A significant bout unfolded today at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, where Petchtanong squared off against Yuki Yoza in a contest initially announced as a title eliminator. Both fighters began with caution, taking time to gauge each other`s rhythm and preferred distance. Yoza quickly found his range, delivering sharp calf kicks, while Petchtanong responded with his characteristic powerful middle kicks.
A new addition to Yoza’s strategy was a cunning teep kick, which he skillfully integrated with his calf kicks, effectively keeping Petchtanong guessing and at arm`s length. Petchtanong struggled to defend against these leg attacks, being repeatedly knocked off balance and even stumbling at one point. Sensing this vulnerability, Yoza intensified his assault. While maintaining his focus on leg strikes, he unexpectedly landed a massive left hand, followed by a flurry of punches that sent the Thai fighter crashing to the canvas. Petchtanong barely survived the round, saved by the sound of the bell.
The third round saw a shift in dynamics, becoming much more chaotic. Petchtanong frequently closed the distance, attempting to tie up Yoza and unleashing multiple knee strikes. He received a warning for excessive clinching and was ultimately issued a yellow card as the round drew to a close. Despite the late penalty, all three judges ultimately awarded the victory to the former K-1 champion.
However, unlike his Japanese compatriot Ayaka Miura, who secured a title opportunity against Denice Zamboanga at ONE 173 earlier on the same event, Yoza’s path to a title shot against Jonathan Haggerty does not yet appear to be finalized. Commentary during the event also touched upon the possibility of Yoza potentially facing Superlek in the future.
Oliver Croft 
Jack Thornley