Three-time Muay Thai World Champion Liam “Hitman” Harrison knows a thing or two about elite striking. With over 100 professional bouts and countless impressive accolades, the 37-year-old legend is one of the most respected fighters in the sport today.
Recently, Harrison spoke to onefc.com about a trio of massive striking battles set to go down at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on Prime Video, which will air live in U.S. primetime this Friday, August 4.
Here’s what the British knockout artist had to say about each of these pivotal matchups at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Chingiz Allazov vs. Marat Grigorian
In the main event, reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Chingiz Allazov – widely regarded as the planet’s top pound-for-pound kickboxer – will defend his belt against Armenian superstar Marat Grigorian in a highly anticipated trilogy fight.
The two elite strikers met in a pair of bouts outside of ONE back in 2013, with the first ending in a no contest and the second won by Grigorian via decision.
However, Harrison is blown away by Allazov’s incredible four-fight winning streak that’s seen him claim both the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix silver belt and then the division’s World Title crown.
For that reason, he’s siding with “Chinga” on Friday:
“I don’t think anyone can beat Allazov at the minute in the form he is in. I think it’s going to be a humdinger for the opening part. I just think Allazov is the top boy at that weight, and he’s destroyed everyone recently – and he’s doing it to people who don’t get destroyed!
“They are very similar styles, but I think Allazov has some different dimensions to his game than Grigorian. I’m looking forward to it!”
Tawanchai vs. Davit Kiria
Lower on the card, ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai will make his ONE kickboxing debut when he squares off with dangerous Georgian scrapper Davit Kiria.
Like countless other striking fans around the globe, “Hitman” is buzzing to see the Thai superstar begin his hunt for kickboxing glory – but he’s unsure how his game will translate to the bigger gloves and different rules:
“I love watching Tawanchai fight, especially in Muay Thai. He’s a specialist over there. I’d like to see him fight the likes of Sitthichai again and Superbon, too.
“I think Tawanchai will beat Kiria. Kiria’s a legend, but he hasn’t done great in his last few fights. I think he’ll beat Davit comfortably, but I don’t know how Tawanchai will fair in kickboxing against the likes of Grigorian and Allazov.”
Harrison does recognize that Kiria is a former World Champion kickboxer who’s reached great heights in the sport, and he knows the 35-year-old could pose problems for Tawanchai.
Still, he’s picking the 24-year-old Thai in this intriguing battle:
“In kickboxing, a lot of [Tawanchai’s] best weapons aren’t available. However, I still think he’ll win comfortably here. He’ll be too big for Davit. But if Davit can cause Tawanchai problems with his experience, then I wonder how Tawanchai will do under kickboxing rules. He’s technically gifted enough to adapt to kickboxing, but it’s how well he can adapt, at the end of the day.”
Supergirl vs. Lara Fernandez
And in atomweight kickboxing action, Thai teenage sensation “Supergirl” Anna Jaroonsak will clash with former ONE World Title challenger Lara Fernandez.
Harrison is already a fan of the 19-year-old phenom, and he was impressed by her thrilling, bonus-winning performance against former divisional queen Stamp Fairtex.
With that in mind, he expects an entertaining firefight for as long as this one lasts:
“I prefer watching ‘Supergirl’ under Muay Thai rules, but I know she fought under kickboxing before against Stamp.
“She looked good against Stamp, too. Very aggressive, gets stuck in, and isn’t afraid to put it all on the line which, will make the fight very fun.”
