Inspirational fighter Jake Peacock, who competes with one hand, is making his comeback on February 20th in Qatar against Shinji Suzuki at the Lusail Sports Arena.
The fight between Peacock and Suzuki was initially scheduled for November but was postponed. Their Muay Thai match is now part of the same event as the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title fight between Jonathan Haggerty and Wei Rui.
Peacock, who is missing his right hand and forearm, is determined to prove himself as a top-level Muay Thai fighter. He made a successful ONE Championship debut in April.
‘I told everyone it would be a spectacular debut, and it was. I was very pleased with my performance and really enjoyed it,’ Peacock mentioned.
‘I was loving every moment.’
‘I’m at the highest level of the sport, and I wanted to take it all in.’
‘I wanted to enjoy every minute, and I did.’
However, he plans to deliver a dominant performance against Suzuki.
‘Mark my words, this next fight is serious business. I’m going in there to finish this guy within two rounds. After that, I’m going to ask for a fight against a top 10 opponent,’ he stated.
‘He has defeated some good fighters, including Han Zi Hao, who has fought many top competitors.’
‘I respect him and his abilities, just as I respect every opponent. But I believe I’m on a different level. I think that will be clear from the start of the fight.’
‘I need to go out there and make a statement, silence any doubters, and move forward.’
Peacock’s performances, fighting with only one hand, are inspiring in themselves.
‘I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing, proving people wrong, silencing the doubters, and inspiring others,’ he said.
‘I constantly receive messages from people worldwide facing difficulties or living with limb differences, telling me that I give them strength, inspiration, and motivation to keep going.’
Carrillo to Compete for Interim Title
Nico Carrillo from Scotland will compete on January 24th at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
He was scheduled to fight Superlek Kiatmoo9, but the Thai fighter had to withdraw due to a knee injury.
Carrillo will now face the rising talent Nabil Anane for the ONE Interim bantamweight Muay Thai world title.
The winner of this fight will then face Superlek for the undisputed world title on March 23rd in Japan.
Marcus Bellamy