London`s own Marie McManamon is set to grace the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand once more, returning to ONE Championship on October 4. Her opponent: the formidable Selina Flores. This isn`t just another fight on the calendar; for McManamon, it`s a pivotal moment, a chance to solidify her standing in one of the world`s premier combat sports organizations and reignite her quest for a historic title.
The Path to Redemption: Learning from the Crucible
McManamon’s last outing in ONE Championship saw her challenging atomweight world champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues. While the result didn`t favor the Londoner, it was a stark, invaluable lesson at the absolute pinnacle of the sport. “The four-ounce gloves completely change the game, and one of the biggest lessons for me was that I can`t afford to just stand there and trade,” McManamon reflected. This candid self-assessment showcases a fighter who doesn`t shy away from adversity but rather extracts critical insights from it. More profoundly, she discovered an unyielding spirit:
“What I also discovered about myself is that even in the trenches, when I was asked if I could keep going, I said yes. I didn`t quit. That resilience is something I`m proud of and something I`m carrying into this next chapter.”
This resilience, forged in the fires of a world title challenge, is the bedrock of her current resolve. It’s the kind of experience money can’t buy, particularly in an environment as unforgiving as the Lumpinee Stadium, a venue revered as the spiritual home of Muay Thai. To perform there, under those lights, against elite competition, demands not only skill but an iron will.
Facing a Champion: Selina Flores Enters the Fray
Standing opposite McManamon on October 4 will be Selina Flores, a WBC Muay Thai world champion. Flores arrives with her own impressive pedigree, having competed on major stages globally. This matchup is a clash of champions, albeit with a crucial technical distinction that McManamon is quick to highlight. For Flores, this will be her inaugural contest in the notoriously unforgiving four-ounce gloves — a detail that McManamon believes grants her a significant edge.
The transition from larger, more protective boxing or Muay Thai gloves to the compact four-ounce variant used in ONE Championship`s striking bouts is not merely cosmetic. These smaller gloves amplify power, increase the risk of cuts, and fundamentally alter defensive strategies. McManamon, having already navigated this challenging adaptation against a world champion, now possesses a nuanced understanding of their impact. It’s a subtle yet potent advantage, akin to a chess player knowing their opponent`s preferred opening gambit.
A Statement, Not Just a Fight
McManamon`s declaration, “On October 4, I`m not just showing up to fight – I`m showing up to make a statement,” echoes the sentiment of a fighter with a renewed purpose. This isn`t about simply adding a win to her record; it’s about sending a clear message to the atomweight division and to herself. It`s a statement of intent, a declaration that her world title aspirations are far from diminished. She remains steadfast in her ambition to become the first woman from the UK to capture a ONE Championship world title, a goal that requires not just talent, but unwavering belief.
The styles of both fighters are anticipated to “complement each other,” promising an electrifying encounter for the fans. A disciplined, experienced Londoner sharpened by recent challenges, against a decorated WBC champion stepping into a new, more dangerous glove format. This contest has all the makings of a compelling narrative, a true test of adaptability and resolve.
The Road Ahead
For Marie McManamon, the upcoming bout against Selina Flores is more than a single event; it`s a crucial stepping stone. It`s an opportunity to demonstrate the evolution of her game, the application of hard-earned lessons, and the enduring strength of her spirit. As she prepares to step back into the spotlight, all eyes will be on London`s tenacious fighter, eager to witness the statement she intends to make.
Marcus Bellamy