Sean Clancy‘s ONE Championship debut didn’t end the way he would have liked but the Irishman made it a night to remember. He went toe to toe with Pongsiri PKSaenchaigym for three rounds but a knockdown put the fight beyond his reach on the score cards.
The fight at ONE: ‘A New Breed’ Part II was one of the best in ONE Super Series history and Clancy is proud to have played his part,
“My last fight was full of excitement as we just stood and traded. Unfortunately I got caught with an elbow putting me behind in the scores, if I had do it again I would move more and pick my moments and shots a little better.”
Top fighter
Things won’t get any easier for the Irishman at ONE: ‘Dangal’ which is being broadcast on Saturday. He has been matched with Tawanchai PKSaenchaigym, one of Thailand’s top fighters.
Clancy is based in Koh Samui and says Covid-19 restrictions have affected his preparation although with both men being based in Thailand the situation will be the same for his opponent,
“Since my fight with Pongsiri I’ve been keeping myself as fit as possible. Covid entered Thailand again and there were many restrictions again so I’ve just been doing my best to stay fit while obeying the government requirements for safety.”
Game changer
Tawanchai has an impressive list of achievements and has won numerous ‘fighter of the year’ awards. Clancy knows he is going up against an intelligent and experienced opponent,
“My opponent needs no introduction as he is well known for his fighting skills and getting Thailand ‘fighter of the year’. His approach to fights is hit and move and he’s a very smart fighter with very few weaknesses.”
Clancy is not a big name on the stadium scene in Thailand and hopes Tawanchai will make the mistake of underestimating him,
“I reckon he will underestimate me and that will be his mistake, small 4oz gloves make it a game changer and anything is possible in a fight. My plan is not to leave it to the judges score cards.”
No fear
Ultimately Clancy feels like his has nothing to lose. Last time out he was matched with a Lumpinee and Channel 7 stadium welterweight champion and put on a performance to remember even if he didn’t manage to walk away with the win.
Tawanchai represents an even tougher test but Clancy is not going to be intimidated by his opponent’s reputation. He plans to pull off the upset by putting the elite stadium fighter on the back foot right from the opening bell,
“A man with no fear, is a man to fear! I am not going to let him find his comfort zone and pick me off, I am going to keep busy and be working him all the time.”
