Aung La N Sang Makes Quick Work Of Ken Hasegawa With Second-Round KO
Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang came good on his promise for a quicker finish in his rematch with Ken Hasegawa, as he put on a phenomenal display to defend his ONE Middleweight World Title.
The Myanmar hero knocked out his Japanese adversary in the second round to cap a dominant performance at ONE: A NEW ERA in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, 31 March.
“The Burmese Python” came out of his corner inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan looking to set up his powerful right kicks, and probed with his jab before drilling his strikes into Hasegawa’s body and head.
In contrast, the Yokohama native seemed more tentative, which allowed Aung La N Sang to press forward.
The Hard Knocks 365 representative followed his foe around the cage as he attempted to cut him off and land punishing blows from his right side. When Hasegawa went on the front foot, he walked into Aung La N Sang’s power hand and quickly retreated.
The Japanese hero appeared to be gaining confidence at the end of the opening stanza and started round two with a swift takedown attempt. However, Aung La N Sang’s hips were too strong, and he remained upright.
Hasegawa, a former DEEP Openweight World Champion, experienced more success with his punches as the seconds ticked by, and he landed his lead hook several times. Undeterred, “The Burmese Python” continued to find his mark with his right kick, and kept clear of his rival’s dangerous straight left.
After escaping from a clinch on the fence, Aung La N Sang made the most of Hasegawa’s increasing forward momentum. He waited for the 32-year-old to lunge in, and then connected with a hard straight right hand to score a decisive knockdown.
The Myanmar sports icon followed up with ground and pound to seal the deal at the 4:41 mark of the second round.
“That’s a metal pipe right there,” he said after the bout, in reference to the decisive strike.
“I’ve been working on it, and [against] a southpaw, that right hand’s always there.”
With the victory, Aung La N Sang pushed his record to 25-10 (1 NC), increased his finishing rate to 92 percent, and successfully defended his ONE Middleweight World Title for the third time.
However, the biggest news to come after the match was the confirmation of his first ONE Light Heavyweight World Title defense.
Following the win, ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera entered the cage to challenge “The Burmese Python” for his other piece of gold.
The Myanmar hero gracefully accepted, and ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong gave the World Champion versus World Champion super-bout his blessing.
If both men get their wish, that clash will take place back in Tokyo at ONE: GREATNESS UNLEASHED this October.
