Jonathan Haggerty puts the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship on the line tonight against Felipe Lobo, live. Sky Sports Arena Saturday from 1amhis younger brother Freddie Haggerty is a teenage sensation who is trying to follow him to the top
All eyes are on Jonathan Haggerty, the king of two sports, as he prepares to defend his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo. Sky Sports Arena From 1am on Saturday.
But he’s not the only family member to make a big impression at ONE Championship.
The 26-year-old Londoner’s younger brother Freddie Haggerty made his debut in the world’s biggest martial arts organization last month, following in his older brother’s devastating footsteps with a devastating second-round KO victory on the ONE Friday Fights 49 card.
Martial arts fans have been buzzing about Freddy’s potential since his explosive first promotional appearance, but he doesn’t have a bigger following than “The General” himself.
“Honestly, technically he’s probably one of the best on the roster. His power, he’s like a little me,” Jonathan explained ahead of his next fight in Bangkok.
“I’m so proud of him. He had to face all the media for ONE Championship. It’s exciting to watch and I can’t wait for his future. I’m so proud of him for ONE Championship. I know that I will definitely retain the world title.” “
That’s high praise from one of the best pound-for-pound strikers on the planet. But after Freddie, who fights at strawweight, sees what it takes to reach the top, he knows what he has to do to replicate that success.
Inspired by his brother’s brilliant career, he is determined to follow in his footsteps and aim for the top.
“It’s really great to have Jonathan as a brother. He’s been fighting since I was born, so growing up watching him work his way up and rise through the ranks to get to where he is today was great. , always inspired me.” -Old Offered.
Surrounded by those closest to him, including his father and coach John Hagerty Sr., Freddie has been in the family business for as long as he can remember.
Considering Jonathan is a two-sport world champion (he also holds the promotion’s kickboxing belt), there are high expectations on young Freddie’s shoulders. But despite being aware of that fact, the teenage sensibilities remain unperturbed.
Freddie said: “Being Jonathan’s younger brother, there’s always a lot of pressure. There are high expectations, but I’m just here to enjoy my journey.”
“I don’t mind a little pressure. I have a lot more to prove than others, so I can work harder. That makes me more dangerous.”
The older head of the family also gives valuable advice to his disciples. It’s to shut out outside noise and stay focused on his career goals.
“I told him, ‘Don’t worry about what other people think. Just get in there. Mind your own business,'” Jonathan said.
“Well, he’s got to live up to the hype, but I’m confident. He’s going to impress people. He’s going to be great.”
Clearly, the two have a close relationship that benefits both parties, with the “General” standing at the top of the tree while the ambitious younger brother keeps the General’s integrity at his heels.
But they did not try to fight each other. Would you do that?
“He always thinks about having to fight me, sparring-wise. But he knows what’s going to happen,” Jonathan joked.
Freddie took a more pragmatic approach, explaining that he was willing to give up Jonathan’s throne until it was his turn to take the throne.
“Honestly, even if it was an exorbitant amount of money, I would probably say no.” [an offer to fight my brother],” He said.
“If me and John were the same weight, I’d rather he be the champion and I be the No. 1 contender. The way I look at it, I think it’s like we were both kings of this weight class. .People have to get past me to go to him.
“That’s the ideal situation. I’d like it to be that way.”
Watch Haggerty vs. Lobo live at ONE Championship Fight Night Sky Sports Arena Saturday from 1am
