ONE 173: “I’m going to let these young lions take over”

“The Bosnian Threat” Denis Puric of Canada and Bosnia has fully explained his decision to focus on kickboxing at this stage of his career.

The 40-year-old developed a huge fan base in “The Art of Eight Limbs” for his aggressive style and unwavering attitude.

However, Puric acknowledged that Muay Thai is a young man’s sport and the physical realities of competing against younger opponents have taken their toll on him.

In an exclusive ONE Championship interview, Puric explained why he would prefer to pursue his career in kickboxing:

“So I’m going to let these young lions take over the Muay Thai world and I’m going to try to get that kickboxing title.”

The rules also play an important role in Puric’s decision. Muay Thai fights in the Land of Martial Arts are fought with four-ounce gloves, with elbows allowed and clinches allowed.

Younger, fresher athletes who can absorb punishment better certainly have an advantage.

Although Puric can still compete with the best of them, kickboxing’s heavier gloves, limited clinches and lack of elbow strikes appeal to him more now in his 40s. After all, competitive longevity is now his main goal.

Puric will face second contender Takeru Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173 on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Follow Sportskeeda MMA and ONE Championship for the latest news on Puric’s kickboxing pursuit.

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Denis Puric says heavy losses served as a wake-up call

Things haven’t gone Denis Puric’s way lately as he has struggled against elite competition.

His devastating loss to Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi last March was the nail in the coffin, and the 40-year-old veteran knew he had to change his approach.

“The Bosnian Threat” told ONE Championship:

“I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I was 40. So, I kind of had a wake-up call with the last fight, and I was like, ‘I’m just going to take my time, man.’ I’m going to retire, recover, focus on the gym and stop rushing into fights. »