Liam “Hitman” Harrison (84-22-2) is set to make his ONE Championship debut this Friday, 7 December at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
At ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS, the Englishman will take on Petchmorrakot Petchyindee Academy (156-34-2) in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai featherweight encounter.
As an eight-time Muay Thai world champion, fans from across the globe will be excited to see the superstar from the Bad Company Gym perform on the global stage for martial arts for the first time.
Harrison says he is just as excited to put on a show for the passionate supporters in attendance, and those watching all over the planet.
“I want to impress the fans, and have them walking out of the stadium saying, ‘Wow, that Liam Harrison fight was amazing,’” he says.
Circumstances beyond his control forced Harrison to withdraw from his previous scheduled match-ups in The Home Of Martial Arts.
However, when his countryman Charlie Peters got sidelined at late notice, “Hitman” was keen to step up to the plate and make up for lost time by taking his place.
“I always say everything happens for a reason,” he says of his earlier bookings.
“This one popped up, and I jumped at the chance because I just want to get out there and perform on that big stage.
“I had to come back to England from Thailand, and I had a bit of a rest, but as soon as I got the call about the fight, I hit the training hard, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
With more than 100 bouts, a collection of belts, and matches against some of the greatest Muay Thai athletes in the world on his resume, “Hitman” has enough experience to and skill to navigate even the toughest of encounters.
Two-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorrakot is also a veteran at the highest level, and “Hitman” is quick to offer praise for his adversary’s incredible ability.
“He’s up there with the best of them,” he explains.
“He’s beaten the likes of Petchboonchu [FA Group] and Saenchai [PKSaenchaimuaythaigym] – he’s definitely elite level.”
With that said, the man known as the UK’s finest striking exponent is relishing the chance to compete against the top stars of ONE Super Series’ phenomenal roster.
He has already gone up against some legends of the sport and is not daunted by any man that stands across from him. He also believes he has seen some flaws in his rival’s game during his previous ONE battles.
Petchmorrakot is unlikely to be able to afford to make any mistakes against a fast and powerful opponent who is convinced he has the tools to leave with the victory.
“There are a few things I’ve been able to see which will help me take the fight to him,” he says.
“He has shown he just likes to cruise sometimes, and he won’t be able to do that with me. I’m a power fighter and a pressure fighter, so he’ll really have to work for it.”
Despite all of his previous success, Harrison still has the hunger to collect more silverware for his heaving trophy cabinet.
He knows an impressive performance in his promotional debut is essential to put him on the right path to glory in the world’s largest martial arts organization, and that is what he will strive to achieve.
“There are always things to aim for. I finally get my chance to fight for ONE, and it would be nice to win convincingly, as I am looking at that ONE World Title,” he says.
More News
Quiñonero fights Verdadero in Resbak 2
Resbak 2 at Malungon, Sarangani Province on July 12
Garde stops Baliente in 1st round in “Resbak”