be happy to fulfill his remaining goals with ONE, and in front of the passionate Asian fans.

“The Doctor” is opening a new office in Asia, and will be more than ready for his next patient on Friday, 20 April.