Jonathan Di Bella Gets Ready for Intriguing Kickboxing Title Defense at ONE Friday Fights 68 While Prajanchai PK Saenchai Awaits

Former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella looks ready to return to action. The Italian-Canadian will have the opportunity to reclaim the belt he vacated when he squares off against divisional Muay Thai kingpin Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship at ONE Friday Fights 68. It will be held inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, June 28. 

Originally scheduled to take place last April at ONE Friday Fights 58, the match fell through after Di Bella failed the weight and hydration tests for the event. As a result, he was stripped of the belt and ultimately withdrew from the bout. However, judging by his recent social media posts promoting the fight, he’s looking sharp and ready to reclaim his crown.

Jonathan Di Bella’s back in the ring

Labeled a prodigy as a kid, Jonathan Di Bella began training at his family gym under the watchful eye of his father, a two-time kickboxing World Champion. This early start fueled a meteoric rise, collecting a pristine 10-0 record that led him to join the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Di Bella made a monumental debut at ONE 162 in October 2022 when he edged Chinese star Zhang “Fighting Rooster” Peimian to claim the inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. He successfully defended his coveted belt at ONE Fight Night 15 last October with a masterful performance against Australian spitfire Danial “Mini T” Williams. 

The 28-year-old, however, couldn’t defend his crown for the second time as his ONE Friday Fights 58 mishap led to him relinquishing the prestigious belt. It was later reported that he fell seriously ill, which led to him withdrawing from the fight.

Now, eager to avenge his past misstep, Jonathan Di Bella is in top shape for his upcoming fight at ONE Friday Fights 68. The hype is building with a new promo showcasing him in a dimly lit sparring session. Di Bella appears sharp and focused, demonstrating his signature boxing and kicking techniques.

The video includes the fight details: “June 28 @onechampionship Lumpinee Boxing Stadium-Bangkok, Thailand Live on PPV onefc.com (#onefridayfights68) Live Thailand Channel 7 @ch7hd.”

Di Bella seems determined not to repeat the mistake that cost his title. As revealed in a recent interview, he’s fully aware of his past error and appears laser-focused on redemption.

Di Bella reveals why he exited ONE Friday Fights 58

Pulling out of a fight at the last minute can be a major blow to any fighter’s reputation. It can be embarrassing, leaving everyone questioning the fighter’s preparation or commitment. This is exactly what happened to Jonathan Di Bella. Just before his scheduled fight at ONE Friday Fights 58 back in April, he withdrew, which resulted in him being stripped of his title, a huge setback in his career.

Di Bella shed some light on the situation during an interview with Calf Kick Sports. He revealed that an illness before the fight severely hampered his ability to compete, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from ONE Friday Fights 58.

“For that fight, I was sick two weeks before I was leaving for Thailand, he said,  “I was a bit sick. I didn’t feel any symptoms, but I knew I wasn’t at my best. Then, when we were about to leave. I was starting to feel better, everything was going well during the fight week.” Di Bella revealed.

While he initially felt better closer to fight week, Di Bella experienced a resurgence of symptoms the night before weigh-ins, leading to dehydration and his withdrawal from ONE Friday Fight 58. Now fully recovered, Di Bella sets his sights on reclaiming his gold against Prajanchai PK Saenchai.

Prajanchai, himself a force to be reckoned with, boasts a four-fight win streak and a clean record for 2023. With both fighters hungry for victory, the stage is set for an epic clash.

The question on everyone’s mind: who will reign supreme? Will Jonathan Di Bella achieve redemption and reclaim his title, or will Prajanchai become the latest two-sport World Champion in ONE?