Sam-A Vs. Wang – 4 Keys To Victory
The inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship bout between Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and “Golden Boy” Wang Junguang will put the final stamp on an incredible 2019 for ONE Championship.
The two exciting strikers top the bill at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, 6 December, and it has all the hallmarks of a classic. The legend, Sam-A, will meet a burgeoning star in Wang, but it is not just the old school versus the new school – it is also a fascinating clash of contrasting stand-up styles.
When the pair face off inside the Axiata Arena, these could be their most important weapons in the Circle.
#1 Wang’s Heavy Hands
“Golden Boy’s” boxing will undoubtedly be his biggest threat when he faces off against the Thai hero.
The kickboxing World Champion likes to press forward with flurries of punches and – once he is in close range – let rip with his powerful hooks.
A massive left hand was the first to wobble Federico “The Little Big Man” Roma in his ONE Super Series debut, and never let his rival off the hook after he hurt him for the first time. Two more blitzes of offense put the Argentinian down inside the opening round.
If Wang can land a hard punch on Sam-A early, he will not let him recover. He will keep punching until his rival goes down for good.
#2 Sam-A’s Composure And Counters
Sam-A will not be fazed by the man from Henan’s aggression. His incredible head movement and counter-striking are the perfect antidote to Wang’s forward charge.
With over 400 Muay Thai bouts to his credit, the Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion is the epitome of composure in the ring as he allows his opponents to come toward him to capitalize on their momentum.
He has an inch-perfect lean-back, which means he can evade punches and still be in the right position to fire back with a vengeance. He finished both Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen and Daren Rolland with sharp counter-strikes after they launched their attacks.
#3 Wang’s Rapid Front Kick
Though Wang is dangerous in close-quarters, he can use his longer-range left push kick from the outside to score or give himself an explosive entry inside.
The 24-year-old uses this technique to probe to the body and legs, but also as an arrow-like strike to the face, through the guard of his rivals. If Sam-A is preparing to defend hooks that come from the side, he may leave a channel of attack through the middle.
“Golden Boy” uses the push kick as a damaging weapon on its own, and then as a feint to step in for his punches if his opponent reacts.
#4 Sam-A’s Legendary Left Kick
Sam-A has spent almost 30 years perfecting his left roundhouse kick, and it is one of the best in the game.
It is fast, powerful, and accurate, and if Wang finds himself stuck on the outside, then he will have to eat it repeatedly.
Expect the Singapore resident to batter his foe’s body and arms to try and deplete his energy levels, while he keeps a potential match-ending move in reserve. He has the option of taking it up high at any moment – just like he did to drop Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri to the canvas in ONE’s first-ever Muay Thai contest.
Read more: Sam-A Reveals Plan To Make History Against Wang In KL
