Time stops for no fighter, but Petchtanong Petchfergus isn’t ready to surrender to Father Time just yet. The 39-year-old Thai veteran stands at the crossroads of his career, with one last shot at glory beckoning and a dangerous Japanese prospect standing directly in his path.
This Friday, July 18, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, Petchtanong faces his moment of truth against Yuki Yoza at ONE Friday Fights 116. For the former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, this isn’t just another fight – it’s potentially the beginning of his final run or the end of his title dreams altogether.
The #3-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender has been absent from competition for a full year, but his return couldn’t come at a more crucial time. Victory over Yoza could fast-track him straight into a title shot against Jonathan Haggerty, while defeat might signal the end of his championship aspirations.
“I know this fight means a lot to both me and him because the winner [could] get a chance to fight for the gold against Jonathan Haggerty. Personally, I’m already looking ahead,” Petchtanong said.
But confidence alone won’t be enough against Yoza, the 27-year-old former K-1 Champion who announced his arrival in ONE Championship with devastating authority. The Japanese striker’s promotional debut in May was nothing short of spectacular, dismantling previously undefeated Russian Elbrus Osmanov and immediately establishing himself as a legitimate threat in the division.
Petchtanong has been studying that performance, but he has something even more valuable: firsthand experience. The Thai southpaw has sparred with Yoza before, giving him intel that most opponents can only dream of having.
“Yuki is a very skilled fighter. He’s very quick and agile. He’s quite good. The fight where he debuted in ONE and ended Elbrus Osmanov’s undefeated streak showed that he’s incredibly fit, strong, and durable,” Petchtanong said.
“I already have a plan to deal with Yuki. First, I won’t underestimate him. I’ll be careful shot-for-shot and defend well, especially against his tricky leg kicks and his fast punches, because when we sparred, I saw how fast his punches were.”
The age gap between the two fighters tells only part of the story. While Yoza brings youth and explosive power, Petchtanong counters with something that can’t be taught in any gym: championship experience and the polished skills that come from decades of elite competition.
His three-fight winning streak, capped by a devastating second-round TKO of former titleholder Alaverdi Ramazanov, proves that reports of his decline have been greatly exaggerated. The Thai veteran’s counter-striking ability and ring intelligence remain as sharp as ever, weapons that have served him well throughout his lengthy career.
But Petchtanong knows this fight represents more than just another opportunity – it might be his last real chance at reclaiming the championship he once held. At 39, the window for elite competition is closing rapidly, and he’s determined to make the most of whatever time remains.
“Even though I’m 39 years old now, I always believe in myself that I can be a ONE World Champion again before I retire from fighting because I take very good care of myself like a professional athlete,” he said.
“That’s my last goal before I quit fighting.”
