5 Things To Know About Australian Muay Thai Phenom River Daz Ahead Of ONE Friday Fights 46
Australian striker River Daz has the chance of a lifetime to make his case for a six-figure ONE Championship contract.
The Muay Thai phenom is preparing to face a living legend on the blockbuster ONE Friday Fights 46: Tawanchai vs. Superbon card, as he will meet the rampaging Seksan Or Kwanmuang in a 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai clash on December 22.
Seksan is riding a dominant seven-fight winning streak in ONE, but Daz is hoping to stop that momentum and elevate his own status at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
As we look ahead to ONE Fight Night 46 in Asia primetime, here are five things you need to know about the versatile Melbourne native.
#1 He’s Only Lost Once In Professional Muay Thai
With just one defeat in his professional Muay Thai career to date, it’s clear that Daz is an extremely difficult riddle to solve.
The former WMC Australian Muay Thai Champion holds a staggering pro record of 33-1, and his only loss came in his ONE debut against Romanian veteran Silviu “The Hitman” Vitez this past June.
Daz then rebounded by producing a stunning performance on just 48 hours’ notice, as he stepped in to outpoint Nonthakit Tor Morsri in a wild back-and-forth battle in September.
#2 His Partner Is Also A Muay Thai Fighter
Daz is one half of an Australian Muay Thai power couple.
His partner, Spring Sia, is an accomplished Muay Thai athlete and coach in her own right. The Malaysian-born striker has competed in more than 20 fights as a professional and often accompanies Daz in his training camps at the famed Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand.
The pair also regularly appear together in training tutorials on social media and became engaged earlier this year.
#3 He’s An Accomplished Boxer
Daz has campaigned in boxing in addition to his Muay Thai career.
The 30-year-old has five fights to his name as a professional pugilist, going 4-1 while testing himself against some of Australia’s top domestic competitors.
Expect his educated hands to come into play against Seksan, as he will look to use his speed to break up the timing of the ultra-aggressive Thai legend.
#4 He’s Known As ‘The Filipino Flash’
Daz’s nickname is “The Filipino Flash” – and it’s not hard to see why.
The moniker is a nod to his Filipino heritage, while quick footwork and striking combinations are the name of the game when he steps into the ring.
But with speed comes power, and Daz should not be underestimated in that department, either. Nonthakit found that out when he was dropped to the canvas in the first round of their clash at ONE Friday Fights 31.
#5 He Loves The Outdoors
Outside of the ring, Daz is a keen outdoorsman.
While the lifestyle of a fighter doesn’t allow a great deal of spare time or energy, the Aussie loves to get out in nature whenever he has a chance.
In fact, his Instagram is littered with images of hikes and outdoor adventures that he enjoys with his partner.
Heading into the holiday break with a victory at ONE Friday Fights 46 would undoubtedly make Daz’s next trip all the sweeter.
