However fans in MENA will have plenty to cheer with no fewer than three fighters competing at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, here’s our guide on who to look out for.
Amir Naseri – Catchweight (140lbs) Muay Thai
Iran-born Amir Naseri returns to the ONE ring for the first time in almost a year this week. Raised in Tehran, he moved with his family to Malaysia at the age of eight and it would be here that he would transition from kicking football to bags as his love of Muay Thai developed.
To further his career he later moved to train in Thailand just over a decade ago, ending up a student at the world-renowned Tiger Muay Thai.
His pedigree is excellent, a five-time Muay Thai world champion, he was also only the second non-Thai to emerge champion from the famous Omnoi Stadium in Thailand.
After two defeats in ONE he’s now looking to kick start his career – and a win this week over
Seksan Or Kwanmuang who carries a 5-0 ONE record into the fight – would do just that.
Akram Hamidi – Strawweight Kickboxing
Algerian 24-year-old Akram Hamidi is looking to build on the blistering start to his ONE career.
He picked up a second-round TKO on debut against Jomhod Auto MuayThai – a devastating left hook to the body doing the damage.
With a 29-1-4 overall record as a professional kickboxer, he now gets to take on arguably his toughest task to date.
On Friday night he will stand across the ring from the current interim strawweight Muay Thai champion in Prajanchai PK Saenchai. One of the most highly rated fighters in the world today, Prajanchai’s style is a real crowd pleaser – and alongside Hamidi, this could be one for the ages.
Saman Ashouri – Catchweight (140lbs) Muay Thai
Iran’s Saman Ashouri will take to the ONE ring for the second time in his career, when he takes on Thailand’s Suakim Sor Jor Thongprajin.
28-year-old Ashroui will be looking to claim his first win with the organisation following a debut defeat back in March. He was knocked out in the second round that night by Yodlekpet “The Destroyer” Or Atchariya and will be looking to bounce back in style this week with a statement win.
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 live on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA.
Source: sportsnewsireland.com