‘It’s Lights Out’ – Denis Puric Promises Statement KO Over Jacob Smith At ONE Fight Night 21
Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric sees #2-ranked contender Jacob Smith as an inevitable casualty on his road toward the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
The Canadian-Bosnian slugger faces Smith at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video on Friday, April 5, and he promises an emphatic finish to prove he deserves a shot at Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
It’s not personal for the 39-year-old, who knows and likes his English rival. But with his sights set on one man, Puric feels he has no option but to take Smith out in style at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking to onefc.com, “The Bosnian Menace” said:
“He’s good and strong, but he’s not a dog like me. So I’m feeling very confident in this fight. I watched a couple of his fights. Like I said, he’s not bad, but I don’t think he’s at my level.
“He’s a super nice guy though. No disrespect or anything like that. I actually got to hang out with him during the last event and we got quite acquainted. I feel like we’re friends. We were chopping it up, but this is business. And I gotta do what I gotta do.”
Puric has been around the top end of the sport for years, going up against an array of elite-level opponents, but he believes he’s just now finding his rhythm in ONE.
Following an impressive KO win over Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in his last outing, Puric feels back at his most dangerous, and he doesn’t think his upcoming foe will be able to withstand the heat.
In fact, “The Bosnian Menace” believes Smith’s style will play right into his heavy hands, and he sees only one outcome when they clash on April 5.
He said:
“I don’t know his strengths, but I know his weakness. He stays in front, and if he stays in front of me, he’s getting lit up. I’m too fast, too strong, he’s not going to be able to hit me like that. I don’t see any threats, man. I only see weaknesses.
“Once I put these mitts on his face, it’s lights out. And I have an iron jaw. That guy can’t break me. He can’t hurt me. I’ve just got to catch him, that’s it. And when he stays right there, how can you not catch him?
“I’ll take one to give two. But when I give them, buddy it’s lights out.”
Denis Puric Wants ‘Rodtang And Rodtang Only’
Denis Puric has made it clear that he’s in ONE Championship to pick a fight with Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Now back on the winning track, his match with Jacob Smith could serve as the perfect springboard for that dream matchup.
With Smith’s recent KO over Walter Goncalves boosting him to #2 in the rankings, Puric knows that a decisive victory over the English scrapper would put him in a good spot to go after the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.
He said:
“I’m excited for the fight, man. I need that #2 spot so I can fight Rodtang soon. That’s what I signed up for. I didn’t sign up to fight these punks. But I mean, I gotta do what I gotta do. I need to take everyone out.
“He got beat up every round when he fought Rodtang. I don’t think he landed two shots on him. But with me, he’s going to sleep. I’m putting him to bed early.
“I’m here for Rodtang and Rodtang only. I’m just touching these guys up because ONE wants me to. But they can’t hide Rodtang from me forever. He’s gonna have to come out sooner or later.”
Although he’s not mincing his words, “The Bosnian Menace’s” callout of Rodtang should be viewed as a compliment.
He’s a huge fan of “The Iron Man’s” body of work, and Puric knows the result would be spectacular for the global fan base tuning in to see it.
He said:
“I’ve got nothing but respect for him. He comes from nothing, worked his way up, and became one of the most popular fighters on the planet. But I also think he’s taking a lot of what I’ve been working for.
“I know he’s a warrior, he’ll fight anybody, so give him a real fight. And what better fight to put on than me and Rodtang? We both have the same style, both coming forward, hungry, and hit hard – that’s the fight for the fans!”
