The all-British rivalry between two-sport ONE Bantamweight World Champion Jonathan Haggerty and Muay Thai legend Liam Harrison has reached its boiling point in recent months.
The pair have exchanged verbal barbs at an increasing frequency, leaving fans dreaming of a showdown between two of the United Kingdom’s top fighters.
Before we get too excited, however, both men have got their hands full for now. First up is Harrison, who faces Katsuki Kitano at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video on June 7.
ONE 167 on Prime Video is coming to you live in U.S. primetime on June 7, featuring a World Title showdown between Tawanchai and Jo Nattawut, the return of Rodtang, Kade Ruotolo’s highly anticipated MMA debut, Mikey Musumeci’s quest for revenge against Gabriel Sousa, and MORE 🤯… pic.twitter.com/um1j07UPUS
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Provided he walks out of Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena unscathed, “The Hitman” is also booked to face Seksan Or Kwanmuang in a dream “legend vs. Legend" battle at ONE 168: Denver on September 6.
Haggerty will also be in action in Denver, United States where “The General” defends his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against flyweight kickboxing divisional king Superlek Kiatmoo9, setting the stage for a potential confrontation with Harrison at the Ball Arena.
Should both men overcome their upcoming opponents, there could be a massive reward awaiting them.
Chatri Sityodtong teases blockbuster Jonathan Haggerty-Liam Harrison showdown
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong is also dreaming of a showdown between Jonathan Haggerty and Liam Harrison.
Speaking to the Fight Disciples Podcast ahead of ONE 167, Sityodtong detailed his vision for the
potential blockbuster fight. “We’re coming to the U.K. with a massive event,” he said.
“I have talked to both Liam Harrison and Jonathan Haggerty about having them fight each other at Wembley, right. So, whether it’s Wembley Arena or Wembley Stadium, who knows, it depends on our popularity in that moment. They are truly the world’s best. That would be an epic, epic fight for the World Title. Jonathan Haggerty vs. Liam Harrison. Everybody in the U.K. would go nuts.”
No details have been revealed for ONE’s possible on-ground debut in the U.K. London’s Wembley Stadium is England’s sporting Mecca, having hosted some of the country’s biggest sporting events including a number of marquee boxing bouts.
The stadium boasts a capacity of more than 90,000, while the Wembley Arena next door is London’s second largest indoor stadium, with a capacity of 12,500.