As Nong-O Hama prepares for his flyweight Muay Thai rematch against #3-ranked Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 31 on May 3, the Thai legend finds inspiration closer to home. August, his 11-year-old son, has already begun his own Muay Thai journey.
August started competing in 2023 and holds a 1-1 record, training at the prestigious Superbon Training Camp alongside ONE Championship superstars like Johan Ghazali, Khunsuek, and the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superbon.
When asked about watching his son develop as a fighter, Nong-O beamed with pride.
"I feel very happy and proud to see him grow up with my own eyes. And since he likes Muay Thai, and I also teach him myself, that makes me feel even more proud of him," Nong-O.
The former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion was initially anxious about his son's fighting debut but quickly realized August was ready for the challenge:
"Because it was his first time fighting, I was worried and didn't know if he could fight for real or not. Would he be able to withstand being hit? But when I was with him in the ring, I saw his eyes and I was like, 'Oh, he's really ready to fight,'" Nong-O said.
Many observers have noted the striking resemblance between the father and son's fighting styles, something Nong-O acknowledges with a smile.
"Honestly, when I see his fighting style, I feel like I'm watching myself fight. Other people also say the same thing, that this is clearly the kid version of Nong-O," Nong-O said.
As the 38-year-old legend prepares for his upcoming bout, he finds newfound motivation in hoping to inspire his son.
"Of course, I want to become a champion again to inspire my son and to show everyone that a 38-year-old fighter can still win the belt if he trains well enough," Nong-O said.
ONE Fight Night 31 will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 at 5:30 a.m. India Standard Time (IST) on Saturday, May 3.
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