Thailand-based Queenslander Tyson Harrison has landed another huge opportunity, this time at ONE Friday Fights 18.
The rising Muay Thai star has been elevated to the headline slot alongside Thai heavy-hitter Pongsiri PK Saenchai at the blockbuster show set for May 26 at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
It’s been a meteoric rise in 2023 for 22-year-old Harrison, as the promotion showed its faith in him by squaring him off against four-time former Muay Thai World Champion Seksan Or Kwanmuang on debut in January.
“John Wayne Noi” wasn’t fazed by the task, however, standing toe-to-toe with the vastly experienced Seksan for the full three rounds and even dropping the Thai champion in the second. While he came up short when the split decision was announced, Harrison won over the ONE faithful with his display of heart.
It didn’t get any easier for Harrison in his sophomore appearance. Just two months after his wild debut, the Corporate Box Valley representative faced former two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Rambo Mor Rattanabandit.
This time, Harrison made sure that the judges were not required.
After two back-and-forth rounds, the Aussie put his foot down in the third to overwhelm Rambo with heavy punch combinations.
A hard right hand sent Rambo crashing to the canvas in the dying seconds of the bout, forcing the referee to wave off the contest and send the bloodied Harrison into an emotional celebration as he netted his first win on the global stage.
At ONE Friday Fights 18, however, Harrison faces another monumental task in the form of Pongsiri.
Pongsiri is a veteran of a staggering 205 professional fights with four Muay Thai World Titles and two prestigious Lumpinee Boxing Stadium World Championships to his credit.
The 32-year-old has been a staple of the ONE roster since 2020 and even challenged for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title against Petchmorakot Petchyindee that same year, albeit unsuccessfully.
The PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym athlete was last seen at ONE Friday Fights 2 in January, when he outpointed Turkish striker Ferzan Cicek.
Pongsiri will make the perfect dance partner for Harrison, as he brings an ultra-aggressive and forward-moving style not dissimilar to that of Seksan and Rambo.
Harrison made the move to the Muay Thai heartland in his late teens to train at the famous Tor Sangtiennoi Gym after building a name for himself on the Australian circuit.
The remainder of the ONE Friday Fights 18 card is still to be announced.
