London-based fighter Marie McManamon is gearing up for her anticipated return to ONE Championship, where she will face Selina Flores live on Sky Sports on October 4th.
The former ONE world title challenger, McManamon, is set to clash with WBC Muay Thai world champion Flores at the renowned Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand. This matchup promises to be a significant event for both athletes.
“I`m ready to prove I`m a serious contender. On October 4, I`m not just showing up to fight – I`m showing up to make a statement,” McManamon stated in an interview with Sky Sports.
A Challenging Road to Redemption
McManamon acknowledges the magnitude of the ONE Championship platform, reflecting on her previous bout where she was overcome by atomweight world champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues. Despite the loss, she described the experience as “incredible” and a crucial learning opportunity.
Speaking about her upcoming opponent, Flores, McManamon showed respect: “Selina is a WBC super-bantamweight world champion, she`s competed on huge shows around the world, and she`s a very formidable opponent. I respect her a lot, but I`m ready.”
McManamon also noted a potential advantage: “This is her first fight in four-ounce gloves, and that`s a very different environment. I think that`s where my experience gives me an edge.”
An Exciting Battle Ahead
The Londoner expressed enthusiasm for the fight`s potential, predicting an engaging spectacle for fans. “I think it will be a really exciting match, I think our styles will complement each other to give the fans a thrilling fight. I think this fight has all the ingredients to be exciting. Our styles will push each other and give fans something special to watch.”
Reflecting on her previous challenging bout against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, McManamon highlighted the lessons learned. “It was always going to be a tough fight – that`s what competing at the very top level demands. The four-ounce gloves completely change the game, and one of the biggest lessons for me was that I can`t afford to just stand there and trade.”
However, the experience also reinforced her inner strength. “But what I also discovered about myself is that even in the trenches, when I was asked if I could keep going, I said yes. I didn`t quit. That resilience is something I`m proud of and something I`m carrying into this next chapter.”
Marie McManamon is steadfast in her ambition to become the first woman from the UK to claim a ONE Championship world title, and her upcoming fight against Selina Flores is a crucial step on that journey.
