Three losses in a row. Fan criticism piling up. A small group still believing. Petnamkhong Sor Maneekhot held onto that small group and kept training. On Friday night, he gets to show what holding on looked like.
Petnamkhong faces Thai striker Maisangkum Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang in the strawweight Muay Thai main event of ONE Friday Fights 158, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, June 12.
The 22-year-old Laotian enters on a two-bout winning streak that includes a second-round TKO of Tonglampoon FA Group, his most recent outing. Maisangkum carries a 7-1 record in ONE Championship, with four knockouts powered by an explosive left hook to the body that has become his most feared weapon. Both fighters are chasing the US$100,000 main roster contract. Only one can take the bigger step toward it on Friday night.
The three-fight skid did more than dent Petnamkhong’s record. When the losses stacked up, the online criticism from Laotian fans became pointed. A small core stayed loyal. Petnamkhong noticed the difference between both groups and used it.
“What got me back on track was that I never lost faith in myself. I still have that fire in me. I just kept focusing on what I needed to do to get back to the ONE stage,” he said.
“Winning two in a row definitely boosts my confidence, but to be fair, I go into every single fight feeling confident. I just make sure never to underestimate my opponent’s weapons.”
Petnamkhong plans to use weapon variety and crowd support to dismantle Maisangkum on June 12
Petnamkhong Sor Maneekhot has studied Maisangkum and found a clear assessment. The Thai is a puncher and kicker with dangerous output. He also has a specific habit when he goes forward. Petnamkhong’s plan is built around disrupting that rhythm and making Maisangkum pay for every time he reaches.
Beyond the tactical edge, Petnamkhong carries something less quantifiable into this fight. He has the crowd. Thai and Laotian fans alike are behind him, and after watching the support shrink during the losing streak and grow again with the comeback, that energy means something real to him.
“He’s a puncher and kicker. The dangerous thing about him is that I have to stay completely sharp and composed because I’m the type of fighter who likes to dart in and out quickly. As for my advantages, I throw a wider variety of weapons, and I have the edge when it comes to crowd support,” he said.
“This victory is massive for both of us. He wants a contract, and I want a contract too. I have to get through him to get that life-changing deal. If I beat him, it’s going to skyrocket my name. Of course, I want to bring pride to Laos and put my gym on the map. I want the whole world to know that Laotian fighters have what it takes.”
