His fast progress was considerably halted when dropping the title to Okay Rae Yoon by way of determination final yr, however responded in the absolute best manner by instantly reclaiming the gold in August – this time he didn’t put issues within the fingers of the judges, counting on a barrage of knees to cease issues within the second spherical.
The person born to a preventing household, his sister Angela is one other ONE world champion, is now prepared – each mentally and bodily – to maneuver up in weight and goal one other title.
“Going into this fight, I feel that my cardio is better than it’s ever been,” he stated. “I really really feel like I’m in the perfect form that I’ve been in up to now. I believe it’s straightforward to make the error once you’re transferring up a weight division, to simply merely placed on the scale, to placed on the additional weight, after which to neglect the cardio.
“I took some time to put on extra weight so that when I did step up the training, and when I did start doing my cardio, I would be able to be in the same shape I was fighting for the lightweight title as I’m going to be for the welterweight title.”
Lee says that is the battle which is sensible, and is assured of claiming the title, after which letting his physique modify to the transfer as much as 185lbs.
“I consider it’s about two years since [Abbasov] defended the welterweight title. I’ve been actively clearing out the light-weight division. So proper now, there isn’t a clear contender, and with there being no battle within the light-weight or welterweight division, it solely is sensible to place the 2 champions collectively.
“When I claim the title, that’s when I take the time to fully make the switch and adjust my weight and adjust my training to be comfortable fighting at 185.”
Assamov (23-5), has himself tried to make the transfer up a division – failing to say the middleweight crown earlier this yr following a 3rd spherical stoppage in opposition to Reinier de Ridder – and is trying ahead to welcoming Lee to the welterweights, however believes will probably be a tricky night time for his opponent.
“Christian is a good opponent,” he stated. “He is a good, explosive fighter, but I know his weaknesses and I am not a guy from his division – the rules are different here.”
With the rise in Lee’s weight for this battle, Assamov is eager to see how the bounce displays on his cardio – one thing the Kyrgyzstan fighter’s wrestling is completely fitted to.
“As you realize, I desire to not rely solely on my wrestling. If he’ll really feel like buying and selling punches, he’s welcome. That’s what we love to do.
“But if he feels brave enough to wrestle then I can take him to deep waters, and we will see who has more oxygen.”ONE Struggle Evening 4: Abbasov vs. Lee takes place Saturday November 19 5am GST on the Singapore Indoor Stadium Area, Singapore. This can be a night time to not be missed so mark your calendars, obtain the ONE Tremendous App, and go to observe.onefc.com now!
