Moroccan Warrior Zakaria El Jamari Ready to Defy the Odds Again at ONE Fight Night

From the streets of Rabat to the renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Zakaria El Jamari's journey has been a relentless battle against adversity. The Moroccan Muay Thai phenom, known for his unwavering resilience, is gearing up for another formidable challenge as he prepares to face Thai sensation Thongpoon PK Saenchai at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova.

Despite his recent setback against Russia's Ali Saldoev in his ONE Championship debut, El Jamari's confidence remains unshaken. After all, overcoming obstacles is a narrative deeply woven into the fabric of his career.

Born in the modest Taqaddoum district of Rabat, El Jamari's raw talent was discovered by a local boxing trainer. At the age of 15, he made a name for himself on the amateur scene with a resounding knockout victory. His rise as one of Morocco's most promising young fighters was meteoric from that point on.

However, life dealt El Jamari a devastating blow when his father passed away, presenting him with the greatest challenge of his life. As the middle child in a family of three boys, the young athlete took on the responsibility of providing for his loved ones. His journey toward a professional career took him to Dubai, where he honed his skills as a trainer before finally realizing his dream of turning pro.

"I always had my eye on becoming a professional fighter," El Jamari once reflected. "I always said to myself, 'I can be a trainer, but I am a champion, not just a trainer.' I have the mentality of a champion."

Indeed, El Jamari possessed the mindset of a champion, embarking on an impressive winning streak. However, another obstacle emerged when he suffered a heartbreaking loss in a World Muaythai Council (WMC) title fight, prompting him to announce his retirement. Fortunately, it was his younger brother Mehdi, also a Muay Thai star, who convinced him to continue his journey.

Now, with his sights set on redemption, El Jamari faces his toughest test yet in the form of the undefeated Thongpoon (79-23). While acknowledging the Thai's formidable skills and home advantage, the Moroccan warrior remains unfazed, drawing strength from his unwavering determination.

"My game plan is to keep the pressure on him and wait for the opening. Whenever he feels the pressure, he'll attack recklessly, and I'll be waiting to capitalize on that," El Jamari declares with conviction. "My feeling is that I will beat him. I think it will be a second-round knockout."

As the lights of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium illuminate the ring, El Jamari's spirit will once again be put to the test. But for this Moroccan warrior, defying the odds has become a way of life, and he is ready to etch his name into the annals of Muay Thai history.

ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova kicks off on Saturday, May 4, at 1:00 a.m. (WET) and will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS.