One Championship to Promote Boxing, Signs WBC Champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai

The Singapore-based mixed martial arts promotion announced on Monday that it has signed WBC flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai to defend his title on an Oct. 6 card in Bangkok, Thailand. The event, entitled One “Kingdom of Heroes,” will take place at Impact Arena.

Rungvisai does not yet have an opponent for the card. The event, which in addition to boxing will include MMA and muay Thai bouts, will be held in a ring. One Championship will co-promote Rungvisai’s bout with Nakornloung Promotion.

“It is my honor and my pleasure to see some of the greatest martial artists on the planet compete in One Championship,” One Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said in a release. “The thing that makes ONE Championship different from any other organization in the world, is that we want to build and unleash martial arts superheroes to ignite the world with inspiration, hope, dreams, strength, and courage. This coming October, Thailand will host the biggest event in martial arts history as talented athletes from boxing, mixed martial arts and muay Thai will join together under one roof in celebrating Asia’s greatest cultural treasure. ONE Championship will create an indelible legacy on Oct. 6.”

Rungvisai became a star in boxing thanks to back-to-back victories in 2017 over Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, who was regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time. He last fought in February, taking a decision over Juan Estrada to run his record to 45-4-1. Before competing under the One banner, Rungvisai is scheduled to face Gil Bae in Thailand on July 21.

“I am happy and honored to take part in this historical One Championship's event,” Rungvisai said. “I was at One Championship's event in Bangkok earlier this year, and it blew my mind with its world class production, entertainment, and fights. I would also like to thank everyone who made this possible. With One Championship opening its doors for athletes like me to showcase our talent on the global stage, it means a lot. This is a new challenge, and I love challenges. I am looking forward to defend my WBC World title belt in One Championship.”