‘Feed Him Some Elbows Or Knees’ – Rungrawee Outlines Path To Victory Against Shakir Al-Tekreeti At ONE Fight Night 18
Thai sensation Rungrawee “Legatron” Sitsongpeenong is poised for a triumphant return to Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
On Friday, January 12, in U.S. primetime, the 28-year-old will square off with Iraqi star Shakir Al-Tekreeti in a pivotal lightweight Muay Thai tilt at ONE Fight Night 18: Gasanov vs. Oh on Prime Video.
The much-anticipated showdown in Thailand comes four months after Rungrawee suffered his first defeat in ONE – a stunning knockout loss against former World Title challenger Dmitry Menshikov that snapped the Thai’s three-fight winning streak and stalled his meteoric rise.
The loss to Menshikov took place in Singapore and was contested in ONE’s Circle. “Legatron” is now content with competing in Thailand in a much more comfortable and familiar setting.
He told ONEFC.com:
“I’m happy that I can return to fight in Lumpinee again because I feel like this is my turf. To tell the truth, I was really nervous for the first time I fought in Singapore. Throughout my career, I only fought in a square ring with four sides. I never fought in the cage before. It prevented me from maneuvering smoothly, but now I’m back to fight in the same environment.”
Indeed, Rungrawee has been a force to be reckoned with fighting in front of a raucous Thai crowd at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, looking nothing short of dominant through his first three appearances in 2023.
Given those performances, many fans and pundits alike expected him to rocket toward a shot at reigning ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion Regian Eersel, but the loss to Menshikov has put those expectations on hold.
Buoyed by the support of the Thai fans, “Legatron” isn’t allowing himself to dwell on the defeat.
He said:
“After my setback, I got messages and comments from my fans to encourage me, like, ‘Don’t give up yet,’ or, ‘Don’t lose your determination.’”
Rungrawee Aims For Bonus-Winning Performance Against Shakir Al-Tekreeti
As comfortable as he might feel in front of a hometown crowd, Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong has been given no easy task in his return to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
His opponent, Shakir Al-Tekreeti, is one of the Middle East’s most dangerous rising stars – an Iraqi Muay Thai Champion with thunder in his hands.
What’s more, Al-Tekreeti will be fighting with something to prove. His older brother, Mustafa Al-Tekreeti, suffered a decision loss to Rungrawee in February 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 3.
The Sitsongpeenong representative knows that his foe might be motivated by revenge and is preparing accordingly.
Rungrawee said:
“I beat his brother in my first fight in ONE Lumpinee. I don’t know if Al-Tekreeti wants revenge for his big brother or not, but I will not underestimate him.
“I will fight according to my game plan and try to not fall into his game. His most dangerous weapon is his punching. His style is similar to his brother’s.”
Aptly nicknamed “Legatron” for his devastating leg kicks, Rungrawee plans to work his way through the Iraqi’s massive punches and long-range weapons, score a highlight-reel knockout, and walk out of the ring with a US$50,000 performance bonus.
He added:
“If I have the chance, I will get close to him and feed him some elbows or knees. But I prepared a plan to fight him in any distance.
“I want to knock him out and get a bonus.”
