Jonathan Di Bella produced a masterful performance to retain his ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Fight Night 15 on Prime Video last Friday, October 6.
The undefeated Canadian-Italian striker decimated “Mini T” Danial Williams with slick boxing to secure the unanimous decision nod in their five-round battle at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Defending his crown for the first time inside one of the most iconic venues in the combat sports world made it particularly memorable for Di Bella. And the fans in attendance helped make it a night to remember.
Following the victory, the strawweight kickboxing kingpin said:
“The energy was very, very cool. It was an honor and a dream come true [to fight at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium]. It was amazing.”
As always, Williams’ tenacity made for an entertaining battle. He never backed down from Di Bella’s onslaught and blasted away with hard low kicks, which left a huge mark on the titleholder’s right leg.
But that didn’t necessarily surprise the 27-year-old Canadian-Italian dynamo, who expected “Mini T” to bring his best in his quest for gold. Still, when the decision went to the judges’ scorecards, the reigning king was confident the belt would be returning home with him to Montreal.
Di Bella explained:
“Williams is very tough. I knew coming into the fight he was not going to be an easy opponent. He’s been there before doing all five rounds, so I knew that already.
“I was confident [about the decision]. I believe I won all the rounds. Just my performance could’ve been better. It wasn’t the one I wanted, but I got the W.”
Jonathan Di Bella Hoping For Next Defense In U.S.
With another impressive victory, Jonathan Di Bella pushed his unblemished record to 12-0 and solidified his spot at the top of the weight class.
The ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion may be in a position of power as the reigning divisional king, but he isn’t going to be fussy about his next assignment. Di Bella is willing to defend his gold against any contender, though a North American homecoming would top his wish list.
He said:
“What’s next is whoever’s next. Whatever, whenever. I’m open to fighting anybody. Hopefully, I get to fight on the U.S. shows. That’s my real hope, and that’s what I want next.”
With the likes of ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Joseph Lasiri, interim titleholder Prajanchai PK Saenchai, and former two-sport king Sam-A Gaiyanghadao all active in the division’s Muay Thai ranks, Di Bella has toyed with the idea of switching codes.
However, the Canadian-Italian star’s most pressing goal is to prove that he’s the best in the world in his chosen discipline first, and that’s where his motivation lies right now.
Di Bella offered:
“I was thinking about [trying a different sport]. But I want to be one of the best pound-for-pound kickboxers, and that’s my goal.”
