‘I Was Born For This’ – Jake Peacock Promises To Put On A Show Against Shinji Suzuki At ONE 171: Qatar
Jake “The One” Peacock knows that he performs at his best when the lights are the brightest, and that’s what he plans to do at ONE 171: Qatar.
This coming Thursday, February 20, the Canadian-British sensation will return for his sophomore appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization when he takes on Japan’s Shinji Suzuki in a bantamweight Muay Thai scrap.
A former Road to ONE: Canada winner, Peacock made waves in his much-anticipated promotional debut last April at ONE Friday Fights 58, dominating Kohei Shinjo over the course of three action-packed rounds.
That victory proved he belongs among the planet’s best strikers. It also gave him loads of confidence as he prepares to step up in competition against the dangerous and experienced Suzuki.
Peacock told onefc.com:
“I’m not underestimating Shinji at all. I completely respect any man who stands across from me. Everyone’s dangerous, especially in 4-ounce gloves on the world’s stage. Shinji has been in there against very high-level opposition.
“He’s been in there with guys like Han Zi Hao and dropped him, too. He’s dangerous. But I’m more dangerous and more dynamic, and I was born for this. I accepted this fight before I even heard his name.”
Although Peacock is missing his right forearm, that doesn’t limit his ability to fight in all phases of Muay Thai.
With that in mind, he’s ready to go toe-to-toe with Suzuki however the matchup plays out, whether that’s trading strikes from long distance or from close range in the clinch.
Ultimately, the 31-year-old expects to overwhelm his foe with offense from the opening bell:
“He’s tough. I think he likes his boxing and his low kicks. I’ll take the fight wherever I want to take it. If I wanna box with him, I will. If he wants to play the kicking game, we can. If he wants to play the tough man game, we can do that, too. Even in the clinch, I’ll be comfortable everywhere.
“Wherever he feels like he’s going to be drowning, that’s where I’m going to take him. I’m hunting for it. You can get someone to tell him that in Japanese because I want him to know this.”
While some might view Peacock’s limb difference as a disability, he said that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Quite the opposite – “The One” believes it’s his destiny to fight on the biggest stages, and that his battle at ONE 171: Qatar is just another opportunity to fulfill that destiny:
“Man, I thrive off of this stuff. I really believe God put me on the planet for this. I’m blessed with an incredible amount of skill in such a unique situation as my own. I believe I belong. I love the lights, the cameras, and I love fighting.”
Peacock Vows To Finish Suzuki ‘Within Two Rounds’
For Jake Peacock, simply walking away with a victory over Shinji Suzuki won’t be enough. Instead, he wants to deliver a spectacular finish and nothing less.
He said the fans at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar and those watching live around the world can look forward to fireworks:
“Expect a firefight again. I’ll be bringing the cowboy hat and I’m gonna be gunslinging, baby. I’m gonna put on a great performance for the fans and those watching around the world.
“I’m gonna put this guy out within two rounds. This will not enter the third round, mark my words on that.”
Peacock was proud of his excellent showing in his promotional debut but did feel a twinge of disappointment that he didn’t secure the knockout.
He admits that he might have been having too much fun in an effort to display his dominance. On this occasion, he vows to hunt for a memorable stoppage:
I’m laser-focused. There’s no messing around. Everything is precise. I’m very switched on. This time, I’ve told myself that I’m going to finish the guy. I have to. I don’t do decisions. I’m here for the highlights.”
