Srisaket Sor Rungvisai And Iran Diaz Face Off In Bangkok

WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and the challenger, Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz, have faced off for the first time in Bangkok, Thailand.

The boxers will meet each other in the ring in the main event of ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES at Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena on 9 October.

They were presented to international media at an open workout at the Nakornloung Promotion Gym in the Thai capital on 29 August.

As well as posing for pictures and showing off their skills in the ring, each man took to the microphone to say a few words.

“To be able to represent my country in this sport is a privilege, and I will do everything in my power to make my people and my fans proud,” said Srisaket.

“Iran Diaz is a worthy opponent. He is strong and determined, but I am confident in my skills, and I will bring victory back home.”

The bout is set to be the Thai hero’s first world title defense in his home nation. Following bouts against Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada in the United States Of America in the past year, he won a non-title affair against Young Gil Bae in July.

The 31-year-old said he was excited about the prospect of holding his strap aloft in front of his countrymen.

“Defending my title in front of my home crowd is very important to me, and I thank ONE Championship for giving me the opportunity,” he said.

“I am proud to showcase the Thai warrior spirit and prove to the world that we are among the very best.

“Right now I am in the best condition of my career and I am deep in training so that I can give a good performance on 6 October. This is going to be a very exciting fight.

“I can’t wait to climb into the ring again and showcase my talent in front of the whole world.”

Diaz was in a similarly confident mood as he took to the stage.

The man from Sonora, Mexico, will compete outside of his homeland for only the second time in his career, but he is looking forward to the opportunity.

“This opportunity is a big one for me. I am facing one of the toughest boxers in the world now, pound-for-pound,” he said.

“Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is aggressive and strong, but so am I. Mexican boxers are the best in the sport. It’s in our blood, and I am proud to represent my country here on the global stage.

“This is without a doubt the biggest fight in my time as a professional. I have a great team behind me helping me prepare for this. I am coming into the ring in the best shape of my life, and I can’t wait to score this huge victory.

“I believe I have enough experience and technical knowledge to deal with his particular style. I have faced very strong opponents in the past and I know how to deal with adversity.

“I’m working very hard with my team to score this huge upset. I am ready to shock the world on 6 October.”

Though both men looked like they meant business when they squared off, the atmosphere in Bangkok was anything but hostile.

The pair paused several times to take selfies together before heading back to their training camps to prepare for the biggest martial arts event in Thailand’s history.