One thing that can be said about Denis Puric is that he is a man of focus. When he wants something, he gets it. And after two years and five outings in ONE Championship, “The Bosnian Menace” has finally been granted the fight he’s been dreaming of.
Puric will battle ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a kickboxing clash at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Saturday, 8th June at Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena, having called out “The Iron Man” since his debut in 2022.
Not getting to challenge a divisional king for their throne may leave a fighter thinking of what could have been. But the Bosnian-Canadian star isn’t getting wrapped up in things like belts or rule sets.
“I’m excited, that’s all I’m saying. I didn’t mind it. When I learned it was kickboxing, three rounds. Buddy, I’m going to make a fool out of him,” Puric asserted.
“It’s my type of fight. The way he fights, comes forward, aggressive, he likes to get into these brawls – that’s my kind of fight, man. And when I saw it, it reminded me of me, and I’m just like, ‘I need to go and fight this guy.’”
Rodtang hasn’t been in action since losing his Muay Thai super-fight with ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek last September at ONE Friday Fights 34.
He has had to recover from a litany of injuries since, and fans have been clamouring for his return, given his unforgiving striking style and crowd-pleasing antics in the ring.
But Puric advises him not to try any funny business during their fight, as he has spent a long time waiting for this match – and many hours preparing to punish him if he does.
“He’s going to get caught because you know I got them counters, boy, and I’m not like these other guys he’s been getting hit by. He’s not going to be doing this (punches his own face) with me. Do it, let’s go, and I’ll be kicking your jaw right out,” he said.
“I got every tool in the game. I got angles. I got f****** hands for days. There’s no clinch, no elbows? Come on. Watch and enjoy the spectacle. It’s going to be amazing. It’s going to be wonderful. It’s time for a new king.”
