Rodtang Gets a Challenge from His Former Enemy in One Championship

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – As someone who has faced Rodtang, Jacob Smith is very ambitious to avenge his first defeat and win the flyweight muay thai belt.

The iron jaw man's greatness not only made him reach the pinnacle of glory, but also a series of enemies who were ready to take his gold belt. One of them is Smith, who will soon compete at One Fight Night 21 on Saturday (6/4/2024) next week.

Competing at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, the athlete in the top two rankings in the Muay Thai flyweight class will face the dangerous striker from Bosnia, Denis Puric.

The athlete from England also believes that he can challenge Rodtang again if he wins a convincing victory over Puric. He has also proven his prowess by defeating former belt challenger, Walter Goncalves, in his last match.

“My goal is to become the One Championship flyweight muay thai world champion, and I believe that moment will come at the end of this year,” said Smith.

“Rodtang is the leader of the division, and Superlek is at the top. After beating Walter (Goncalves), I am in second place. Rodtang and Superlek will probably fight again, after that I will get that opportunity after beating Puric,” he continued.

Talking about Puric, Smith met him when he appeared at the same event at the end of last December. As a fellow fighter, the England striker really respects the Bosnian veteran.

“I think he is a veteran fighter, and he is also very strong with his punches. I think he will play forward and try to get a knockout,” explained Smith.

However, Smith, who is now 31 years old, is in the best condition. He is also ready to have a long duel with Puric, who is seven years his senior.

“I think this fight will end with me winning if it lasts long. I'm younger and bigger than him. Physically I'm better than him,” he said.

Another interesting fact, Puric said Smith will celebrate his 39th birthday when the two meet next week. The British star also wanted to give him a special gift.

“It looks like I will face him on his 39th birthday. It's a shame, I will reward him with a knockout,” said Smith.

“I might stop him with a knee or elbow attack. It looks like the first round will be tough. If he plays aggressively at the start, he could get hit by a hard attack and be finished in the first round,” he concluded.

One Fight Night 21 will also be enlivened by the lightweight kickboxing World Championship between Regian Eersel and Alexis Nicolas. Apart from that, Tye Ruotolo will defend his belt against Izaak Michell in submission grappling.