“We Both Are Hungry for the Win” – Phetjeeja Forecasts a Win for Herself Against Lara Fernandez Even After Lauding Her Opponent’s “Well-Rounded” Fight Style

Thai striker Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom will make her debut on ONE Championship’s main roster against an opponent she believes will be a tough challenge to overcome this weekend. At ONE Fight Night 12: Superlek vs. Khalilov this Friday, July 14, the 21-year-old striking sensation is set to face former ONE World Title challenger Lara Fernandez in an atomweight Muay Thai battle. 

The intriguing spectacle takes place inside the iconic halls of the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be broadcast live and free on Prime Video for subscribers across North America.

Phetjeeja viewed her experience to be a key factor in driving to a victory

The former Thai boxing national team member made a splash in her two appearances in the ONE Friday Fights event series, scoring back-to-back knockouts. Her last performance, at ONE Friday Fights 16 in May, not only earned her a performance bonus but also scored her a well-deserved contract to compete at the promotion’s marquee events. 

Her first hurdle will come against a WBC Muay Thai and ISKA Kickboxing World Champion in Fernandez. The Spanish striker is currently 1-1 since her debut last year, and she has shown admirable traits that Phetjeeja acknowledges. That said, the young Thai prodigy believes she is far more experienced in the fight game than her upcoming rival. 

“Her style is well-rounded. Her punches, kicks, and clinch are good. She also has good footwork and movement. And she is not shy to take risks. She has a lion’s heart,” Phetjeeja told ONE Championship. 

“I believe I have more fight experience than her. I have already fought over 200 fights. I may have more skills than her when it comes to clinching. Also, I think my striking is heavier. Let’s see in the ring.”

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Since she began her martial arts journey, the rapidly rising star has collected over 200 wins, and her pair of victories in ONE so far proves that she has legitimate knockout power. While “The Queen” is supremely confident in her skills and experience, she is far from overlooking Fernandez this Friday.

Phetjeeja will be happy to end the bout with a KO if opportunity arrives

The Lone Wolf Fight Team pushed Janet Todd to the limit in their battle for the interim ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title last year. She missed out by unanimous decision on that occasion but rebounded with a hard-earned victory against Dangkongfah Banchamek in December. Because of that, Phetjeeja offered no guarantees on how their fight will end. But she is aiming to continue her streak of finishes when they square off.

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“I’m confident, but I will not be cocky. I will not underestimate the opponent because we both are hungry for the win. I just want to fight according to my game plan. I can’t say I will knock her out, but if the chance comes, I will take it, for sure,” she said. “My guess is I will knock her out with my punches because I am confident in my punching power.”