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Moroccan Muay Thai star Zakaria El Jamari is in a confident mood ahead of what could be the biggest test of his career so far.
On Saturday morning, the 34-year-old talent will take on his Thai counterpart, Thongpoon PK Saenchai, in a strawweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs Diachkova.
And while neutrals may believe that Thongpoon’s impressive unbeaten ONE record and home advantage make him the favorite, the Moroccan has every reason to relish the underdog label. After all, El Jamari has made a career out of beating the odds.
Born in the Taqaddoum district of Rabat, El Jamari’s skills were spotted by a local boxing trainer. Jamari’s talent was evident early in his career; he defeated his first opponent by knockout at the age of 15.
He quickly established himself as one of Morocco’s most exciting young amateur talents.
But the young El Jamari’s plans to turn professional were dealt a blow when his father passed away, which he describes as the biggest challenge he has ever faced.
The middle child in a family of three boys, El Jamari knew that providing for his family was a priority at this point in his life. The young fighter traveled to Dubai, where he became a trainer and eventually turned professional.
“I always had my eye on becoming a professional fighter,” he once said in an interview. “I always said to myself: ‘I can be a trainer, but I am a champion, not just a trainer.’ I have the mentality of a champion.”
El Jamari would enjoy a long winning streak before another challenge presented itself.
A loss in a World Muaythai Council (WMC) title fight shocked him. Soon after, he announced his retirement. However, El Jamari’s younger brother Mehdi – who is also a Muay Thai star – convinced him to change his mind.
Read also: Morocco’s Zakaria El Jamari Faces Second Test in ONE Championship in May
And while the Moroccan recently lost his debut fight to Russia’s Ali Saldoev, he is confident that he can bounce back – because that is what has done throughout his career. Since his fight with Ali Saldoev , El Jamari says he has been working to be in perfect shape for his next shot at redemption.
There is no doubt in El Jamari’s mind that Thongpoon (79-23) will be a big challenge. But heading into Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, the Moroccan is also confident that he has what it takes to overcome adversity.
“My game plan is to keep the pressure on him and wait for the opening. Whenever he feels the pressure, he’ll attack recklessly and I’ll be waiting to capitalize on that. My feeling is that I will beat him. I think it will be a second round knockout.”
The Sundell vs. Diachkova ONE Fight Night 22 kicks off on Saturday, May 4 at 1:00am (WET) and will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS.
