Tang Kai Ready to Retire ‘Old’ Thanh Le: “I’ll KO Him”

Top-ranked featherweight contender Tang Kai is certain he will be leaving the Singapore Indoor Stadium on August 26 with the divisional strap over his shoulder. 

That evening, the Chinese phenom meets reigning king Thanh Le in the co-main event at ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II, and Tang has some choice words for his more senior opponent ahead of their showdown.

“Thanh Le, you’re old. It’s time to retire. I’ll be the new king of the featherweight division,” the 26-year-old stated. 

Tang has a perfect slate in ONE, and he is enjoying a six-match winning streak that includes four highlight-reel knockouts against featherweight stars Kim Jae Woong, Yoon Chang Min, Ryogo Takahashi, and Sung Jong Lee. 

His performances inside the Circle have made him the man to beat in the stacked division, and his confidence has grown with every victory. Now, standing at the door of his biggest challenge to date, Tang is convinced he is the next divisional king.

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Le has been on a similar run of form since making his debut on the global stage in 2019. The Vietnamese-American star also has a 100 percent win rate inside the Circle, and he even has a perfect finish record, with five knockouts from five outings.

Tang Kai points Thanh Le’s vulnerability

The World Champion’s run in ONE is undeniably impressive, but Tang feels Le has yet to be properly tested.

“I think Thanh Le’s weakness is that he doesn’t fight. He [hasn’t been] hit in ONE Championship before. But when I meet him, I just have to punch him, and he will be defeated,” he said.

“My reading [of the fight] and skills are better than his. I am better at seizing opportunities. I don’t think this game will go to a decision. I think I’ll KO him.”

Tang’s confidence is at an all-time ahead of his upcoming World Title tussle, but knocking out Le might be easier said than done. 

No athlete has been able to challenge the Taekwondo specialist in the striking department, and he has improved his craft in other areas throughout his time in ONE, too. 

The Chinese challenger isn’t intimidated by his foe’s accomplishments, however. He believes Le’s mental and physical ability to compete on the global stage will be exposed on August 26.

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“He is now approaching the end of his career. I think he’s 36 or 37 years old now, and he has a family and kids. I don’t think he will focus on the game and training. But I am still very young. I am 100 percent committed,” Tang said. 

Download the ONE Super App and catch Tang in action against Le at ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II on August 26.