Di Bella Says Wang Deserves a Title Shot After Prajanchai Upset

Jonathan Di Bella, the reigning ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion, says Wang Junguang has earned a shot at his belt. Wang beat strawweight Muay Thai champion Prajanchai Pongsuphan PK by split decision in the main event of The Inner Circle 35 on October 16 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Wang, a 31-year-old from China known as "The Warrior," was back after six years away and moved to 31-7. He pushed forward with lead-leg teeps, unorthodox footwork, body shots and knees, while Prajanchai answered with body kicks and uppercuts.

Di Bella, an Italian-Canadian from Montreal, told onefc.com he had the fight 3-0 for Wang. "He looked good. It looks like he was hungry, and he wants to get a title shot," he said. Of Prajanchai he said: "I didn't see him in that shape. It didn't look like the old Prajanchai."

An old fight that never happened

The two were once booked to meet, but the bout was canceled during COVID-19 because of flight and quarantine problems. "We were supposed to fight once, like a long time ago, during COVID-19," Di Bella said. Wang fought for a ONE title in December 2019, when he challenged Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS.

"He beat Prajanchai, and I guess he deserves it," Di Bella said of a title shot for Wang. Asked about his next opponent in general, he said: "It doesn't matter who is in front of me. I gotta get the job done."

He also predicted how a meeting would end. "I do think somebody's going to get knocked out in this fight. And it's not going to be me."

Source: ONE Championship