THE knives have been out for Jonathan Haggerty for a long time.
But they were at their razor-sharpest after his devastating defeat to Superlek in their eagerly-anticipated rematch last September.
Brit Jonathan Haggerty is one of the biggest names in the world of Muay Thai and kickboxing[/caption]
The General’s accolades and large followings have put a big target on his back[/caption]
Many relished his stoppage defeat to Superlek last September[/caption]
Haggerty takes the vitriol that comes his way on social media as a compliment[/caption]
Just seconds after ‘The General’ was felled by a beautifully-timed counter elbow, the trolls and critics began crucifying him on social media.
They took extreme pleasure in his downfall and relinquishing of the ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai title.
Haggerty noticed those rejoicing at the end of his reign as a simultaneous two-sport world champion and has a theory for the public displays of schadenfreude.
In an exclusive with SunSport, he said: “There’s always gonna be some haters.
“But we take it as a massive compliment. We must be doing something right.
“But maybe it’s down to, I don’t know if it’s jealousy. No I wouldn’t say jealousy.
“But I’m probably at the place there where everyone wants to be and I’ve got what everybody wants and that’s the title.
“So maybe that might be the target really.”
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Haggerty has thick skin but admits seeing so many people taking pleasure in his Denver defeat to Superlek is somewhat disheartening.
He said: “Maybe [it’s] because I’m doing well that people are waiting for my downfall,” he theorised.
“It’s a shame, really, because I feel like I put everything into this sport.
“And for people to be waiting on my downfall is a little bit upsetting, but it is what it is.
“All I can do is just focus on myself and be the best person that I can be.
“And that’s what I’m doing right now, just focusing on myself.”
As much as he’s focusing on himself, Haggerty can’t help but think of getting one over Superlek at the third time of asking.
On the Thai’s bid to take his kickboxing strap, he said: “Superlek is definitely on my radar for sure.”
Haggerty will bid to return to the win column on Thursday afternoon in the main event of ONE 171 in Qatar, where he’ll make the maiden defence of his kickboxing 145lbs belt against Wei Rui.
And he’s determined to get back in the winning ways with a quick night at the office.
“[When] I’ve been sleeping, and it actually sounds funny, but I’m actually throwing punches in my sleep and I’m visioning how it’s gonna go,” he said of his clash with the Chinese kickboxer.
“And round two is what I would put my money on. Obviously I don’t like to call round.
“But I’ve got a good feeling about this one, so stay tuned.”
