“He Made Me a Different Person” – Tayfun Ozcan Credits Coach for His Achievements After Having a Troubled Childhood

Tayfun “Turbine” Ozcan is gearing up for one of the most important fights of his career in his next visit to the ONE Championship Circle, and he believes having a familiar face in his corner will ensure that he emerges victorious. 

The #5-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender will face former titleholder Superbon Singha Mawynn at ONE Fight Night 11 on Prime Video on Friday, June 9, in what has been tipped as a crucial battle for future World Title contention in the stacked division.

Tayfun Ozcan stated that his bond with his longtime coach Mekki Ben-Azzouz is unbreakable

Growing up in a troubled home, with a father suffering from addiction, the Turkish-Dutch kickboxing star found solace at the Siam Gym in his hometown of Valkenswaard, Netherlands. Upon learning about the issues Ozcan had to deal with, coach Mekki Ben-Azzouz took the young man under his wing.

That was 18 years ago, and in their time together, the featherweight striker has collected over 80 wins. “Turbine” now stands as a significant contender in his division in ONE, and he hopes to continue rising through the ranks by overcoming his upcoming foe – with Ben-Azzouz still by his side.

“I became what I am today because he made me mentally strong and physically strong, and also, he made me a different person. He [still] stands in my corner against Superbon. I broke through in my career because of him,” Ozcan said in an interview with ONE Championship. Of course, “I can tell him [how much he has done for me]. But I show him what it meant to me with how I am towards him. You can say a lot of things, but he knows, to this day, he can still depend on me. That’s a bond you can’t break.”

READ MORE – “I’ve Been Really Interested in That”: After a Dominant Performance in His Comeback Bout, Sage Northcut Reveals His Wishes to Transition to ONE’s Submission Grappling Division

There is little doubt the 31-year-old star will have his work cut out for him when he meets Superbon, who is still considered one of the best pound-for-pound kickboxers in the world.

Tayfun Ozcan will look to present a tough challenge to Superbon Singha Mawynn

The Thai dynamo enjoyed an unbeaten run that dated back to 2018 until he lost the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title to reigning king Chingiz “Chinga” Allazov at ONE Fight Night 6 this past January.

READ MORE – “I Want to Be That Guy That Carries the Torch” – Jarred Brooks Pokes Demetrious Johnson Yet Again Intending to Get His Callout Accepted

Superbon will be eager to get back in the winner’s column, especially as the winner of the June 9 bout will bolster a claim for a shot at the coveted divisional crown. But a determined Ozcan, backed by his inspirational mentor, will not be an easy opponent to overcome. 

Fans in North America can catch their match and the rest of ONE Fight Night 11 on Friday, June 9, live and for free on Prime Video, with an active Amazon subscription.