Chinese fighter Han Zihao faces date with Muay Thai destiny as he faces his idol Nong-O for One world title

Unheralded Chinese fighter Han Zihao stands on the brink of Muay Thai stardom this weekend. All that stands in his way is one of the sport’s greatest-ever warriors.

The 23-year-old from Zhoukou in eastern Henan province concedes that no one would have considered this bout possible as close as 12 months ago, least of all himself.

“Back then this fight was still a dream,” Han said. “I know there are people who say I don’t deserve this fight, that I am too young and I don’t have the experience. On Saturday night I will go out there and I will shut them up.”

Han has been one of the breakout stars of One’s Super Series, an innovative competition of stand-up bouts which started appearing last year alongside action in the organisation’s MMA divisions.

There was a stutter on debut, and a defeat to Cypriot Panicos Yusuf (38-7) that the Chinese fighter put down to stage fright. Since then Han has gone on a 3-0 tear including a first-round TKO of Malaysia’s Azwan Che Wil last time out in November. He’s been the most active fighter on the Super Series roster.

“I underestimated my opponent in that first fight,” Han said, during a break from promotional activities this week in Bangkok. “That was a big lesson for me and I will never do that again. I have grown in strength and confidence and I want to return to China with this title. I want to take my place in history.”

Such an honour has already long been cemented by Nong-O, the 32-year-old fighter who is talked about by fans in hushed almost reverent tones, given his record and the fact that he is a four division Lumpinee champion, the venue considered the sport’s spiritual home.”