Janet Todd Wins 2021 Female ONE Super Series Striker Of The Year
After claiming the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title in 2020, Janet “JT” Todd turned her attention to Muay Thai this year – and scooped up two dominant victories.
Those wins have given the American superstar a stellar six-fight winning streak across the two striking sports, and as a result, she’s been named the 2021 Female ONE Super Series Striker of the Year.
Todd, who is now the #1 atomweight Muay Thai contender, started 2021 in top form against #4 contender and former World Title challenger Alma Juniku.
The women met at ONE: FISTS OF FURY III on 19 March in Singapore, and the three-round thriller dazzled everyone watching. From the outset, Todd stunned Juniku with jabs and right punches that she continued to utilize deep into the second round.
Juniku mustered up some offense in the final frame, but the American bit down on her mouthpiece and reasserted control on the fight. Determined to convert her dominance into a win, Todd hammered the Australian with a series of straight rights to seal the unanimous decision.
One month later, “JT” stepped into the Circle again to face #3-ranked atomweight Muay Thai contender Anne “Ninja Line” Hogstad at “ONE on TNT II,” which aired on U.S. prime-time television.
From the opening bell, Todd controlled the fight with her boxing combinations and a variety of kicks. Hogstad, on the other hand, had trouble finding a way through the American’s busy offense. Even when she landed clean, it did little to unsettle “JT,” who showcased her World Champion spirit throughout.
Things only got better for Todd – and worse for Hogstad – as the former continued to light up “Ninja Line” in a mostly one-sided striking clinic.
And in the final round, Todd threw a left body kick that found its mark, landing square on her opponent’s liver and sending a ripple of pain through her body. The Norwegian couldn’t make the referee’s eight-count, and Todd earned her second ONE Super Series Muay Thai win of 2021.
The pair of dominant victories most likely put Todd next in line for a shot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Title currently held by Brazilian Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.
The two World Champion strikers could very well meet in 2022, with “JT” aiming to become a historic two-sport queen.
But now that kickboxing great Anissa “C18” Meksen has joined ONE Super Series and crashed the rankings, Todd could also find herself defending the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title against the French star.
Whether the American makes a run at Muay Thai gold or battles a dangerous kickboxing challenger next, it’s going to be a challenging and exciting year ahead for one of the world’s most technical female strikers.
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