Srisaket Sor Rungvisai Believes He Will Knock Out Iran Diaz In Bangkok

ONE Championship has already given a global platform to the greatest athletes in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.

When the promotion returns to Thailand on Saturday, 6 October, it will officially add the world’s best boxers to that list.

Thailand’s very own national hero, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (46-4-1, 41 KOs), is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound proponents of the sweet science, and the WBC Super Flyweight World Champion is at the top of his game.

He is scheduled to defend his coveted title against Mexico’s Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz (14-2-3, 6 KOs) in the main event of ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, which will emanate from the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

The 31-year-old Thai superstar will have the support of a nation behind him when he climbs into the ring, which is motivating him even more to deliver a marquee performance.

“I’m very proud to be fighting in Thailand, where the Thai fans will show me support,” he says ahead of the blockbuster event.

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

From the moment he makes his walk to the ring, there will be deafening roars in support of the World Champion, who has risen to the top from humble beginnings in Northeast Thailand.

Srisaket’s legion of loyal fans have always made their voices heard, and it does not go unnoticed.

“When I hear the Thai fans shouting, ‘Srisaket Su Su’ (Keep fighting, Srisaket), I feel motivated and electrically charged!”

That charge may be needed because he will face a tough Mexican adversary, who brings with him the pride of his own nation.

Through the years, Mexico has produced many of boxing’s most revered World Champions. In fact, Diaz is working has one in his corner – four-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who is acting as his adviser during his preparations.

The 28-year-old challenger is driven, well-prepared, and determined to capitalize on this rare opportunity.

Srisaket recognizes the threat “MagnifiKO” poses, and he is not underestimating the WBC Latino Super Flyweight Champion.

“The Mexicans are very determined. They won’t back down. They will only move forward,” the Thai says.

“Diaz is not easy to defeat. He’s very skillful, and his style is very versatile. I have to watch his jab, and the one-two combination, because Mexicans are very skillful at jabbing. They are the best at this.”

Srisaket has some phenomenal abilities of his own, too — especially his knockout power.

He has 41 stoppages under his belt, including knockouts of former World Champions “Magic Box” Yota Sato and Ramon “Chocolatito” González.

That speaks volumes of the Thai warrior’s punching power, and he will aim to deliver much of the same when he meets Diaz in the middle of the ONE ring.

Srisaket welcomes this the opportunity to perform at home with open arms, and he is supremely confident he will get his 42nd career stoppage victory.

“My confidence in my ability to win by knockout is 100 percent,” he states.

“I think there’s no way he can beat me. I just have to be cautious. I won’t let this belt get taken away from me that easily.”

The Thai people are his inspiration. He sees his success as their success, and with their support, Srisaket believes he will leave the Impact Arena with the WBC Super Flyweight World Championship still firmly wrapped around his waist.

“I’m happy that I can bring a good reputation to the country, and that I can bring smiles to the faces of Thai people and make them happy,” he explains.

“Their support will help me to not feel tired, and I will feel stronger. I should be able to finish the fight around the seventh or eighth round.”