Fans across the globe will witness one of the most intriguing World Title battles of the year this Friday, April 21.
That evening in U.S. primetime, longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama defends his coveted belt against former flyweight Muay Thai king Jonathan Haggerty in the main event of ONE Fight Night 9.
Nong-O has been unstoppable since coming out of retirement in April 2018. The 36-year-old Thai living legend has defeated 10 straight opponents, claimed the bantamweight Muay Thai throne, made seven consecutive World Title defenses, and knocked out his last five challengers.
The 26-year-old in Haggerty doesn’t boast the same resume, but he’s been plenty impressive on the global stage. The British superstar beat future ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Joseph Lasiri in his 2019 promotional debut and then dethroned the iconic Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to claim the flyweight belt just four months later.
“The General” continues to ride positive momentum on the strength of a three-bout winning streak and believes he’s the man to end Nong-O’s flawless reign at the top.
Before these striking dynamos lock horns at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, some of ONE Championship’s biggest stars make their predictions for the main event.
Superlek Kiatmoo9
“I think Jonathan’s experience is no match for Nong-O. He is a veteran with a high fight IQ. His attacks are heavy and sharp at the same time. So, I think Jonathan will have a difficult time with Nong-O.”
Stamp Fairtex
“I think Nong-O is the one. He’s great. He’s a heavy hitter and all-around fighter. As for Haggerty, I think he is still young, still fresh, and has elbows and thrust kicks as his dangerous weapons. But I believe Nong-O will win this fight, for sure.”
Superbon Singha Mawynn
“I think it will be a close fight in the first two rounds. But after the third round, I think Nong-O will dominate. He has more gas in his tank, and he still can attack continuously. My prediction is that Nong-O will win by knockout in the third round.”
Jackie Buntan
“I’m a huge fan of both. I think it’s awesome that Haggerty can compete against Nong-O, given his first title shot was with Sam-A, which was also a big name. But this is also a higher weight class than what Haggerty was fighting in. It’s Nong-O, and he’s one of my absolute favorites to watch and learn from, so I got to say Nong-O.”
Liam Harrison
“Nong-O’s obviously the clear favorite. I hope Haggerty uses this as some sort of fuel, then he could pull something out of the bag. But you can’t bet against Nong-O. After what his previous performances in this division [have looked like], you can’t bet against him.”
Ahmed Mujtaba
“That’s a tough call. Both of these guys are tough. But I might go with Nong-O because that’s his game. Haggerty is a good guy, and he has super skills. I like that guy as well. But Nong-O is something different. He’s some different breed.”
Petchtanong Petchfergus
“I think they will strike back and forth in the early rounds because both of them will still be fresh. But when it comes to the third round or later, I think Jonathan probably won’t be able to stand with Nong-O’s durability and strength. And he will finally give up. I believe this fight will not go the distance, maybe not further than round three. Plus, Nong-O will fight in his home, too. He will get a lot of encouragement in the ring.”
Saemapetch Fairtex
“It depends on who will make a mistake first. If Nong-O gets careless, he can be the one who gets knocked out. But in terms of Muay Thai weapons, he is number one. No one can compare to him. In this fight, if Nong-O prepares his body well enough, I think he can knock his opponent out, like usual.”
Niclas Larsen
“Nong-O and Haggerty are two of my favorites. I think it’s a very, very big step for Haggerty. And I wish him the best for this. Nong-O is, just, wow. I think it’s a big challenge for Haggerty.”
