Known as `The Iron Man`, Rodtang Jitmuangnon is widely considered one of the toughest competitors in fight sports. This Muay Thai superstar is an elite striker, recognized globally. His confidence in his durable chin is such that he`s famous for lowering his guard to provoke and absorb opponents` strikes.
However, British challenger Jacob Smith aims to prove that even the fighter dubbed `the man that can`t be beat` is, in fact, vincible. The highly anticipated contest will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Smith previously faced Rodtang in 2022 and suffered a defeat. This weekend marks their rematch, scheduled for five rounds, for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship. Due to Rodtang missing the weight limit, the title will only be contested by Smith.
Fighting in Bangkok at the iconic Lumpinee stadium, Smith expressed confidence in his ability to overcome the home crowd favorite this time.
“Everyone thinks I`m going to lose. I absolutely love that,” Smith told Sky Sports, embracing his role as the underdog. “I can`t wait to prove everybody wrong.”
“When I do win, that`s when I can change my family`s lives,” he continued.
Smith acknowledged Rodtang`s reputation: “I think he`s perceived as a man that can`t be beat. The Iron Man. Which he is… He does live up to his name. But I`m here to take that crown off him.”
Smith knows that Rodtang will treat him as a threat. Reflecting on their first encounter, Smith noted that Rodtang took him seriously, not engaging in showboating or offering free shots. “He didn`t come at me with his hands down [in the first fight], he didn`t give me any free shots… he took me seriously which I`m expecting him to do again. Because if he doesn`t he`s in for a shock,” the Briton said.
He feels the 2022 fight, his first at that elite level, first in ONE, and first away from home, was a lot of firsts for him. “When I first fought him in 2022, it definitely wasn`t the right time to fight him then but I did it anyway.”
Smith emphasized skill over just toughness: “It`s not a competition about how tough you are. It`s about how good you are.”
Describing his approach, Smith stated, “I`ve got a very exciting style. I come to win. I come to entertain.” He plans to maintain this style but with “a little bit more patience and a little bit better fight IQ and just smarter work.”
Ultimately, Smith is ready: “I back myself against anybody on the planet with two arms, two legs and the same weight as me. I`m coming to cause an upset.”
