Jarvis On Eersel Rematch After Year Of Rebuilding

George Jarvis stepped away from an immediate rematch on purpose. The English challenger spent a year rebuilding through two opponents who had already felt Regian Eersel's power, and now he returns to Lumpinee Stadium with a sharper style and renewed belief.

Jarvis challenges Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 33 on Friday, October 2, BJPenn.com reports. Their first meeting ended with a first-round knockout last August. The 26-year-old answered with a decision over Sinsamut Klinmee, who twice challenged Eersel for the belt, then knocked out Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong, who went five hard rounds with the champion in a kickboxing title bout earlier this year.

Jarvis Explains Strategic Return To Title Fight

"This is actually what I wanted. I would never have wanted to come straight back and fight Regian after he beat me because physically and mentally, I needed to rebuild," Jarvis said. "But I've come back, I've beaten Sinsamut in good fashion, I've knocked out someone who went five rounds with Regian, and now I feel ready."

Eersel holds a 14-1 promotional record and reigns over both lightweight Muay Thai and kickboxing divisions at ONE. Jarvis respects that resume but believes the Dutchman's kickboxing foundation leaves gaps a traditional Muay Thai fighter can exploit. He noted that Eersel fights more like a kickboxer with strong hands and scoring kicks than a classic Thai stylist.

The champion has twice defended the Muay Thai strap against Sinsamut and weathered five rounds with Rungrawee in kickboxing. Jarvis used those same opponents as measuring sticks, and the results convinced him the timing is right for a second crack at gold.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — George Jarvis rebuilt determination through Sinsamut and Rungrawee before Regian Eersel rematch