ONE Friday Fights 34 might be delivering the most anticipated main event in Rodtang v Superlek, but Akram Hamidi and Prajanchai might just steal the show – here are five reasons not to sleep on this one.
1. Supporting a MENA superstar
24-year-old Akram Hamidi will be flying the flag for his home nation of Algeria when he takes to the ring on Friday evening. He is one of the biggest prospects the MENA region has when it comes to combat sports – and this is going to be the biggest test of his career to date.
2. A opponent of real pedigree, but a chance to chase gold
This might be only the second fight for Hamidi in ONE, but in Prajanchai, he is going up against one of the best in the business. The current interim strawweight Muay Thai world champion, and former undisputed title holder Prajanchai may only be 28-years-old but has a wealth of experience with over 400 fights to his name – and is eyeing a shot at Joseph Lasiri to get his title back.
3. Fireworks guaranteed
A devastating left hand gave Prajanchai a KO win in his last outing, but when you look at Hamidi’s record, his last four bouts read TKO, KO, KO, KO. He goes out to finish fights, and this Friday will be no exception.
4. A master of the body blow
There’s nothing quite like a stoppage caused by a shot to the body. A blow delivered with such brutal intent it renders a fully conscious opponent unable to continue through debilitating pain. Hamidi has turned this into an artform – whether with his hands or knees. His accuracy when attacking the body is a sight to behold – and with thee body attack stoppages in his last four fights he has the results to back it up.
5. A North African showdown in the future?
Current king of the strawweight Muay Thai division is Joseph Lasiri. The man who KO’d Prajanchai to take the title, but was unable to double up the gold when taking on flyweight king Rodtang in his last outing. So what next for the Italian with roots in Morocco? A win for Hamidi and the prospect of a title fight with so much North African interest would command the attention of millions.
ONE Friday Fights 34 comes live from the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok on Friday September 22. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch the first half of the card on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA. The other half of the card is broadcast on ONE Championship’s official YouTube channel and on watch.onefc.com
