WBC champ Rungvisai not underestimating unknown Mexican foe

NONTHABURI, Thailand – Fighters were all smiles during a few rounds of shadowboxing on Wednesday’s open workout here for ONE Championship's first ever boxing match set for October.

Less than two months from now will be a different story though, according to WBC super flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who will headline ONE's "Kingdom of Heroes" card in Bangkok this October.

"I think Diaz is a great fighter. I don't think it will be an easy fight at all," Rungvisai told reporters through a translator, referring to upcoming foe Iran "MagnifiKO" Diaz.

Diaz, 14-2-3, goes first pic.twitter.com/fF3PPlHb2d

— Jonathan de Santos (@desamting) August 28, 2018

The Thai champion likewise described Diaz as "having a difficult style."

"But I will give it all in the gym and that will take care of itself," he added.

Rungvisai, who sports a 46-4-1 record (with 41 knockouts) and is considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, is facing a relatively unknown fighter in Diaz, who totes a 14-2-3 slate (with 2 KOs).

The Mexican fighter, though, rejected the idea that the match — touted by ONE Championship as the first of its caliber in Thailand — is just tune-up fight for the champion.

"Do not mistake my smile for my fighting ability," he said, also through an interpreter. "On October 6, you will see it differently."

Srisaket, 46-4-1, is noticeably faster and, wow, 41 of those 46 wins were by KO pic.twitter.com/hFlUN04iWr

— Jonathan de Santos (@desamting) August 28, 2018

Diaz, who is on a four-win streak, described himself as a "very intelligent fighter," adding that he is "preparing very well for Srisaket."

Helping with those preparations is four-division champion and fellow Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

For his part, Rungvisai promised that his belt will never leave Thailand.

The two will fight at the Bangkok's Impact Arena on October 6.

Fighters on the card, including atomweight Rika "Tinydoll" Ishige, hold their open workout; main event fighters in a bit pic.twitter.com/Zq8u1yeqYC

— Jonathan de Santos (@desamting) August 28, 2018