A high-stakes matchup went down today at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, as Petchtanong faced off against Yuki Yoza in what was initially announced as a title eliminator. Both fighters started cautiously, feeling out each other's rhythm and distance. Yoza found his timing early, landing sharp calf kicks, while Petchtanong responded with his signature heavy middle kick.
New to Yoza’s arsenal was a tricky teep that he mixed in with the calf kicks, keeping Petchtanong guessing and at range. Petchtanong struggled to check the kicks and was repeatedly chopped down, even stumbling at one point. Sensing weakness, Yoza stepped up the pressure. Still focused on attacking the legs, he caught Petchtanong off guard with a massive left hand, followed by a flurry of punches that sent the Thai fighter to the canvas. Petchtanong barely survived the round, saved by the bell.
The third round turned scrappy. Petchtanong frequently closed the distance, attempting to tie up Yoza and repeatedly kneeing him. He was warned for excessive clinching and eventually penalized with a yellow card as the round came to a close. In the end, all three judges scored the bout for the former K-1 champion.
Unlike fellow Japanese fighter Ayaka Miura, who secured a title bout against Denice Zamboanga at ONE 173 earlier on the card, Yoza’s title shot against Jonathan Haggerty doesn't seem a done deal yet. The possiblity of Yoza facing Superlek was also discussed on commentary.
