'Jordan Boy' aiming to surprise 'The Vampire' with new skills

Mohammed 'Jordan Boy' Mahmoud understands his inexperience could be a deciding factor in his upcoming Muay Thai bantamweight encounter with Saiful 'The Vampire' Merican.

However, the Kedah-born striker is confident his latest strategy will see him defeat Merican when ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY commences inside the Axiata Arena on Friday, 12 July.

“The one thing we’ve worked on the most throughout this training camp has been my southpaw stance. I’ve been practicing both stances for the past month, and I hope I’d be able to bring this knowledge into the ring,” the 23-year-old said.

“Sometimes, people don’t expect us to change stances. But if effective, it can disturb their mental game. That’s what Agilan Thani did against Yoshihiro Akiyama, and it worked. We are always ready to counter if anything happens.”

Although competing from a southpaw stance is something new to him, the young star does not have any complaints about it.

He is aware there is no room for excuses and admits the margin for error against a Muay Thai veteran like Merican could be very minimal.

“Fighting with this style is something new to me, but I’m positive I can get used to it. It’s not a problem for me — I can jab with both hands and lead with it, too,” he said.

“I love my right hand a lot, but it gets shy during my fight. It’s always my left which keeps on coming out.”

Mohammed is eager to get back to winning ways after going through an unfortunate three-bout skid. The two decision losses are something he especially regrets because he felt like he could have done better.

But with a highlight-reel knockout at the very same venue in the back of his mind, “Jordan Boy” knows he is not far away from a similar performance come Friday.

“If the opportunity comes, I want that knockout again. I don’t want to win by points,” he said.

“I’m mentally and physically ready. I know Saiful is ready for this battle, and it’s going to be a good match. Here’s my message to him — let’s put on a good show, and may the best man win.”