Jonathan Di Bella has reached the top of the kickboxing world, and it’s thanks, in large part, to the guidance he has received since childhood from one of the best in the sport.

On Friday, April 5, the Italian-Canadian star looks to defend the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship against divisional Muay Thai king Prajanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Jonathan Di Bella explains the importance of his father

On the day of the match, he will be cornered by the man who has molded him into the fighter he is today – his father, multiple-time kickboxing World Champion Angelo Di Bella. In an interview with ONE, Di Bella said he shares a strong bond with his dad, who has been by his side throughout his combat sports career.

“He’s been my trainer. My only trainer, since I was a little kid, since I was 2 years old. So yeah, we know each other very well, and we work well together,” he said. Training under his father in their family gym, Di Bella quickly rose through the amateur ranks before turning pro at 19.

From there, he continued his winning ways. The Montreal native has now amassed a perfect 12-0 record that includes winning and successfully defending the strawweight kickboxing strap in ONE Championship. Di Bella’s talent is undeniable, and he credits his father for instilling the discipline he needs to thrive at the highest levels of the sport.

“You know, sometimes, obviously, we butt heads. But that’s just father and son at the gym, you know. But we never argue. I always listen to him, whatever he says. Our relationship is great, especially now that I’m still fighting. I still live in his house, so he’s very strict on me,” he said.

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Di Bella emphasizes the problems he had while training

While training with family may appear to be an ideal situation, it’s not always perfect. The trainer-trainee bond can often become strained, and issues may be further complicated if there is a blood connection.

But Di Bella and his father know how to recognize when they have spent enough time together, and this keeps their relationship strong.“The challenge is a lot of repetition and always being together. Sometimes, it’s too much, so that’s why I have other things to do and sometimes get out of the house and separate,” he said.

He further added, “You know, you have other things to do other than fighting, other than work, and other than staying together. So it’s good to separate a bit sometimes. Every day is the same thing, same thing, same thing. So sometimes, you need a break.”

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