Ever since Chingiz “Chinga” Allazov‘s bump in the road in his ONE Championship debut, the Azerbaijani-Belarusian striker has been on a journey to prove that he is the greatest featherweight kickboxer in the world.
Now, his fantastic run of form will meet its ultimate test on Friday, January 13.
Allazov, the ONE featherweight kickboxing world grand prix champion, will challenge the legendary Superbon Singha Mawynn for the ONE featherweight kickboxing world title in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 6, which takes place at the Impact Arena in his rival’s hometown of Bangkok, Thailand.
There’s no comparing the man who arrived in ONE Championship 20 months ago to the world title challenger he has become.
When Allazov entered the organization in April 2021, fans were intrigued about the striker’s promotional debut. Many assumed he would make a statement immediately, but few could’ve predicted the outcome waiting for him against Enriko Kehl, who beat “Chinga” by unanimous decision.
The performance failed to reflect the talents of the man who holds multiple one-night K-1 tournament victories at the legendary Super Saitama Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as well as various other kickboxing titles.
After discovering that ONE Championship is a different creature altogether, the Azerbaijani-Belarusian returned the following October against three-time muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Samy Sana in the ONE featherweight kickboxing world grand prix quarterfinals – and shades of “Chinga” began to reappear.
In just 39 seconds, Allazov reintroduced himself to the masses, stopping Sana for the very first time with a body shot. As far as responses go to his debut loss, it was perfect.
With the victory, the reenergized veteran punched his ticket into the semifinals, where he met fellow decorated striker “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut.
Ultimately, Nattawut met the same fate as Sana. Allazov collected his second consecutive first-round KO win by blitzing the Thai powerhouse, dropping him twice, and rendering him unable to answer the referee’s 10-count.
The victory took “Chinga” into the tournament finale at ONE X this past March, where a ferocious featherweight and old foe named Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong awaited. And with the prestigious grand prix silver belt and a shot at the ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion on the line, both men gave it their all.
Over three rounds, Allazov put on the sharpest performance of his 65-fight career, outpointing and outstriking the Thai standout. After receiving the unanimous decision nod from the judges, all that’s left for him now is Superbon.
The opportunity that Allazov has grafted toward is only weeks away, as he looks to kickstart his 2023 against the ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion in spectacular fashion.
