Sidekick Boxing

Jonathan Haggerty reveals his dream fights across multiple combat sports

ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty has fans rubbing their hands together after revealing his fantasy matchups across four different combat sports. 

During an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Reddit’s Muay Thai forum, the English striking sensation didn’t hold back when a fan asked about his dream opponents. He named high-profile stars from boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA as his ideal dance partners inside the ring or cage. 

“In boxing: Ryan Garcia. In kickboxing: Petpanomrung,” he wrote.  

“In Muay Thai: Rodtang. MMA: Conor McGregor.” 

The 28-year-old’s choices showcase his ambition to test himself against elite competition across multiple disciplines, with each potential opponent representing a unique challenge that would push different aspects of his game. So let’s break them down individually.

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Ryan Garcia – The Flash vs The General 

Ryan Garcia is one of the most explosive strikers in his sport. Known for his lightning-quick hands and devastating left hook, he’s built a reputation as one of boxing’s most exciting talents with knockouts over Luke Campbell and Ryan Fortuna. 

A potential clash between the pair would be a fascinating study in contrasts. Garcia’s pure boxing pedigree and hand speed would meet Haggerty’s well-rounded striking arsenal, honed through years of Muay Thai and kickboxing competition.  

The Englishman’s experience in managing distance and his clinical finishing ability could prove crucial against Garcia’s explosive combinations. 

Petpanomrung – Kickboxing Royalty 

The kickboxing legend Petpanomrung represents perhaps the most technically demanding challenge on Haggerty’s wishlist. The Thai icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, with his picture-perfect technique and devastating low kicks having dismantled countless opponents throughout his storied career. 

This matchup would see Haggerty’s aggressive, forward-pressing style collide with Petpanomrung’s masterful counter-striking and ring IQ. The veteran’s ability to control range and pick apart opponents with surgical precision would test every aspect of Haggerty’s striking game, from his defensive awareness to his ability to adapt mid-fight. 

Rodtang – The Ultimate Muay Thai Test 

Perhaps no fight captures the imagination quite like a potential showdown between Haggerty and former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The Thai superstar’s relentless pressure and granite chin have made him one of the most feared competitors in “the art of eight limbs.” 

The duo have previously squared off twice before for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. Rodtang snatched the gold from the Brit in their first encounter by unanimous decision at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES in August 2019. “The Iron Man” then cemented his place with a third-round knockout win in their rematch the following January 2020. 

The duo have continued to evolve since then. Rodtang’s legacy as the most revered Muay Thai practitioner has only grown. While Haggerty has found a new level of success in the bantamweight division. So a third clash between the two at the peak of their abilities would have fans foaming at the mouth.  

Conor McGregor – Crossing Into MMA 

Haggerty’s final fantasy opponent, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor, would require the ONE king to venture into mixed martial arts territory. McGregor’s sharp boxing and tactical acumen made him one of the biggest stars in combat sports history. 

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