5 Facts About Davit Kiria Before His Debut Vs. Giorgio Petrosyan
Davit Kiria is ready for one of the toughest debuts in ONE Super Series history.
On 26 February at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, the Georgian striker will face perhaps the greatest kickboxer of all time in Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan. The Italian star most recently claimed the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship, and he also beat Kiria back in 2012.
Much has changed for Kiria since then, however, and he’ll be looking to prove that against his old tormentor. Before the co-main event goes down in Singapore, here are five things fans should know about the 33-year-old Tbilisi native.
#1 Multiple-Time Kickboxing World Champion
Before signing with The Home Of Martial Arts, Kiria competed all over the world in various kickboxing organizations, where he picked up some of the most notable accolades in the sport.
In early 2014, the Team Kiria athlete defeated a game Andy Ristie by fifth-round knockout to claim his first Kickboxing World Championship.
Five years later – after competing across France, Italy, and China – Kiria won the 70-kilogram Kunlun Fight World Max Tournament Championship by defeating Marouan Toutouh via split decision.
#2 Defeated Some Of The World’s Best Kickboxers
Titles aside, the ONE Super Series debutant has also beaten some of kickboxing’s most prominent figures.
One legend who fell to Kiria is Kem Sitsongpeenong. The two met while Kem was riding a seven-bout winning streak and had previously defeated Fabio Pinca.
The Thai was set to have a breakout year following that big win, but Kiria stopped Kem in his tracks by scoring a decisive unanimous decision win.
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#3 Fought An Olympic Gold Medalist
Speaking of Thai legends, Kiria once shared the ring with none other than 1996 Summer Olympics Boxing Gold Medalist Somrak Kamsing.
The Georgian ultimately dropped a decision to the fabled Thai, but what made this career milestone so impressive is that Kiria went the distance with Somrak in just his third professional kickboxing fight.
Not bad for the man from the Caucasus region.
#4 Trained At A Famed Kickboxing Academy
Kiria has won Kickboxing World Championships, defeated top-level strikers, and shared the ring with a famous Olympian.
All of that might not have been possible without his time training at Golden Glory gym, which has been home to some of the most decorated kickboxers in history.
Former ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Nieky “The Natural” Holzken, Kickboxing World Champion Errol “The Bonecrusher” Zimmerman, and a slew of other greats have all honed their craft at Golden Glory.
#5 Dedicated Family Man
Kiria is not all about business. During his off-time, the talented kickboxer loves spending time with his family.
He’s a proud husband and father to two children, whom he takes to the wondrous scenery of Tbilisi, Georgia, whenever he can.
He’ll undoubtedly carry his family in his heart when he enters the Circle against Petrosyan on 26 February at ONE: FISTS OF FURY.
Read more: 5 Reasons We’re Excited To Watch ONE: FISTS OF FURY
