BANGKOK: Malaysian striking sensation “Jordan Boy” Mohammed Mahmoud will have his hands full come Friday, Jan 10, 2020 when he faces eight-time Muay Thai World Champion Liam “Hitman” Harrison at ONE: A New Tomorrow from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Heading into his next ONE Super Series contest, the 23-year-old knows exactly what he needs to do to kickstart the year on the right note. Although he’s had his fair share of triumphs and defeats, the experience he’s garnered competing among the best in the world has taught him some invaluable lessons.
Against Harrison, “Jordan Boy” knows he’s up to face a very capable foe. “Liam Harrison is a good and dangerous fighter and I think highly of him,” said Mohammed, adding: “But that doesn’t matter. I’m going in there to give a good show and I’ll do my best to win.”
With over 100 bouts of experience under his belt, Harrison will prove to be a formidable opponent for the Jordanian/Malaysian athlete. “Liam’s experience is indeed an advantage and winning over him will propel me up the rankings,” admitted Mohammed.
Like all good fighters going into a bout, the affable young talent has done his due research.
He’s watched footages of Harrison’s bouts, studied his tendencies, and together with his team at Sampuri Muay Thai Gym in Ampang, come up with a sound game plan heading into the contest.
“After watching his fights, I’d say that his strengths lie in his left hook and low kick,” mused Mohammed, adding: “I’m a hundred percent sure that he’d be using those against me because I notice that he relies on them pretty much to win his matches.”
Suffice to say, the athlete, fresh from his successful outing at the SEA Games recently, plans to start his run in ONE Super Series this year with a bang. A strong performance against Harrison would be the ideal scenario, but it’s winning at any cost that is his true objective.
A victory here would set Mohammed down the right path, and help put him among the top in the rankings. But he’s adamant not to just win, but win emphatically to send a message to the rest of the competition. “I’d love to knock him out,” exclaimed the athlete emphatically. “I’ll do my best to finish the match but I’ll also make sure that I lead the scoreboards as a precaution.”
Fully aware that he’s due for a good showing, Mohammed wants to ensure that he pulls out all the stops in order to make his fans proud. He’s duly stirred to lay it all out on the line. “I’m going in there and will give everything I have to win,” said Mohammed, before concluding softly: “I want to be victorious in my first match of 2020 — for my family, ONE Championship, and my fans who have always been there supporting me.”