Sorgraw Wants To Beat Giorgio Petrosyan At His Own Game

After a hard-earned victory in his ONE Super Series debut, Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy is gearing up for one of the toughest tests in his martial arts career at ONE: HEART OF THE LION on Friday, 9 November.

The Thai will square off against Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan — a man who has only lost twice in his decorated career — in a kickboxing bout, which will be contested at 71 kilograms.

However, the 25-year-old will not come to the Singapore Indoor Stadium to be cannon fodder for the Armenian-Italian. 

Sorgraw has 15 years of Muay Thai experience, and he captured the Lumpinee Stadium and WMC World Titles during that time.

Additionally, the Petchyindee Academy representative has traveled around the globe to compete in kickboxing, having won 36 of his 53 matches under the discipline’s rule set.

Now, after earning a unanimous decision victory against Frenchman Samy “AK47” Sana at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR in late June, the Bangkok-based striker will look to pick up exactly where he left off.

Taking no shortcuts to the top, he will face arguably the biggest challenge of his career in Petrosyan.

“I am aware that only two people have ever beat him,” Sorgraw says. “It is going to be a huge challenge for me, but something I feel I can do.”

Petrosyan is an international superstar in the sport of kickboxing, having competed and won belts all over the world for well over a decade.

The two-time K-1 World Max Champion lived up to the hype in his promotional debut in April with a decision win over Thai powerhouse “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in Manila, Philippines.

Although Sorgraw recognizes his opponent’s ability, he is not overawed by the challenge ahead of him. In fact, he is looking forward to it.

“I’m truly excited for the opportunity to share the cage with such a highly regarded fighter on such a big platform,” he says.

Both athletes share a similarly patient approach to combat, as they carefully pick shots that are thrown with surgical precision.

However, it would be a mistake to anticipate a slow bout, because when these men strike, their punches, kicks, and knees come fast and hard. When they find their mark, they can let loose and push hard for the finish.

Sorgraw has been training six hours a day at the Petchyindee Academy to make sure he is sharp enough to slip the strikes that come his way and land first.

A Muay-Femur stylist, Sorgraw is confident in his ability to put together a strategy on the fly once he has felt what his opponent brings to the table.

“I’ve studied his game, and am aware of his level,” he says. “Only once the fight starts will I know exactly what my fight plan will be.”

A second consecutive ONE Super Series win would mean so much for the Thai.

His ultimate goal is to become a ONE World Champion, and victory against one of the striking league’s top names would undoubtedly put him at the front of the queue to challenge for a belt.

The fact it would come in a kickboxing contest, rather than a Muay Thai bout, would make it even more remarkable and delight the Bangkok resident.

“I would be so proud if I could beat him at his own game in a discipline that is not my own,” Sorgraw says.