Victorio Senduk Predicts All-Out Stand-Up Battle With Phoe Thaw

ONEchampionship.com

If Victorio “Indra” Senduk follows through with his game plan against Phoe “Bushido” Thaw, the first bout at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST could be one of the best on the card.

The two-time SEA Games medalist is planning to bring his wushu skills into this featherweight tilt, and stand toe-to-toe with the Myanmar hero on 15 June.

Phoe Thaw comes from the rough world of lethwei, and has chased highlight-reel knockouts in each of his ONE matches to date, but Senduk believes he may bring more heat to the Baoshan Arena in Shanghai, China.

“I prefer a stand-up fight, and I might be more aggressive than him. However, I will not be careless, so I can maintain my stamina,” he reveals.

“I have learned to adapt to whatever is going on in the match, and adjust my game plan to control the fight.”

That is not to say “Indra” does not expect to have to dig deep and deliver a career-best performance to take out the ONE Myanmar Featherweight Tournament Champion.

Phoe Thaw hits hard – as proven by six knockouts in seven career wins – but is not just a one-trick pony. He is durable and can dig deep through adversity to earn a decision after 15 minutes of combat if he needs to.

“Phoe Thaw is taller than me, and he’s a good competitor. He is a striker, and has very good counters,” the 37-year-old from Bandung says.

“I had the chance to see several of his fights in ONE, including the last one against Yohan Mulia Legowo. It can be said that he is tenacious and tough.”

Senduk is feeling refreshed after almost nine months on the sidelines.

Fortunately, he has not had any major injuries to recover from, so he has used his time away to get back into peak shape so he can make his country proud.

As the sole Indonesian athlete at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST, the Team Electra athlete wants to give his compatriots something to cheer, but that is not the only source of motivation driving him.

“Representing Indonesia is nothing new to me, but I definitely still feel pride and [want to earn] its respect,” he adds.

“This bout is also to prove that I still have that energy and can still perform on an international stage, even though I have reached 37 years old.

“It is crucial for my career, as I wish to show that age is not a limitation if we have the talent. It is not just about sports, but we are also igniting the younger generations as our successors in mixed martial arts.

“This will show that while the seniors can still fight, they would be able to do the same. I hope they become inspired and bring this sport into its peak for all athletes.”