‘I Couldn’t Do It Without Her’ – How Jonathan Haggerty’s Girlfriend Helps Keep Him At The Top
Jonathan “The General” Haggerty’s life as a professional fighter can be physically and mentally grueling, so it’s important to have relationships that help ease the strain.
The two-sport king has that with his girlfriend, Kenzie, who is living with him in Thailand as he prepares for his first ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title defense at ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video in U.S. primetime this Friday, February 16.
Haggerty is at full throttle ahead of his battle with Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, but even when the days are tough, he knows he has a supportive partner waiting at home.
“The General” spoke to onefc.com about the importance of their dynamic:
“It’s great having her alongside me. It’s motivational. I get to come home after a hard day of training, have a little chill with her, and let my hair down.
“When I’m in fight camp, she’s in fight camp. She hears all the moaning, she gets an earful sometimes, but she’s very supportive of what I do. And I couldn’t do it without her, if I am totally honest. So, I’m very grateful that I have someone beside me.”
The pair first got together back home in London, England, but with much of Haggerty’s career now taking place in Asia, it made sense to base himself on the island of Koh Samui.
In his earlier days as a professional athlete, the 26-year-old would not have been able to fund a comfortable life for two people in another country.
But now as the reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion who can cash bonus checks for six figures, Haggerty gets to live his dream life in paradise – with his dream girl by his side:
“I’m very thankful, being able to get all the bonuses and to be very secure here in Thailand, to do what I love and obviously support my girlfriend as well.
“I’m very thankful for ONE and Chatri. I’ll just keep putting on performances and then stacking them bonuses.”
Could Jonathan Haggerty’s Girlfriend Follow Him Into The Ring?
Friction in a relationship can often come from differing interests, but Jonathan Haggerty and Kenzie get to share a passion.
Both fitness enthusiasts, the pair are often seen training together, which helps strengthen their bond.
“The General’ explained:
“It’s great. That’s one of the greatest things about our relationship – she loves the gym as well. Her training alongside me is very motivational. It’s just great to have.”
It’s not just fitness training, either. Kenzie has started working on her Muay Thai game with Haggerty and his coaches – and has taken to it well.
In fact, the two-sport titleholder sees potential in her striking and thinks she might even compete one day.
He added.
“We’ve been talking about letting her fight in one of the stadiums here in Koh Samui. Just a little fight, but I don’t know if I’d like it to happen. I’m not too sure. We’ll have to see. But if she wants to do it, why not?
