Wang Wenfeng Prepared To Knock Out Ilias Ennahachi In Beijing
Wang “Metal Storm” Wenfeng is ready to prove that he is the best flyweight kickboxer in the world at ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS.
Though the Chinese striking sensation may be set to make his debut in The Home Of Martial Arts next Saturday, 16 November, he is the perfect opponent to challenge Ilias “Tweety” Ennahachi in his first defense of the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship.
The 26-year-old is confident he will show why he is a KLF World Champion and one of the top-ranked athletes in the world to claim his sport’s top prize in front of his friends, family, and countrymen at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing.
“For my debut in ONE Championship, I’ll challenge for the [World Title]. There will be many questions, but I’m confident in myself and I’ll prove that I’m worth it,” he asserts.
“I’ll prove myself using my abilities. I can challenge for the gold belt, and I believe that I can win it too. Because I’m competing in my own country, this is a great chance for me. My family and friends are in Beijing. I want my parents to see their son win the belt.”
This bout will have an extra bite because these men are no strangers. They have claimed a victory each from a pair of close encounters.
The Dutchman struck first with a decision win in his native country in 2014, but when they met again in 2017, the man from Wuhan won via decision in his hometown.
This time, “Metal Storm” is sure he is capable of a better performance, and he he will be more focused than ever to ensure the belt is wrapped around his waist.
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“I wasn’t satisfied with my last win. Because it was in my own country there were many friends and relatives that came to watch the competition,” he says.
“I was stressed out. I didn’t do my best – only 50 percent of my potential was shown. After going against him the last time, I learned many things.
“From now on, no matter what the difficulties and the stress from the outside world are, I won’t think too much about it. I will only think about doing my best in the competition and showing what I have learned.”
Ennahachi has shown what a force he can be by going on a six-bout winning streak since these men last met, and five of those victories came by way of knockout – including his destruction of “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy to win gold in August.
Wang has seen the steps he has taken to become more dangerous, and responded by working hard to hone new skills and strategies to overcome his rival’s elite striking arsenal.
The Xingbo Shengshi Fight Club athlete has incorporated techniques from different disciplines to formulate the perfect game plan to counter some holes he sees in “Tweety’s” game, and take the World Title.
“I fought against Ennahachi twice. Then, I also watched his last match in ONE Championship. His agility and kickboxing skills have improved since our last match,” he offers.
“He’s a challenging competitor. He has improved his boxing skills, kicks, and techniques. He has a longer reach than me. But, when he punches, when he moves, there are flaws. I prepared some punches and tactics to suppress him.
“Compared to Ennahachi, I think my punches have an advantage. Most importantly, I learned the knee skills of Muay Thai. I’ll use them to create interesting and unimaginable things.”
Both of their matches to date have gone to the judges’ scorecards, but in his coming-out party on the global stage, Wang wants to make a statement.
“Metal Storm” is keen to deliver an emphatic finish to put an exclamation point on their rivalry, and leave a lasting impression in the minds of millions of ONE Super Series fans.
“I’m 100 percent sure I can win in this competition. I’ll be in my best condition. I’ll make sure of that,” he says.
“I really want to KO him and end the bout. I want to everyone to know Wang Wenfeng can KO someone.”
Read more: How Wang Wenfeng Overcame His Bullies And Became A World Champion
