His fast progress was considerably halted when dropping the title to Okay Rae Yoon by way of determination final 12 months, however responded in the absolute best means by instantly reclaiming the gold in August – this time he didn’t put issues within the palms 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 battle, I really feel that my cardio is healthier than it’s ever been,” he mentioned. “I really really feel like I’m in the very best form that I’ve been in up to now. I believe it’s simple to make the error if you’re shifting up a weight division, to only merely placed on the dimensions, to placed on the additional weight, after which to neglect the cardio.
“I took a while to placed on further weight in order that once I did step up the coaching, and once I did begin doing my cardio, I’d be capable of be in the identical form I used to be preventing for the light-weight 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.
“After I declare the title, that’s once I take the time to completely make the swap and modify my weight and modify my coaching to be snug preventing at 185.”
Assamov (23-5), has himself tried to make the transfer up a division – failing to assert the middleweight crown earlier this 12 months 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 troublesome night time for his opponent.
“Christian is an effective opponent,” he mentioned. “He is an effective, explosive fighter, however I do know his weaknesses and I’m not a man from his division – the foundations are totally different right here.”
With the rise in Lee’s weight for this battle, Assamov is eager to see how the soar 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 when he feels courageous sufficient to wrestle then I can take him to deep waters, and we’ll see who has extra oxygen.”ONE Combat Night time 4: Abbasov vs. Lee takes place Saturday November 19 5am GST on the Singapore Indoor Stadium Area, Singapore. It is a night time to not be missed so mark your calendars, obtain the ONE Tremendous App, and go to look at.onefc.com now!
