Former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama has amassed a multitude of accolades throughout his legendary career. But now that his 11-year-old son is beginning to lace up the gloves for his own Muay Thai journey, the Thai great wants to continue laying down the blueprint.

In the main event of ONE Fight Night 31 this Saturday, 3rd May, the Thai legend looks to lead by example when he rematches #3-ranked contender Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in flyweight Muay Thai inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. 

The 38-year-old veteran’s son, August, began competing in 2023 under the Superbon Training Camp banner, and he has since compiled a record of 1-1. 

As a father and lifelong competitor, Nong-O knows it’s not about boastful stats at this early stage. It’s about learning the craft and working hard, and he’s already seeing traits of his younger self coming to life in his offspring. 

“[I am most impressed by] his discipline. He listens to everything I teach him and always tries to do what I and the seniors in the gym teach him,” he said. 

“Because it was his first time fighting, I was worried and didn’t know if he could fight for real or not. Would he be able to withstand being hit? But when I was with him in the ring, I saw his eyes and I was like, ‘Oh, he’s really ready to fight.’”

As far as role models go, August doesn’t have to look much further than his dad, and Nong-O wants to be there every step of the way for his eldest boy.

For now, though, he plans to lead by example and show his son how it’s done against Kongthoranee this weekend at ONE Fight Night 31. And another push for ONE gold is on the cards from there. 

“Of course, I want to become a champion again to inspire my son,” he said. 

“And to show everyone that a 38-year-old fighter can still win the belt if he trains well enough.”

READ MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to ONE Championship

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