Aliff Wants One Championship Unification Bout To Be Held In Malaysia

PASIR MAS, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- ONE Championship Muay Thai interim strawweight world champion Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib hopes his unification bout against undisputed Thai world champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai in October can be held in Malaysia.

Aliff, 22, said that would give him an advantage as he would have home support and pile more pressure on the Thai exponent.

He also hopes that the government will provide him with the support to make the unification bout come true and determine the true world champion in the category.

"If possible, I want the fight against Prajanchai to be held in Malaysia. I believe that the full support of the home fans will motivate me and, at the same time, perhaps make him (Prajanchai) feel more intimidated,” he told reporters at a thanksgiving ceremony at his new home in Taman Sri Rantau, Rantau Panjang, here today.

"Previously, when I fought in Bangkok, many Malaysians turned up to give me their support. So, imagine how much more support I'd get if we hold the unification bout here in Malaysia?” he said.

Aliff made history on July 24 when he defeated Thailand's Sam-A Gaiyanghadao via a knockout in the fifth round at Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok, clinching the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship belt and pocketing USD50,000 (about RM204,565) in victory bonus.

According to ONE Championship, Aliff finished the fight at 1:09 of the fifth round with a combination of punches and kicks to the head, improving his professional record to 63 wins and nine losses.

The victory paved the way for Aliff to set up a unification bout with Prajanchai, who has been sidelined by injury and is still awaiting medical clearance to return to action.

Commenting on his preparation, Aliff said he plans to return to Bangkok within the next two or three days to step up his training.

"I realise that Prajanchai is a world champion who has been at the highest level for a long time. As such, I need to step up my training and preparation levels. For now, my family's support is one of the most crucial factors,” he said.

Should he dethrone Prajanchai, Aliff aims to defend the championship belt for at least three years, and he also hopes that it would encourage more youngsters to take up Muay Thai.

-- BERNAMA