Petrosyan vows to leave no stone unturned in Petchmorakot rematch

GIORGIO 'The Doctor' Petrosyan’s status as the greatest kickboxer of all time is obvious.

However, the Milan native feels there is one more thing he needs to prove at ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 12 July, when he faces Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy once again in a three-round ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix quarterfinal contest.

He is keen to put an end to the debate on who should’ve won their initial encounter at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON just one month ago.

“I don’t want to stir up any fuss. If they changed that result, it means that they got the result wrong. I don’t like passing judgment on my fights,” the Italian stated.

“I’ll step into the ring, and I have to keep my cool and fight as well as I know how. So, if I do a good enough job, everything will automatically fall into place.”

READ: Petchmorakot ready to shock the world again in Giorgio Petrosyan rematch

Back in May, both athletes came out with fire in their bellies and unleashed their most competitive performances yet in ONE Championship.

Petchmorakot was originally declared the winner via split decision, but the ONE Competition Committee overturned the result and ordered an immediate rematch because of issues with the officiating.

Now that kickboxing’s greatest rematch is set for Malaysia, 'The Doctor' is only focused on being proclaimed the victor over his 25-year-old adversary.

“My mind is focused exclusively on Petchmorakot. I want to have a good fight, and I want to prove who the real champion is,” the 33-year-old striker said.

“We are all very familiar with Petchmorakot. We know that he is a great athlete – he would not be competing in this tournament otherwise. He is a southpaw, and obviously, a difficult opponent to face.

“He has both strengths and weaknesses, and this is something we are well aware of. I don’t want to go into too much detail with you about his strengths. I am preparing well, so we will come face to face in the ring.”

The winner of the bout will face 'Smokin'' Jo Nattawut and be one step closer towards the US$1 million (RM4.15 million) prize that is up for grabs.

The ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix is the biggest and most prestigious tournament in martial arts – and victory will ensure the winner is regarded, beyond doubt, as the greatest pound-for-pound kickboxer on the planet.