‘I’ll Prove It Wasn’t Lucky’ – Rittewada Eager To Beat Saemapetch Once Again
Rittewada Petchyindee is planning to eliminate any questions about his debut victory in ONE Championship.
The #2-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender will rematch #1-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II on August 26, and after winning their first encounter, he’s hoping for an even more decisive result.
In their original contest at ONE: NEXTGEN II last November, Rittewada rebounded from an early knockdown and stopped his Thai compatriot with an elbow in round two.
However, some believe the TKO – which came due to a cut above Saemapetch’s eye – was an inconclusive finish to the back-and-forth battle.
Acknowledging these reactions, Rittewada said:
“This is another important fight for me to prove myself and to clear things up. He has a doubt. Whatever he has a doubt on, we need to clear it up. So we fight again.”
Knowing that he was behind on the scorecards, Rittewada attacked with hard elbows in the second frame of that initial meeting.
Ultimately, a glancing left elbow behind a double jab connected above Saemapetch’s right eye and led to the match being stopped.
The Petchyindee standout doesn’t believe it happened by chance, but he’s happy to let his performance in the rematch do most of the talking.
Rittewada told ONE Championship:
“That depends on perspectives, but for me, it’s about timing. Some people may say that it was a lucky shot, but I’ve trained every day and the timing on that day was just right. I’ll prove it wasn’t lucky in this fight.”
Rittewada Hopes To Earn World Title Shot With Victory At ONE 160
Despite Rittewada’s win over Saemapetch in their first matchup, the latter held on to his #1 ranking in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
That could certainly change if the Petchyindee representative beats his rival once again on August 26, and it could propel him into a challenge for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao is the current divisional king, and he’ll defend his crown against British star Liam Harrison later that same night at ONE on Prime Video 1.
It’s a matchup that Rittewada will be watching closely – especially if he gets past Saemapetch in their showdown at ONE 160.
He added:
“It doesn’t matter if I’m ranked lower or higher, but If I win, I have a chance to be first in the rankings and get to the World Championship fight with Nong-O.
“I’d be excited as it is such an honor to fight with a legend. I will have a chance to prove myself and see if I can handle him.”
