Jacob Smith insists that the winning decision should have gone his way when he fought ‘The Bosnian Menace’ Denis Puric last April.
The 31-year-old Brit is headed towards a long-desired rematch at ONE 169 with reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon on November 8 at the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand.
But he goes overseas with a hint of bitterness towards the judges’ decision-making in his last fight against former world title challenger Denis Puric.
Speaking to ONE Championship this week, Smith said:
“Mate, I’m not going to slate any official at all. We are human, after all. I get it too, it wasn’t really my best performance either. So, I’m sure I’ll come back better. But yeah, Denis knew he hit the jackpot when he beat me. Because in my opinion, there’s no way that he beat me.”
Before Smith fought ‘The Bosnian Menace,’ the Birkenhead native bounced back from a debut loss to Rodtang in exceptional fashion. In Dec 2023, he showed off his KO capabilities with a first-round finish against top-ranked flyweight and ONE veteran Walter Goncalves.
In his close fight against Puric, Smith demonstrated perseverance and heart, but Puric’s strong beginning may have earned him the decision.
“I’m coming for gold” – Jacob Smith vows for the win as he shows off his new ripped physique on Instagram
Jacob Smith means business as he shows off his impressive physique ahead of his world title clash with Rodtang at ONE 169.
Preparing him for 5 rounds of war, Smith is working with Bad Company striking coach John Gillies – the same renowned coach that also drilled retired ONE bantamweight Muay Thai Hitman’ Liam Harrison.
With a great team behind him, Smith is confident that he’ll be the first man to dethrone Rodtang on November 8.
Giving fans a teaser of his progress, the Muay Thai striker shared his incredible body transformation with the caption on his Instagram saying:
“Less than 5 weeks I’m coming for gold @johngillies123. Thanks to my team and sponsors.”
ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug takes place on November 8 via Prime Video for subscribers in North America.
