‘I’m Gonna Make A Fool Out Of Him’ – Denis Puric Exudes Confidence Ahead Of Kickboxing Showdown With Rodtang
Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric is positive that he’ll soon secure the biggest win of his career against Thai megastar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
That highly anticipated flyweight kickboxing scrap will go down in U.S. primetime on June 7 at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Prime Video, all in front of a wild Thai crowd at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Currently ranked #2 in the crowded flyweight Muay Thai division, the 39-year-old Puric will come into the contest following impressive back-to-back victories and looks to be in the finest shape of his career.
Rodtang, meanwhile, is the long-reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, having established himself as a global fan favorite and one of the most electrifying, charismatic strikers on the planet.
Well aware of his foe’s notoriety, Puric couldn’t be happier to face “The Iron Man” – even though the matchup is a non-title kickboxing bout, rather than a Muay Thai fight:
“I’m excited, that’s all I’m saying. I didn’t mind it when I learned it was kickboxing, three rounds. Buddy, I’m gonna make a fool out of him.”
While Rodtang is beloved for his forward-marching, ultra-aggressive style, Puric possesses the same never-say-die approach and tends to thrive in chaotic brawls.
With that in mind, he says he welcomes Rodtang’s trademark forward pressure and, unlike previous opponents, won’t back down an inch:
“It’s my type of fight. The way he fights, comes forward, aggressive, he likes to get into these brawls – that’s my kind of fight, man. And when I saw it, it reminded me of me, and I’m just like, ‘I need to go and fight this guy.’
“Honestly, I feel that I have more tools than him, especially in kickboxing. His thing is just pressure. He comes forward. He drains guys. He pressures, and guys get scared, but you’ve seen me. I’m not that guy who just sits there and is just scared. I don’t get scared.”
Puric says that Rodtang’s forward pressure – while certainly a fan-friendly style – will ultimately be his undoing.
Confident in his own thunderous punching power and precise counter-strikes, the Bosnian-Canadian is daring Rodtang to taunt him:
“He’s gonna get caught because you know I got them counters, boy, and I’m not like these other guys he’s been getting hit by.
“He’s not gonna be doing this (punches his own face) with me. Do it, let’s go, and I’ll be kicking your jaw right out.”
Ultimately, there’s no doubt in Puric’s mind that he will take out arguably the world’s most famous striker.
He says that Rodtang’s style is too basic – that he’s just too hittable. And without the elbows and clinch attacks that would be available in a Muay Thai bout, Puric is sure “The Iron Man” will look quite human on June 7:
“Come on, he’s so square. There’s nothing but a target there. And he can’t catch me because I move. I don’t get hit a lot. As long as I’m in shape, I’ll be too fast, too strong, and I move. He will not be able to catch me. He just comes forward square.
“I got every tool in the game. I got angles. I got f****** hands for days. There’s no clinch, no elbows? Come on. Watch and enjoy the spectacle. It’s gonna be amazing. It’s gonna be wonderful. It’s time for a new king.”
Denis Puric Targeting Two-Sport Gold
Although Denis Puric has fought exclusively in Muay Thai through five bouts in ONE, rocketing into the official flyweight rankings, he’s quite pleased to be facing Rodtang Jitmuangon in a kickboxing showdown at ONE 167.
After all, Rodtang is the #1-ranked flyweight kickboxing contender in addition to being the current flyweight Muay Thai kingpin.
“The Bosnian Menace” explained how a victory would propel his career one massive step forward:
“I like kickboxing. It opens more doors, right? When I beat him in kickboxing, I’ll be ranked #1 in kickboxing. I’m ranked #2 in Muay Thai. I’m in a good place, man. Nothing but title fights after that! I think I deserve that much.”
Indeed, Puric has a huge opportunity to become a key player in both sports.
With a win over Rodtang, he would stake his claim for a shot at the Thai’s ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title and make his case for a shot at reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
He added:
“After I beat him, I do think that I do deserve [a title shot]. And I think I deserve the title shot at kickboxing as well, after that.”
