‘I Never Lost Faith In Myself’ – Petnamkhong Targets Statement Win Over Maisangkum At ONE Friday Fights 158
The Laotian seeks another big victory when he takes on a tough Thai rival in Bangkok this Friday.
By Fachrul Sidiq
Jun 12, 2026, 02:10 UTC
Three straight losses could have shattered Petnamkhong Sor Maneekhot‘s confidence.
Instead, the 22-year-old Laotian used the difficult stretch as motivation to rebuild his momentum, and now he finds himself back in the winning spotlight with a massive opportunity ahead.
Petnamkhong will face Thai striker Maisangkum Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang in the strawweight Muay Thai main event of ONE Friday Fights 158 on Friday, June 12, live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
The headliner pits two athletes with plenty to gain. Petnamkhong enters riding a two-fight winning streak, while Maisangkum looks to continue his own push toward a coveted ONE Championship contract after compiling a spectacular 7-1 record in the weekly series.
For Petnamkhong, the recent turnaround stems from a complete refusal to abandon belief in his skills during the toughest period of his career.
He explained:
“What got me back on track was that I never lost faith in myself. I still have that fire in me. I just kept focusing on what I needed to do to get back to the ONE stage.
“Skill-wise, I’ve really worked on making my weapons a lot faster than before.”
The technical improvements have already started to pay massive dividends.
In his most recent appearance, Petnamkhong stopped Tonglampoon FA Group in the second round, securing his second straight victory and reinforcing his belief that he is moving in the right direction.
He said:
“Winning two in a row definitely boosts my confidence, but to be fair, I go into every single fight feeling confident. I just make sure never to underestimate my opponent’s weapons.
“My motivation is through the roof right now. I’ve got that fire back thanks to the younger guys at the gym, my older sister, and all the fans cheering me on.”
The previous losing streak also heavily tested Petnamkhong’s connection with his fanbase. While a core group of supporters remained behind him, he admitted criticism became louder as the defeats piled up.
Now, after returning to his winning ways, he has noticed a dramatic difference in the reception he receives from the public.
He said:
“When I lost three in a row, the Lao fans were talking a lot of trash and weren’t really supportive, except for a small group.
“But now that I’ve won two back-to-back, the support has been amazing, and a lot more people are starting to know who I am.”
Petnamkhong Wants To Put Laos On The Global Map
When Petnamkhong Sor Maneekhot meets Maisangkum Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang in the center of the ring, he knows he will be standing across from a different animal than any he has faced before.
With nearly 50 career victories, the dangerous Thai has built a reputation through aggressive striking and knockout power. However, Petnamkhong believes his own dynamic versatility gives him a definitive path to victory.
He explained:
“He’s a puncher and kicker. The dangerous thing about him is that I have to stay completely sharp and composed because I’m the type of fighter who likes to dart in and out quickly.
“As for my advantages, I throw a wider variety of weapons, and I have the edge when it comes to crowd support. I’ve got both Thai and Laotian fans backing me up.”
Petnamkhong’s confidence in his natural power is also backed by hard results.
Three of his victories in ONE Friday Fights have ended inside the distance, including his latest stoppage win over Tonglampoon. So when Maisangkum suggested his punches lacked any real sting, the Laotian phenom had a fiery response ready.
He said:
“He claims my punches aren’t heavy? I’d like to ask him if he’s ever actually tasted one of my shots. He’s never been hit by me, so he has no idea.
“Let’s just settle it in the ring and see whose hands are actually heavier.”
Beyond the immediate matchup, Petnamkhong recognizes the immense opportunity sitting right in front of him.
A victory over Maisangkum would extend his winning streak, strengthen his case for a life-changing US$100,000 contract, and further elevate his growing profile within the promotion. More importantly, Petnamkhong hopes every success he enjoys on the global stage can shine a brighter spotlight on his home country.
He concluded:
“This victory is massive for both of us. He wants a contract, and I want a contract too. I have to get through him to get that life-changing deal. If I beat him, it’s going to skyrocket my name.
“Of course, I want to bring pride to Laos and put my gym on the map. I want the whole world to know that Laotian fighters have what it takes, and I want to show everyone exactly where Laos is on the map.”
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