Petchmorakot Humbled By Historic Achievement
On Friday, 7 February at ONE: WARRIOR’S CODE, Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy made history when he became the first ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion.
The Bangkok native delivered a tremendous performance to earn a unanimous decision victory over his Thai compatriot Pongsiri PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Petchmorakot was set to face Jamal “Kherow” Yusupov until an injury forced the Russian ace to withdraw at the last minute.
Despite having to adjust to a new opponent on short notice, the Petchyindee Academy representative showed great composure to outpoint his fearsome Thai rival over five rounds.
“The first round was really relaxed. I was confident I’d win. There was no way I was going to lose this fight, but he was coming forward and wouldn’t give up,” Petchmorakot said.
“I couldn’t knock him out, but I could win on points. My shots were cleaner.”
Instead of relying on his elbows like he had planned to against Yusupov, the Thai changed strategies and used pinpoint jabs to attack and soften up his foe en route to the unanimous decision win.
The Petchyindee Academy representative was not only happy to win the World Title, but also to showcase his ability to adapt to a new game plan.
“I felt like I did a good job. I’ve improved a lot in terms of keeping busier and more active,” he explained.
“It was my first time fighting a Thai outside of Thailand. It meant a lot because win or lose, the title was going to stay in Thailand. This was a great opportunity for the Thai people.”
After having the opportunity to display the power and skill of Muay Thai on the global stage, Petchmorakot plans to return home to Ubon Ratchathani.
It will be a short but well-deserved break before the 25-year-old resumes training for his first World Title defense.
“I will go back to my hometown, visit my family, and pay respect to the monks and ask Buddha for luck. Then, I’ll come back to the camp and train,” he explained.
“I have to say thank you to everyone who supported me. I also have to say thank you for every opinion – good or bad. I will remember all these comments and improve myself.”
Up next, The Home Of Martial Arts returns to action on 28 February for ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Petchmorakot’s compatriots, Stamp Fairtex and Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, defend their respective ONE World Titles in the main and co-man events.
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