Resilience and forward pressure carried Khundet PK Saenchai to a majority decision win over Kiwthong TKD Muaythai in their bantamweight Muay Thai co-main event clash at ONE Friday Fights 174 in Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, October 9.
It was all gas and no brakes from the opening bell of this Asia primetime fixture, with Kiwthong breaking through his foe with right hands down the middle. The 21-year-old PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative tried to break through in return, but the former used push kicks to launch him across the ring.
Photo Credit: ONE Championship
The telling moment of the opening frame came when both fighters clashed in a fiery exchange, and Khundet pierced Kiwthong’s eye with an elbow. Round two got off to a similar start.
Kiwthong hammered in punches from the back foot as Khundet marched forward, chin tucked to his chest, absorbing the shots. Once the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym product closed the distance, a right hand laid Kiwthong down. He, however, made the count and survived the stanza.
In the third canto, Khundet came out looking for the finish. But the durable 21-year-old Kiwthong kept sending hands back, ripping punches to the body and head that made the Thai wilt. Neither man folded entirely under the pressure, trading at full intensity until the final bell.
In the end, two of the three judges sided with Khundet, who earned his 65th win.
Photo Credit: ONE Championship
ONE Friday Fights 174 Full Results:
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Khundet PK Saenchai defeats Kiwthong TKD Muaythai via majority decision (Muay Thai – bantamweight)
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Pet Sitchalongsak defeats Singharat SitKhuntab via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – featherweight)
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Petmanee PK Siamaxmpservice defeats D-Max Krutik MS Sport Thailand via TKO at 2:41 of round one (Muay Thai – flyweight)
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Petubon Sor Teanchai defeats Sudsab Sor Sasiwat via TKO at 1:52 of round two (Muay Thai – flyweight)
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Philemon Bitrus Jeb defeats Bat-Ireedui Ganbaatar via unanimous decision (MMA – featherweight)
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Chabakaew Sor KanJanchai defeats Yana Yip via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – atomweight)
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Naoki Morita defeats Omar El Morabet via unanimous decision (kickboxing – featherweight)