‘He Wants To Beat Rodtang So Bad’ – Rittewada Helping Savvas Michael Prepare For Grand Prix Semis

Two-time Muay Thai World Champion Rittewada Petchyindee knows what it takes to reach the top, and he sees those qualities in his teammate Savvas Michael.

Both strikers are preparing for key battles on Friday, August 26.

Rittewada will first rematch Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II, while “The Baby Face Killer” is scheduled to meet Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix semifinals at ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II – live in U.S. primetime.

There’s no doubt that Michael is facing an incredibly difficult task against the reigning divisional king.

However, his unwavering desire to win is clear during each training session at Petchyindee Academy, where he works closely with Rittewada.

The Thai star said:

“Savvas is a very determined foreign Muay Thai fighter. He works truly hard because he is determined to defeat Rodtang. He and I usually train together, and we always exchange advice, as well as share techniques and experiences.”

While he hails from Cypriot, Michael has lived and trained among the elite in Thailand for years.

Along with Rittewada, the 23-year-old can count the likes of reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot and former flyweight kickboxing king Petchdam among his sparring partners at the famous Petchyindee gym.

Fortunately, he makes the most of all the knowledge at his disposal, as Rittewada reveals his teammate’s obsession with getting a win over “The Iron Man” in the Grand Prix semifinals.

The #2 bantamweight Muay Thai contender said:

“Savvas very hungry. He wants to beat Rodtang so bad. He discusses with me and our teammates about how to deal with Rodtang. For example, how to stop him or the best weapon he should focus on to attack him.” 

Rittewada Thinks Savvas Michael And Rodtang Is ’50-50′ Battle

Rittewada Petchyindee is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead of Savvas Michael at ONE on Prime Video 1.

He knows Rodtang Jitmuangnon is one of the greatest athletes in all of Muay Thai – and that he’s always evolving.

At the same time, he believes “The Baby Face Killer” has equal odds to advance in the tournament with the support of his world-class training partners.

The Thai said:

“Rodtang never stops improving himself. He always learns new things.  

“I think with the help of his teammates, [Savvas] might have a chance to beat Rodtang. I give them a 50-50 chance. They both have a chance to win.”