Petchmorakot Victorious In Historic World Title Clash
Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy is leaving Jakarta, Indonesia with his name etched in the ONE Championship history books.
The 25-year-old defeated Pongsiri PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym by unanimous decision at ONE: WARRIOR’S CODE to become the first-ever ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion on Friday, 7 February.
It was clear at the opening bell of the main event at the Istora Senayan that Petchmorakot had a distinct height and reach advantage, and he used it effectively with assertive jabs and push kicks.
As he eased into the first frame, he added his left cross and left high kick to the mix and scored with a clean teep to the face of his foe. The PK.Saenchai MuayThaiGym representative, on the other hand, struggled to find a way inside.
The Petchyindee Academy standout’s jab-cross found the mark to start round two, and he pummeled his rival with left kicks to the body and head. Pongsiri had some success when he caught the kick and countered, but Petchmorakot stepped on the gas and came forward with hard-left knees to the body.
The Ubon Ratchathani native grew in confidence as the bout wore on, and he worked punishing left kicks and knees behind his piston-like jab. Pongsiri tried to swing with his looping right hand, but he was kept at bay with the long, straight punches and push kicks of his taller adversary.
The PK.Saenchai MuayThaiGym athlete let off some right low kicks, but he ate punches and knees every time he stepped forward to engage.
There was no shortage of desire from both men going into the championship rounds. However, Petchmorakot’s dominance continued in round four, and he added elbows to his offense to rack up more damage on his compatriot.
Pongsiri called his opponent on but could only swing and miss with his wild overhand rights, while his rival landed with his left knee, kick, and uppercut behind his jab.
Petchmorakot knew he was on the home stretch in round five, and he stuck to his tried-and-tested formula. He pounded the 29-year-old slugger with his jab-cross, damaged his body with left kicks and knees, and maintained the range with his push kicks.
A visually-pleasing sweep from Pongsiri sent his rival crashing to the canvas, but it was not enough to rescue the round, and Petchmorakot cruised to victory after 15 minutes of action.
The Bangkok resident added the fifth World Title to his collection, and he pushed his record to a phenomenal 160-35-2.
“I would like to pay my respect to my opponent. He is a very good guy and tough fighter,” Petchmorakot said after the bout.
“I’m ready for every fighter in ONE Championship.”
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