Yodsanklai’s And Petchmorakot’s Coaches Preview World Title Clash
This Friday, ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy will defend his belt against compatriot and Muay Thai living legend “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex.
Ahead of that co-main event showdown at ONE: NO SURRENDER in Bangkok, Thailand, each athlete’s coach breaks down their side’s preparation and predicts how the fight might unfold.
Chettha Wanchat – Yodsanklai’s Coach
Chettha Wanchat knows Yodsanklai will be in for a challenging night against the reigning ONE World Champion, and he believes it’s largely because of the differences in ages and body types.
“This is going to be an exciting bout. Petchmorakot is young,” the coach says.
“He is tall, so it’s going to be quite difficult. Plus, his knee strikes are very strong. He’s got fast high kicks. You cannot take your eyes off him, and these weapons of his are quite dangerous.”
However, Yodsanklai’s advantage could be his proficiency in Muay Thai. “The Boxing Computer” has had a longer, more tested career than his younger rival – and that’s something Wanchat is banking on.
“Yodsanklai is much more experienced. He’s been in all sorts of bouts and has met so many levels of fighters,” the trainer says.
When it comes down to game plans, Wanchat also believes his fighter could gain an edge with his heavy hands and fight IQ.
“Since Yodsanklai’s punches are powerful, they are going to be harmful to Petchmorakot. Plus, he has great fight vision and he is accurate,” the coach says.
If “The Boxing Computer” cannot find a way to land that powerful left hand, his mentor says they have another weapon to fall back on – but don’t expect that secret to be revealed.
“We do have something special,” Wanchat adds. “But you’ll have to wait and see on the 31st.”
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Apiwat Imwong – Petchmorakot’s Coach
Despite leading Petchmorakot to a ONE World Championship, Apiwat Imwong knows he and his star pupil are in for a tricky contest against the Fairtex representative.
“I’ve watched Yodsanklai since I was a boy,” Imwong says.
“He has explosive weapons. He’s got powerful punches and destructive left kicks. He is a legend and Petchmorakot’s idol.”
Of course, Petchmorakot will have to put his adoration of Yodsanklai to the side come Friday night, especially if he wants to avoid becoming one of “The Boxing Computer’s” statistics.
“He’s knocked people out around the world, so he’s quite dangerous,” Imwong adds.
In preparation for Friday’s match-up, the Petchyindee coach has been hardening Petchmorakot, so he can absorb his rival’s powerful punches and kicks.
“For this upcoming bout, we’re focusing on Petchmorakot’s body strength. His body must be over 100 percent,” Imwong says.
“We have to be extra [careful] because Yodsanklai is really great. He is the best Muay Thai fighter that Petchmorakot will ever meet. In ONE Championship, he is the best that Petchmorakot will ever fight in this weight division.”
Like Wanchat, Imwong won’t reveal any concrete strategies that his student will apply in the Circle. However, he expects the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion to finish the contest with an exclamation point.
“I will use Petchmorakot’s long-range weapons and a good game plan in order to win this bout,” the coach says. “I want Petchmorakot to win by a clean knockout – so we don’t have to care much about the points.”
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