ONE Championship: Jonathan Di Bella says ‘no problem’ to trilogy with Prajanchai
‘Real champions defend,’ says Italian-Canadian after retaining strawweight kickboxing world title at ONE Fight Night 36
Jonathan Di Bella said his win over Prajanchai PK Saenchai has cemented his place at the top of the strawweight striking hierarchy after retaining his ONE strawweight kickboxing world title at ONE Fight Night 36.
The rematch had been billed as a clash of styles – Prajanchai’s counter-heavy Muay Thai against Di Bella’s rangy kickboxing – and for the first two rounds it was the Italian-Canadian’s movement and volume that dictated the pace.
Prajanchai, who is known for starting slowly and building across five rounds, attempted to rally midway through the contest, but Di Bella stayed composed and continued to outwork him in the exchanges.
All three judges scored the bout in his favour, earning Di Bella a unanimous decision and a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. The 29-year-old extended his professional record to 15-1, with his lone defeat coming against the same man.
Di Bella said he felt the shift in momentum from the first round.
“As soon as I caught him with a shot in the body, I saw his face change,” he said. “Then I hit him with a hook to the head and kicked his leg. I knew I hurt him.”