Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, has been hitting the red carpet at film premieres, and he’s not just there for the popcorn. The dude is openly teasing a possible acting career, a revelation that drops just weeks before his huge title defense against former champ Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17. Talk about a curveball!
Hollywood Calling for “The General”?
Haggerty’s made a habit of putting on a show in the ring, but lately, he’s been putting on a suit, too. He hit the London premiere for *From the World of John Wick: Ballerina* last June and then walked the carpet again for *Giant*, the biopic about boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed, this past January. These weren’t just casual outings. Haggerty straight up said, “I’m enjoying going to all these premieres, so if there’s a day I get the offer to become part of a big movie, I’d never say never.” He even added that he’d “love to be part of a big Hollywood movie” and thinks he’d “thrive.” This isn’t just about fame for him, either. He sees it as a moment to “realize just how far I’ve made it in life,” a real statement from a multi-time World Champion.
Rubbing shoulders with actors and industry bigwigs has clearly left an impression on “The General.” He loves the different vibe, saying, “It’s been great for me. It’s been good to rub shoulders with these people and interact , it’s just a different side to everything.” For a guy where fighting “comes naturally,” he’s clearly digging this whole new experience. Who wouldn’t want to chat it up with movie stars after knocking out opponents in front of thousands? It’s a different kind of confidence, for sure.
Haggerty’s Dream Role and Biopic
Watching Prince Naseem’s story on the big screen clearly got Haggerty thinking about his own incredible journey. From humble beginnings in London to racking up multiple World Championships in both Muay Thai and kickboxing across different divisions, his life story is definitely movie-worthy. When asked about a biopic, he was all in: “One million percent , I’d be happy to have one about my career when I call it a day.” He thinks it should focus on “my rise to the World Championship.” As for who plays him? He’s got a name: “Daniel Craig will be the perfect guy who can play my role.” He even wants his younger brother, Freddie, in the film as “the younger version of myself,” which is pretty cool considering Freddie Haggerty also dipped his toes into combat sports after starting in London’s West End. And the ending? A “knockout,” of course.
So, before Jonathan Haggerty steps into the Ariake Arena to defend his gold against Hiroki Akimoto on October 17, he’s given us a massive peek into his future plans. This isn’t just about holding onto his belt now, is it? It’s about setting up what comes next. What a storyline!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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