Mexican standout Edgar Tabares knows his back is against the wall in his upcoming flyweight Muay Thai battle with Johan Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts on Prime Video.
Set to air live in U.S. Primetime on December 8 from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, that clash will be Tabares’ third appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization and his third shot at earning his first promotional victory.
Edgar Tabares will look to get back to winning ways on December 8
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The 29-year-old has struggled to live up to the high expectations surrounding him so far, suffering a World Title loss to Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon in his ONE debut, followed by a stunning knockout loss to former World Title challenger Elias Mahmoudi.
With those back-to-back losses, Tabares is now all-in on his showdown with Ghazali this Friday night.
He said:
“I’m very anxious and motivated to win. I’ve canceled everything I had planned to prepare for this fight.”
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Despite those losses, the flyweight scrapper put up a valiant effort, showcasing his grit and toughness to earn the respect of the Thai fans.
Still, he says that victory is now all that matters:
“In Thailand, many people have come up to me telling me that I should feel good because despite losing, I had put up a good fight. Regardless of that, I do feel like my back is up against the wall.”
A lot at stake for the Muay Thai international champion
As Mexico’s first-ever WBC Muay Thai International Champion, Tabares knows he’s an elite fighter plenty capable of competing with the best of the best in ONE Championship. He also knows he must now prove himself on the global stage.
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To that end, he plans to use his age and veteran savvy to his advantage when he steps into the ring against the surging 17-year-old phenom.
Tabares added:
“I feel like this is my opportunity to show that I deserve to be in ONE, and I won’t let the opportunity go to waste. I know I’ve said it before previous fights, but I have a different mentality this time. My career is dependent on this fight, which is why I want to demonstrate that I belong in ONE.
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“I’m not underestimating Johan. He’s a young, experienced fighter, but I want to use his age against him. This fight will determine whether I stay in ONE or whether I have to say goodbye.”