Rodtang and Goncalves punish rivals in One GP
SINGAPORE: Fans were treated to sensational striking action during the One flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarter-finals at One 157: Petchmorakot vs Vienot at the weekend with two competitors in particular stealing the show.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Walter Goncalves had the most talked-about performances of the night at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
One flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang’s belt was not on the line during the tournament, but should he suffer defeat at any stage, the eventual Grand Prix winner will get the chance to challenge him for the gold at a later date.
“The Iron Man” fought England’s Jacob Smith in a one-sided battle that saw the Thai superstar inflict intense damage on his opponent.
Rodtang used his fancy footwork to dart around the debutant while punishing him with a barrage of punches, kicks, and elbows.
To his credit, Smith refused to yield, and the fight went all the way to the final bell. But it was the Thai who took home the win in unanimous fashion. He now faces Savvas Michael in the semi-final round.
Brazil’s Goncalves had a straightforward night of work in his quarter-final bout, knocking out Josue Cruz in just 35 seconds.
Goncalves was originally scheduled to face Jonathan Haggerty, but the British star had to bow out the day before due to medical concerns. Cruz, the promotion’s first-ever Mexican Muay Thai
fighter, stepped in to take his place.
The last-minute opponent change didn’t prove to be a problem for Goncalves, who landed several punches to Cruz’s head and body before dropping him with multiple knees.
“Tuzo” was unable to continue the bout after that onslaught, and Goncalves took the win and a spot in the semi-finals, where he will take on Thailand’s Superlek Kiatmoo9.
The other bouts of the evening were also dramatic and exciting. Michael picked apart Amir Naseri in the opening match-up of the tournament, controlling the circle and making it difficult for his opponent to land significant shots.
Michael took the unanimous decision win and secured his place in the next round.
Superlek exhibited his moniker as “The Kicking Machine” in his quarterfinal bout against Japan’s Taiki Naito.
The Thai star caused significant damage to his foe’s legs, then worked his upper body to make the judges’ decision easy and punch his ticket to the semi-finals.